Chapter II · Entry into and exit from national territory · Section VII · Refusal of entry and stay · Subsection IV · Screening

Article 40-J Screening of minors

Artigo 40.º-J · Triagem de menores

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. In the screening procedure, a minor is accompanied by an adult family member, if one is present.

1 - No procedimento de triagem o menor é acompanhado por um membro adulto da família, caso esteja presente.

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2. During the screening procedure for minors, the competent authorities must at all times act with due regard to the best interests of the child.

2 - Durante o procedimento de triagem de menores, as autoridades competentes devem atuar tendo sempre em consideração o superior interesse da criança.

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3. Unaccompanied minors must be assigned, as soon as possible, a representative or a person with the necessary skills and expertise regarding the treatment and specific needs of the minor.

3 - Aos menores não acompanhados deve ser atribuído, o mais rapidamente possível, um representante ou pessoa com as competências e conhecimentos especializados necessários no que respeita ao tratamento e necessidades específicas do menor.

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4. The person designated for unaccompanied minors must be independent and may not assume responsibilities relating to any element of the screening procedure or take orders from those responsible for the screening or from the competent authorities.

4 - O responsável designado para menores não acompanhados deve ser independente, estando impedido de assumir responsabilidades relacionadas com qualquer elemento do procedimento de triagem ou de responder a ordens dos responsáveis pela triagem ou das autoridades competentes.

What we checked in this article

Check the rules on accompaniment by an adult family member, the best interests of the child, the prompt appointment of a representative and the independence requirement in paragraph 4.

Moving to Portugal, or bringing a team or family? Article 40-J 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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