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

Article 40-M Stay during screening

Artigo 40.º-M · Permanência durante a triagem

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. Third-country nationals subject to screening remain at the disposal of the competent authorities, at an appropriate location, for the entire period necessary to carry it out, and are guaranteed accommodation, access to healthcare and legal assistance.

1 - Os nacionais de países terceiros sujeitos a triagem permanecem à disposição das autoridades competentes durante todo o período necessário à sua realização, em local apropriado, sendo-lhes garantidas as condições de alojamento, acesso à saúde e apoio jurídico.

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2. The screening procedure does not constitute authorised entry into national territory for any legal purpose, nor does it give rise to a right of stay.

2 - O procedimento de triagem não configura entrada autorizada em território nacional para quaisquer efeitos legais, nem constitui direito de permanência.

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3. The obligation to remain in a screening centre ends as soon as screening is completed or the time limit laid down by law has elapsed, save in duly substantiated exceptional cases subject to judicial review, and the decision must be notified to the person concerned.

3 - A obrigatoriedade da permanência em centro de triagem cessa logo que esta esteja concluída ou decorrido o prazo legalmente fixado, salvo em casos excecionais devidamente fundamentados e sujeitos a controlo jurisdicional, devendo a decisão ser notificada ao interessado.

What we checked in this article

Check the guarantees in paragraph 1, the statement that screening is not authorised entry or a right of stay, and the end of the obligation to remain, with the exception subject to judicial review.

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