Obtaining a Portuguese residence permit implies the right of free movement within the Schengen Area, that is, most of the territory of currently 22 EU countries and seven associated non-EU countries that have adopted a common visa policy and do not enforce border controls on their mutual borders.

This includes the whole European Union except the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia (the three latter of which are scheduled to join by the end of 2015) as well as the four member states of the European Free Trade Agreement, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and the microstates of Monaco, San Marino and the Vatican.

As a Non-EU citizen you will not necessarily enjoy complete freedom of movement and you will be subject to some controls upon entry into the Schengen area, whereas a Portuguese residence permit will essentially entitle you to enter any Schengen country. 

We are of course prepared to answer any further specific questions regarding the Schengen area and how a Portuguese residence permit will enhance your rights of free travel.