No More "Manifestação de Interesse"

The old route of entering Portugal as a tourist and applying for residency (Manifestação de Interesse) was abolished in June 2024. In 2026, you strictly cannot legalize your status from within the country without a valid visa.

If you arrive without a D-type visa (D7, D8, D2), you must return to your country of origin to apply. Do not listen to outdated advice suggesting you can "lock" your entry and wait; this path is legally closed.