Following the entry into force of Decree-Law 145/2024, as of January 11, 2025, it will be mandatory to collect the fingerprints of applicants for both Schengen visas (type C) and national entry visas (type D). Applicants will therefore be required to appear in person when submitting their visa application. The biometric data will be stored for 59 months, so applicants will not need to provide fingerprints again for any subsequent visa applications, and it will not be necessary to apply in person for future visa requests.
Exemptions from the obligation to provide fingerprints are granted to a limited number of applicants: children under the age of 12 and individuals for whom fingerprint collection is physically impossible. Heads of State, government members, and accompanying delegation members, as well as spouses, are also exempted when attending official visits.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.