AIMA now requires notarized signatures on the liability waiver, also commonly known as an invitation letter
As of November 4, AIMA requires notarized signatures on the liability waiver. This notarization must be completed by the signatory at a notary office, through a notary public, lawyer, or solicitor.
In fact, this announcement isn’t new, as we at the Vamu Ver! DOCS channel have been highlighting the need for a notarized signature since 2018, as outlined in the Foreigners’ Law article. What stands out now is that AIMA, the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, will no longer accept the document unless it is signed by the host.
Therefore, if you plan to apply for a residence visa, a study visa, or even visit Portugal as a tourist and have a host who can provide you with an invitation letter or liability waiver, ask them to go to a notary and arrange for their signature to be notarized before sending the document to you.
With this measure, the citizen signing the document fully assumes responsibility for the immigrant’s actions while they are in Portugal, including potential repatriation or deportation expenses, if applicable. This responsibility covers legal costs, payment for the guest’s airfare, and any other related expenses.
The term of responsibility / statement of responsibility is a document that “eases” the process for those applying for a visa to live in Portugal or for tourists, as it exempts the holder of the invitation letter from proving financial means during their stay in Portugal. Additionally, this document serves as proof of accommodation, since the guest will be staying at the residence of their host.
We created a detailed video about the liability waiver—what it is, how to obtain the form, step-by-step instructions for correctly filling it out, and other important information for those coming to Portugal. The video is available on the Vamu Ver! DOCS channel on YouTube.
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