We’re adding some variety to our news section with stories from the world of film and TV — especially when they’re connected to Portugal.
On HBO, a new season of the documentary series 100 Foot Wave has been released, dedicated to the giant waves in Nazaré and the people who dare to ride them. Three new episodes are currently available, with the rest coming out by the end of May.
What is Nazaré?
Nazaré is a small coastal town in central Portugal that has become world-famous for its massive waves. Surfers from all over the world come here to ride waves reaching 30 meters and more. It’s one of the top locations in the world for extreme surfing.
What is the series about?
The story revolves around legendary surfer Garrett McNamara, one of the first to take on these waves. His journey — along with that of his team — unfolds against the backdrop of natural power and the unique atmosphere of the coastal town.
The series will appeal not only to surfers — it’s a story of courage, resilience, and dedication. And if you ever visit Nazaré, watching the waves will be even more fascinating when you know the story behind them.
On May 18, 2025, early parliamentary elections were held in Portugal. Their outcome may influence the country’s political direction, including its approach to immigration.
Seat Distribution
AD (center-right) — 86
PS (socialists) — 58
Chega (far-right) — 58
IL (liberals) — 9
Livre — 6
BE and PCP — 4 in total
The center-right coalition AD has strengthened its position. Chega became the third-largest party in Parliament and received majority support in several southern districts.
Potential Impact on Immigration Policy
Immigration was one of the central topics during the election campaign. The parties that gained the most seats have previously supported stricter policies:
voted against liberalizing legalization procedures;
proposed abolishing the “expression of interest” mechanism (Articles 88 and 89);
supported increasing the minimum naturalization period from 5 to 10 years;
advocated for stricter review of residency applications, especially in cases of suspected document fraud;
called for immigration quotas and stronger enforcement of employer responsibilities.
What Happens Next
The president will begin consultations and appoint a party to form the new government. Until this process is complete, significant legal changes are unlikely. However, the general direction is already becoming clear: increased control, review of current legalization mechanisms, and potentially tougher conditions.
Recommendations for Applicants
If you are already in the process of applying or are planning to submit an application, it’s important to act without delay:
Check your current status and ensure there are no risks of expiry or rejection.
Prepare your documents in advance.
Seek professional advice, especially if your case involves employment, freelancing, family reunification, or the CPLP program.
Conclusion
Portugal’s immigration policy may become more restrictive in the coming months. As long as the current rules remain in place, there is still an opportunity to benefit from them. It is advisable to monitor news closely and not delay your next steps
The European Health Insurance Card (CESD) allows citizens of EU and EEA countries to receive medical care in other EU countries under the same conditions as residents. It is especially useful for tourists or people temporarily living abroad, as it covers emergency medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospitalization, or medication. However, this card does not replace full health insurance, and some services may require payment.
Go to: Doença > Obter Cartão Europeu de Seguro de Doença
Submit your request
The card will be mailed to you within 1–2 weeks.
If the online application doesn’t work, you can request the card in person at a local Segurança Social office.
Validity
The card is valid for 3 years, and can be renewed after expiration.
Where is the CESD valid?
It is accepted in:
All EU countries
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
Important to know
CESD only covers urgent or emergency medical care. Coverage conditions may vary by country, so it’s recommended to check details before traveling and consider additional travel insurance. Still, this card is a very helpful tool when traveling in Europe.
The Public Security Police (PSP) in Portugal has launched a new phase of the “Estou Aqui! Crianças” program, which helps ensure the safety of children during their stay in Portugal. Parents can receive a free identification bracelet that helps quickly reunite lost children with their families.
Who is the program for?
The “Estou Aqui! Crianças” program is available for:
Children aged 2 to 15
Those who live in Portugal or are visiting temporarily — including tourists
How does the bracelet work?
The bracelet contains no personal information — only a unique code and the phrase “Call 112”
If a child gets lost, any adult can call 112 and provide the code
The police then contact the parents and quickly reunite them with the child
Since 2012, more than 623,000 bracelets have been distributed nationwide, helping to find 58 missing children.
