As foreseen by the Portuguese law, one can only apply for a D7 temporary residence permit, in their country of origin; they must not be convicted of a crime which in Portugal’s legal framework would have a one year minimum imprisonment sentence. If this criteria is not met, the application for a temporary residence permit will most likely be refused by the Portuguese authorities. However, as your conviction is already time-barred/vacated for 21 years, it should not prevent you from applying. Nevertheless, we would advise you to check this information with your local authorities, consulate or embassy, and request for the removal of the criminal information from your record due to the time passed since the crime’s sentence was issued. As such, if your criminal record has no registered convictions inscribed in it, it is likely that your application for a temporary residence permit in Portugal shouldn’t face any issues related to this matter.
