Clarifications from FCT regarding the recognition of foreign academic degrees and proof of residence in Portugal for foreign citizens.

According to information provided by FCT, the recognition of foreign academic degrees under Decree‑Law No. 66/2018, of 16 August, is not mandatory, unless required by a specific funding entity (FCT does not require it for grants indirectly funded by the institution) or explicitly stated in the call notice for the research grant. Therefore, if the funding entity of the project in question does not require it, the selection panel may waive the need for recognition of foreign academic degrees, and this requirement does not need to be included in the call notice.

FCT has also clarified that foreign applicants (from third countries or otherwise) whose grant is carried out entirely in Portugal—such as grants indirectly funded by FCT within the scope of R&D projects, units, or infrastructures—are not required to provide proof of residence in Portugal.