In 2024 alone, PSP issued more than 67,000 bracelets, and over 17,000 have already been distributed in 2025. Especially during tourist season — at beaches, parks, or crowded events — this bracelet can be a reliable safety measure for your child.
Tip: Get the bracelet in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel in Portugal with children. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in an emergency.
AIMA (Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) has launched an online form for CPLP citizens to request a residence permit (Autorização de Residência). Now it’s easier to submit your request through a dedicated form on the website:
Hold a consular visa (visto consular) for residence or job-seeking purposes in Portugal
Have not received a specific appointment date from AIMA (the date may appear in the “Observações” field)
How to fill out the form?
To complete the form correctly, you must:
Enter your visa number and passport number
Upload a scan or photo of your passport and visa in the designated field
What is CPLP?
CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) is an international organization for cultural, economic, and political cooperation among Portuguese-speaking nations.
As of 2025, the following countries are members of CPLP:
Portugal
Brazil
Angola
Mozambique
Cape Verde
Guinea-Bissau
São Tomé and Príncipe
East Timor
Equatorial Guinea
📌 Citizens of these countries can benefit from a simplified process for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal.
If you didn’t manage to collect your residence card (Residência) by mail and it was sent back to AIMA via CTT, new collection rules now apply. It’s important to be aware of these changes to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Official statement from AIMA:
“Residence Cards, returned by post (CTT), will only be delivered to applicants assisted by the Mission Structure, 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙡 and upon presentation of the card at the service centre indicated therein.”
You can only collect your card after receiving an email invitation from AIMA
The invitation will state where you need to go
You will not receive your card without this email
Who is affected?
As stated in the announcement, this most likely applies only to applicants whose cases were handled by Estrutura de Missão (Mission Structure), including:
Applicants under Article 88.2 (employment, work contract)
Applicants under Article 89.2 (self-employment)
How long does it take to receive the invitation?
There is no defined timeline for when emails are sent. It’s important to check your inbox regularly, including the spam/junk folder.
The Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) has started sending notifications to foreign nationals who have been refused legal residency in Portugal. Approximately 18,000 cases have already been declined, resulting in rejections for residency permits.
The first batch of notifications, including 4,574 rejections, began being sent out on May 6, 2025. The remaining notifications will be sent over the following weeks.
Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, clarified that these decisions concern applicants whose processes have already been reviewed and rejected. Specifically, this applies to situations where:
people already have orders to leave Europe or measures taken by other European countries,
the individual has an entry ban in the Schengen area,
there are criminal offenses in the individual’s records, making them ineligible for residency permits under Portuguese law.
What Happens After Receiving the Notification?
Upon receiving the official notification, foreign nationals have up to 20 days to leave Portugal voluntarily. Otherwise, a coercive removal process may be initiated.
The Minister also noted that the government currently faces challenges in carrying out these processes but is already coordinating efforts with the police and other authorities.
If you have received such a notification from AIMA, we strongly recommend consulting with a lawyer immediately to understand your rights, possible actions, and risks.
Citizens of the European Union and their family members who have been living legally in Portugal for more than five years are now eligible to submit an online application for the Permanent Residence Card (Cartão de Residência Permanente). This option became available recently — the appointment form was published on the website of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) at the end of April 2025.
How to apply?
To submit the application, you must fill out the online form available on the official AIMA website via the following link: 👉 contactenos.aima.gov.pt/contact-form
After submitting the form, you will receive information about your appointment via email.
What information needs to be provided in the form?
To complete the form correctly, you must:
Provide your passport number;
Provide your current residence card or permit number;
Upload a copy of your passport or ID card;
Upload a copy of the EU Citizen Registration Certificate, or, if applicable, a copy of the existing Permanent Residence Card.
Where to find official information?
