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

Article 37 Competence to refuse entry

Artigo 37.º · Competência para recusar a 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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The Commander-General of the GNR or the National Director of the PSP, within their respective remits, shall have competence to refuse entry into national territory, with the power to delegate.

A recusa da entrada em território nacional é da competência do comandante-geral da GNR ou do diretor nacional da PSP, no âmbito das respetivas atribuições, com faculdade de delegação.

What we checked in this article

Check the competent authorities (GNR Commander-General or PSP National Director) and the power to delegate.

Moving to Portugal, or bringing a team or family? Article 37 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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