The Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) and Cascais Council have signed a protocol for the collection of biometric data and the renewal of documentation of British citizens following Brexit.

SEF states that this collaboration is intended for British citizens who benefit from the Withdrawal Agreement concluded between the European Union and the United Kingdom, which establishes the terms of the orderly departure from that country.

The protocol aims to collect biometric data and renew the documentation of British citizens and their relatives who are covered by the agreement, says SEF, adding that around 30,000 people have already registered on the Brexit Portal.

Following the protocol, the Municipality of Cascais will provide the facilities and human resources necessary for the service and collection of biometric data.

It is up to SEF to train council staff and provide the necessary IT support and structures for the process.

Covered British citizens will be notified by SEF to appear at the council's premises for service.

“The certificate with the QR code, which can be downloaded from the Portal, remains an official document of residence in Portugal under the Withdrawal Agreement and is valid until the new card is issued, as well as the current residence documents of the Union. European Union also continue to be accepted for travel purposes, as long as it is within the validity period, until the new residence card is issued”, clarifies SEF.