termo de responsabilidade
Published 8 November 2026, 22:44
termo de responsabilidade (host's statement of responsibility)
A written undertaking by a person who invites a guest from abroad. It can be signed by a Portuguese citizen or a foreigner legally resident in Portugal. The signatory promises two things: to provide the guest with accommodation and support during the stay, and to reimburse the state for the cost of removing the guest if they overstay illegally. With this document, the guest is not asked at the border to show funds for the trip — €75 per entry and €40 per day. The form is approved by AIMA, which also keeps a register of these statements.
Where you come across it. Inviting parents or friends to visit, applying for a short-stay visa, passport control at the airport.
This is not a formality: Article 12(4) of the foreigners law expressly calls this document an enforceable instrument — money can be recovered from the signatory on the strength of it. And the signatory must prove that they have the means.
Official website: data.dre.pt/eli/port/1563/2007/12/11/p/dre