Portugal: Clarification on Schengen Area Travel Eligibility for Residence Permit Holders for Nationals of CPLP Countries

The High Commission for Migration in Portugal has clarified that individuals holding the recently introduced residence permit for nationals of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) are not entitled to free movement throughout the Schengen Area and can only use the residence permit to move throughout CPLP countries. Therefore, holders of the permit seeking to travel throughout the Schengen Area will have to apply for a visa, if required, based on their nationality. The permit, although only recently introduced, has proven to be extremely popular with an influx of applications, particularly from Brazilian nationals.