Chapter II · Entry into and exit from national territory · Section VII · Refusal of entry and stay · Subsection I · General provisions

Article 36 Limits on refusal of entry

Artigo 36.º · Limites à recusa de entrada

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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Except in the cases referred to in points (a), (c) and (d) of Article 33(1) and in Article 33(3), entry may not be refused to foreign nationals who:

Com exceção dos casos a que se referem as alíneas a), c) e d) do n.º 1 e o n.º 3 do artigo 33.º, não pode ser recusada a entrada a cidadãos estrangeiros que:

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a) Were born in Portuguese territory and habitually reside in Portugal;

a) Tenham nascido em território português e aqui residam habitualmente;

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b) Have in their care minor children of Portuguese nationality, or of foreign nationality who are lawfully resident in Portugal, over whom they actually exercise parental responsibilities and whose maintenance and education they provide.

b) Tenham a seu cargo filhos menores de nacionalidade portuguesa ou estrangeira, neste caso com residência legal em Portugal, sobre os quais exerçam efetivamente as responsabilidades parentais e a quem assegurem o sustento e a educação.

What we checked in this article

Check the exceptions (Article 33(1)(a), (c) and (d) and Article 33(3)) and the cumulative conditions in point (b), including lawful residence of foreign children.

Moving to Portugal, or bringing a team or family? Article 36 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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