Temporary Protection for Ukrainians in Portugal: Realities of 2025 and What to Expect Next

2025 has become an important stage for Ukrainians living in Portugal under temporary protection. According to the AIDA database, by the end of 2023 around 54,432 people held this status in the country, approximately 46,800 of them Ukrainian citizens. The flow of applications has not decreased since then—in fact, it remains consistently high.

The migration agency AIMA, which replaced SEF, is working under heavy load, which lengthens the processing time for new and repeated applications. At the same time, Portugal continues to support Ukrainians: the temporary protection regime has been extended until 4 March 2027, and the rights granted by this status remain valid without the risk of mass refusals or deportations.

A New Reality: Protection Continues, but Waiting Times Are Longer

Temporary protection allows Ukrainians to legalize their stay in the country, work, pay taxes, use the SNS healthcare system, apply for social assistance, and freely enroll children in kindergartens and schools. Essentially, it is almost a full residence permit, but issued much faster and without visa procedures.

However, since mid-2025 the situation has changed: the average waiting time for issuance of the certificate has increased significantly. If earlier the document arrived within a few days, many applicants now wait weeks or even longer.
Several factors influence this:

• an increase in the number of applications (especially renewals),
• technical and staffing constraints at AIMA,
• a need for closer checks to prevent duplicate statuses within the EU.

Despite delays, it’s important to remember: registration with AIMA already provides key rights even if the paper certificate has not yet been issued.

How to Apply for Temporary Protection Today

The application process remains familiar: Ukrainians can register online via the SEFforUkraine portal or in person at the nearest AIMA office.

After registration, the applicant receives three main numbers: NIF (tax), NISS (social security), and SNS (health). With them you can officially work, access healthcare, social services and other benefits even if you don’t yet have the physical temporary protection certificate.

It is very important to provide a current residential address immediately. Any real option works—a room with friends, temporary housing, or a rented apartment. This affects correct registration and further contact with AIMA.

A separate condition applies to those who previously had temporary protection in another EU country. Portugal requests documentary proof that the previous status has been closed. Since 2025, AIMA increasingly requires official translations of such documents and an apostille to confirm their validity.

Changes to the Nationality Law: What It Means for Ukrainians

In summer 2025, the Portuguese parliament adopted a major reform of the nationality law. The main change concerns length of residence—now you need 10 years of legal stay to apply for citizenship, instead of the previous five.

A preferential seven-year term remains for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP), but it does not apply to Ukrainians.

There are also new requirements for children born in Portugal: one parent must have legally resided in the country for at least three years. Previously there were no such conditions—the parents’ legal status was enough.

Importantly, under the updates the period of temporary protection counts toward total residence time if you officially worked and paid taxes and contributions. This means Ukrainians who are employed and making social payments can use this time to prepare for a future citizenship application.

Assistance and Support: What Remains Available for Ukrainians

Portugal continues to maintain core support programs for Ukrainians under temporary protection.

What the program provides

• Healthcare in the SNS system—full access on par with citizens.
• Public kindergartens and schools—no tuition fees.
• Portuguese language courses—through IEFP centers and municipal programs.
• Employment support—consultations, job search, and vocational training.

Financial support

RSI (Rendimento Social de Inserção):

• main beneficiary — €242.23 per month;
• other adults in the household — €169.56;
• minors — €121.12.

Payments are tied to the IAS index, which in 2025 is €522.50. There are around 174,270 RSI recipients nationwide in 2025. Asset cap: household assets must not exceed €31,350.

If you want to understand what support you can rely on after arrival, contact the Solid Sorte consultants. They will advise for your situation and help you navigate the rules.

How Much You Need to Live in Portugal (for those just planning to move)

Relocating to Portugal remains a realistic option for many Ukrainians, but it’s important to understand baseline expenses to avoid financial strain at first.

Approximate cost of living:

• Rent — from €800 to €1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve. Prices are lower in central and northern regions, but demand is also high.
• Food — about €350–€450 per month for one adult.
  Utilities — often €150–€200 in winter.

For a comfortable start, it’s advisable to have a financial cushion of at least €3,000–€4,000 to cover housing, food, transport and basic expenses until things stabilize.

Jobs in Demand: Opportunities for Ukrainians

Portugal still faces a significant labor shortage, creating good conditions for Ukrainians seeking official employment. In 2025, the construction sector alone needs about 80,000 workers—from laborers to engineers and foremen.

Beyond construction, there is strong demand for healthcare workers (especially nurses and care assistants), transport and logistics staff, technical trades (electricians, mechanics, fitters), teachers and IT specialists.

Income levels depend on qualifications. As of July 2025, the minimum wage is €870, the average around €1,300, and qualified professionals earn from €2,500 to €4,000.

Ukrainians who work officially not only earn stable income but also accumulate crucial legal residence time that will be needed to transition from temporary protection to a residence permit and later for citizenship.

Outlook to 2027: What Ukrainians Should Expect

Extending temporary protection gives Ukrainians time to plan. It’s a chance to build long-term steps without rush—finding employment, learning the language, validating qualifications, adapting, and choosing the optimal path to another residence category.

Portugal and the EU are gradually moving away from emergency measures and focusing on integration: self-employment, stable work, and participation in local programs. The more actively a person engages in the country’s life, the easier the transition to a residence permit will be.

Ukrainians should define their route in advance: residence via work, study, entrepreneurship, research, or family reunification. Participation in IEFP programs, filing tax returns, and steady employment all make the process much simpler.

Temporary protection remains the foundation for building a stable future in Portugal. For many families, it’s a chance for long-term integration—provided they invest in professional development and clear planning of next steps.

Checklist for those planning to move to Portugal

1. Registration and documents

• Apply for temporary protection via SEFforUkraine or at an AIMA office
• Provide your current address, even if it’s temporary housing
• Secure key numbers: NIF (tax), NISS (social security), SNS (health)
• If you previously had temporary protection in another EU country, prepare documents confirming closure of that status (apostille and Portuguese translation)

2. Healthcare and social support

• Register with SNS for healthcare access
• Arrange schooling for children in public schools and kindergartens
• Look into Portuguese language courses via IEFP or municipal programs
• Check eligibility for RSI financial assistance

3. Finances and preparation

• Estimated startup costs:
• Rent €800–€1,000 in major cities
• Food €350–€450 per adult
• Utilities €150–€200
• Recommended financial cushion €3,000–€4,000 for the first months

4. Work and integration

• Review current vacancies: construction, healthcare, transport, logistics, IT
• Seek official employment for legal income and residence-time accumulation
• Take courses and consult IEFP if needed
• Register and pursue self-employment/business activity

5. Transition to residence permit and citizenship

• Use the temporary protection period to build legal residence time
• Monitor changes in the citizenship law for Ukrainians: minimum 10 years’ residence
• Plan next steps: residence via work, study, business, or family reunification

6. Practical tips

• Keep documents organized and make copies
• Watch for AIMA letters and portal updates
• Learn the language and culture—it speeds up integration