The Portuguese government locked down early compared to many countries, and as a result, the death toll in the country remained relatively low. Some 2050 people have died, but new cases have risen sharply in the last month and the number of daily deaths is inching upwards too. Some areas of Europe are heading back to very strict lockdown measures, and it is possible parts of Portugal could follow, though it seems likely this will be done on a local basis rather than national.

Check with your airline regarding the entry situation for Portugal, as the rules for different locations can change frequently and at very short notice.

Status of Government Services

The good news is that at present, most services are running.

Many government services have moved online and most tasks still requiring government and public office visits are now arranged by appointment, so as to avoid the issue of large numbers of people waiting in close proximity. So I can normally still accomplish most tasks.

Immigration continues, but some clients have found the process more difficult, because they may not be able to visit Portugal in order to arrange longer term accommodation required for D2 or D7 (investor or retirement) visas, for example. In such cases, it may be possible that I can arrange leases on the client's behalf in order to meet the preliminary steps to obtain the entry permit. But this depends very much on the local consulate processing, so you may need to consult with them in your country of residency to determine if they will accept this.

 

Covid Rules and Etiquette in Portugal

For those coming from countries where measures to protect the public are largely optional, it is important to understand the rules in Portugal regarding Covid-19.

Masks must be worn indoors in all public spaces - this includes airports, public transport, government and public buildings, shopping centres, shops and restaurants. Patrons in restaurants may remove them once seated in order to eat. If you do not wear a mask, or remove your mask once inside an establishment, you will be asked to leave. Companies have a legal obligation to enforce this law. You will find in Portugal that the public strongly supports these rules, and there are hardly any cases of people willfully ignoring them. There is a political consensus on such measures.

Many shops operate with limited capacity. At pharmacies, you will often be expected to remain at the door until gestured to enter. If the location has two entrances, you may be expected to enter one, and leave via the other. There will often be markings in shops on the floor to indicate social distancing, especially at checkouts. In supermarkets, the conveyor belt will often be sanitized between each customer, so please wait until placing your items on until the staff member indicates to you to do this.

Masks are also increasingly used and expected in busy outdoor areas too, such as outside school gates while dropping off and picking up children, or while waiting in line for public transport or to enter a building.