The official announcement regarding the launch of the appointment form is available on the AIMA website: 🔗 Official AIMA announcement
From April 22 to May 31, 2025, registration for preschools and the first year of primary education is open in Portugal. Parents and guardians can submit applications online or in person — it is important not to miss the deadlines, especially if the child is entering the first grade in the new school year.
Who Needs to Register?
Mandatory registration is for children who turn 6 years old before September 15, 2025.
Conditional registration is possible for children who turn 6 years old after this date, if there are available spots in schools.
Preschool education (kindergarten) is not mandatory but is strongly recommended for children aged 3 and older.
How to Apply?
Parents can choose one of two application methods:
In person — at educational institutions in the area of residence
When Will the Results Be Available?
The results of the placement will be published on July 1, 2025.
Registration Dates for Other Education Levels
Grade
Registration Dates
6th – 9th and 11th grades
June 16 – 27, 2025
2nd – 5th grades
July 1 – 11, 2025
10th and 12th grades
July 15 – 22, 2025
When is New Registration Required?
New registration is mandatory if:
The child is entering the education system for the first time (e.g., preschool or 1st grade)
The child is transferring to another school
There has been a change in legal guardianship
The child is moving to the next education level (e.g., 5th, 7th, 10th, or 12th grade)
The course or chosen subjects change
In other cases, registration is automatically renewed.
Required Documents and Information
Before submitting the application, prepare the following documents and information:
Child’s Information:
A color passport-sized photograph, with a plain background (only the face)
Identification document
Tax identification number (NIF), if assigned
SNS number (National Health Service)
Health insurance or subsystem details, if applicable
Social Security number (NISS), if receiving social assistance
Guardian’s Information:
Identification document
Tax identification number (NIF)
Address
Contact phone number and email
Date of birth and education level
You can find a complete list of requirements, documents, and answers to frequently asked questions on the official website: DGEstE – FAQ about registration
What’s New in 2025?
The government has allocated an additional 5,000 places in private and cooperative schools to meet the increased demand — particularly in areas such as Lisbon, Sintra, and Seixal. Priority in the allocation of places will be given to families in need.
Unsure About Choosing a School and Registering Your Child?
If you need help with document preparation, clarification of requirements, or assistance with the registration process, the Move to Cascais team is here to help. We assist families in adapting to Portugal’s education system and selecting the best private schools.
If you are planning to work, study, or apply for immigration in one of the EU countries, sooner or later you will encounter the requirement to provide a resume. More and more employers, universities, and immigration services in Europe are requesting a Europass CV. Let’s take a closer look at what this document is, how to create it, and why it is useful.
What is Europass CV?
Europass CV is a structured resume template developed by the European Union. It helps to consistently present professional experience, education, and skills. The goal is to simplify the evaluation of candidates for employers and educational institutions across EU countries.
You can create your resume online on the official platform: europa.eu/europass. The interface is available in 31 European languages. Once created, the resume can be downloaded, saved in your Europass library, shared with employers, through EURES or other job platforms, saved as drafts, and updated at any time.
How to Create a Resume on the Europass Platform
Create your Europass profile. Start by filling out your Europass profile with information about your education, training, work experience, and skills.
Fill out the profile. After the profile is complete, you can add and edit information at any time.
Create your resume. Once the profile is ready, you can create an unlimited number of resumes with just a few clicks. Select the information you want to include, choose a design you like, and Europass will do the rest.
Europass will handle the rest. The platform will automatically generate your resume in the selected format and design.
Additional Features of Europass
Europass is a platform provided by the European Union to assist people in planning their careers and education in Europe. On the Europass platform, you can not only create a resume but also compose a cover letter — a brief text explaining why you are interested in a particular job or study program.
Additionally, the website offers:
Tools for assessing language and digital skills,
The ability to store documents and certificates in a digital profile,
Tips for employment and education,
Information on opportunities in various EU countries.
You can explore all the features of the platform on the official website: europa.eu/europass