Following the tragic events of the war in Ukraine, the Portuguese Government has decided to set up several measures to protect and welcome all refugee citizens who wish to come to Portugal.

Portuguese Measures for the Protection of Refugees from the Ukraine War.

Who is welcome in Portugal?

• all Ukrainian citizens who are forced to leave Ukraine
• all their relatives, spouses and co-habiting couples
• their pets

Who is not welcome in Portugal?

Persons who represent a risk to internal security, have committed crimes against humanity or serious crimes are not accepted.

Are passports and entrance visas required?

No. Considering the urgency of the situation, neither a Schengen entry visa nor a valid passport is required. The identity of the citizen will be made by any document or any other means of identification.

For pets it is not mandatory to provide a valid vaccination card.

Do minors not being travelled with their parents need to have a signed travel authorisation?

No. Given the humanitarian emergency, minors may enter Portugal without the requirement of a signed travel authorisation from their parents.

What is provided immediately and free of charge by the Portuguese Government?

• Ukrainian/Portuguese translation and interpretation services provided by the Ukrainian community living in Portugal
• accommodation and food
• clothing, footwear and other essential personal items
• medical and health care
• nursery, pre-school and school education for all children and young people
• access to online platform for job offers in Portugal (https://www.iefp.pt/portugal-for-ukraine)
• Portuguese language courses for foreigners
• social security number, tax identification number and national health system number

Can Ukrainian war refugees work in Portugal immediately?

Yes, there is no restriction or limitation on their right to work. For certain more technical and specialized jobs, the citizen must have the technical and professional capacity for the job he/she is applying for.

How long will refugees from the war in Ukraine be allowed to stay in Portugal?

Initially, the Portuguese government sets a period of one year, renewable for two periods of six months each. If the war situation lasts much longer, the Portuguese government will extend this period.

After this deadline, are the refugees from the war in Ukraine forced to leave Portugal?

No. If the refugee citizen in Portugal is well integrated in the Portuguese society, working and paying taxes in Portugal, he/she can remain permanently in Portugal, regardless of the situation of war or peace in Ukraine.