What is the residence permit for foreign football players in Portugal?

Foreign football players in Portugal typically require a residence permit to legally live and play professional football in the country. The residence permit is usually associated with their employment contract with a Portuguese football club. This process is typically managed by the club and the relevant football authorities, and it includes several steps:

Contract with a Portuguese Club: The player must have a valid employment contract with a professional football club in Portugal. This contract is the foundation for the residence permit application.

Registration with the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF): The player needs to be registered with the FPF by the club they will be playing for. The FPF provides confirmation letters that are essential for the residence permit application.

Health Examination: The player often needs to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit to play professional football. The club usually arranges this examination.

Submission of Required Documents: The player, with the assistance of the club, submits the necessary documents to the immigration authorities in Portugal. These documents typically include the employment contract, confirmation letters from the FPF, proof of health insurance, proof of financial means, and personal identification documents.

Application Processing: The immigration authorities, specifically the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), review the application and documents. If everything is in order, they issue a temporary residence permit allowing the player to live and work in Portugal as a professional football player.

Renewal: Residence permits for football players are often valid for a specific duration, such as the duration of their contract with the club. Players and clubs need to renew the permit if they extend the contract or continue to play in Portugal.

It’s essential to note that the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a residence permit for foreign football players in Portugal can change over time, and they can vary based on individual circumstances and nationality. Therefore, it’s advisable for players and clubs to work closely with legal experts and the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with current regulations and a smooth application process.

Adriano Martins Pinheiro, lawyer in Portugal

tags: football, portugal, portuguese club, federation, sef, visa, contract .