Chapter X · Administrative offences

Article 198-C Inspections

Artigo 198.º-C · Inspeções

Lei n.º 23/2007, de 4 de julho (Lei de Estrangeiros) · consolidated text, as amended by Law No. 62/2026, checked 26 October 2026

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1. The security forces have competence, within their respective remits, to carry out regular inspections to monitor the use of the activity of third-country nationals who are in an irregular situation in national territory within the meaning of Article 181(2).

1 - As forças de segurança são competentes, no âmbito das respetivas atribuições, para realizar inspeções regulares a fim de controlar a utilização da atividade de nacionais de países terceiros que se encontrem em situação irregular no território nacional, nos termos do n.º 2 do artigo 181.º

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2. The inspections referred to in the preceding paragraph shall be carried out taking into account the assessment made by the security forces or by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), by sector of activity, of the risk existing in national territory of the activity of third-country nationals in an irregular situation being used.

2 - As inspeções referidas no número anterior são efetuadas tendo em conta a avaliação efetuada pelas forças de segurança ou pela AIMA, I. P., do risco existente no território nacional de utilização da atividade de nacionais de países terceiros em situação irregular, por setor de atividade.

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3. By the end of May each year, the security forces shall send to the member of the Government responsible for internal administration, who shall communicate it to the European Commission by 1 July, the final report on the inspections carried out under the preceding paragraphs in respect of the previous year.

3 - As forças de segurança transmitem até ao final do mês de maio de cada ano ao membro do Governo responsável pela área da administração interna, que comunica à Comissão Europeia até ao dia 1 de julho, o relatório final das inspeções realizadas nos termos dos números anteriores e com referência ao ano antecedente.

What we checked in this article

Verify the cross-reference to Article 181(2), that risk assessment by sector is made by the security forces or AIMA, and the reporting dates (end of May to the minister; 1 July to the European Commission).

Moving to Portugal, or bringing a team or family? Article 198-C may decide what you can apply for.

We map the visa and residence route that fits your activity, prepare the company side (contracts, payroll, registrations) and coordinate with immigration lawyers for the application itself. A written answer and a fixed quote within one working day.

Unofficial English translation prepared by BCA Portugal for reference. Only the Portuguese text published in the Diário da República has legal force. Editorial notes are ours and are not part of the statute.

Applying the law

Visas and residence in Portugal, planned together with the company

The permit depends on what you will do here: employment, your own company, remote work for a foreign employer or investment. Tell us the plan, and we will set out which route the Act gives you and what the company needs to have in place.

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