Regardless of the legal status (Refugee or Immigrant) an undocumented person who does not have a valid legal basis to remain in Portugal will create an immigration risk. In this specific situation, one is not removed from having fundamental rights and protection from violence, exploitation and abuse. An immigrant or a refugee has its own rights and protection by law.
These information and contacts can be a beneficial guide to find immediate help, protect evidence and obtain a proper assessment before submitting anything to AIMA. It is relevant and important for one to have knowledge about their rights in order to be able to better navigate the migration process.
Call 112
For urgent homelessness or displacement and social crises such as domestic violence, at-risk youth, abandonment, call 144 (Social Emergency Helpline - Linha Nacional de Emergência Social).
Have a physical file with the copies of your passport, visas, expired permits, AIMA notices, rental records, work messages and proof of time in Portugal. Keeping track of this will work in your favor and it's an important step to be taken.
Never leave your original passport with an employer or agent!
Contact a CLAIM or qualified lawyer. You can check the previously mentioned website to check out the information about legal aid and needed requirements to apply for it.
A NIF, NISS, job contract, rent contract or years in Portugal do not, by themselves, give legal residence.
Do not delay emergency care. For any life-threatening and severe emergencies, call directly 122. And for non-emergency care, call SNS 24 or contact the local health centre. If refused, request the reason in writing and seek help from CLAIM or ERS.
Request school enrolment even if the family lacks residence documents. If a child is unsafe, call 112 or contact the local CPCJ - you can check their official website to see and learn more about youth protection.
Save schedules, messages and payment evidence, these kinds of evidence will support and help you to protect and prove your rights and position. Contact ACT, a union or lawyer in situations where you experience unpaid wages, threats or feel unsafe at work. Obtain immigration advice before making a complaint.
Call 112 in immediate danger. Contact APAV or CIG for support. Say clearly if someone controls your passport, wages, movement or forces you to work, have sex, beg or commit crimes.
Record when a letter or decision was received and obtain legal help immediately. Deadlines may be short. Do not sign a document you do not understand.
Important: no one can guarantee regularisation. The former expression-of-interest route was revoked for new cases in 2024.
Keep a short timeline of entry, visas, applications, work and family events.
Keep copies and reference numbers for every submission.
Ask for important advice and refusals in writing.
Mention children, illness, disability, violence, exploitation or fear of return immediately.
Be aware and try to get more information about your legal rights and protection.
SCAMS TO BE CAREFUL OF?
NEWS TO BE AWARE OF
Immigration procedures change. Check AIMA’s official information and obtain an individual assessment before applying or paying an intermediary. Last substantive review: 17 July 2026.
Find answers to common questions about this service.
Yes., Do not delay emergency care. For other care, contact SNS 24 or a health centre and ask what registration evidence is accepted. For further information regarding SNS and related requirements check the healthcare articles from our website.
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