The famous EU country goes hard and extremely hard on its traditional immigration system and routes. That being said, Portugal’s new immigration rules mark a significant shift in the country’s approach to migration, with sweeping reforms now in place that tighten access to work, residency, and family reunification pathways. The key 7 immigration rules include:
- End of “Expression of Interest” Route
- Transitional Period for Pending Cases
- Stricter Job-Seeker Visa Requirements
- Tighter Family Reunification Rules
- New Regime for Vulnerable Minors
- Time Limits for Residence Application Decisions
- Creation of a New Deportation Unit
Furthermore, as reported by BBC Portuguesethe latest legislationpassed by the Portuguese Parliament on July 16, 2025, represents a departure from the country’s traditionally more open migration policies.
These changes form part of a broader effort to curb irregular migration and reshape how foreign nationals enter and stay in Portugal.
Recent figures indicate that Portugal is home to approximately 1.55 million foreign nationals, making up nearly 15% of the population. Immigration has quadrupled since 2017, driven by labor demands and Portugal’s previous openness. However, this new legislative direction suggests a narrowing of opportunities for newcomers.
Key Changes in Portugal’s Immigration Policy
1. End of the “Expression of Interest” System
One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the “manifestação de interesse” process—a mechanism that previously allowed undocumented migrants to legalize their status based on employment and social security contributions. This route has now been permanently revoked.
An exception has also been announced for many already in Portugal. This means that a transitional period has been set for those already working and registered with Social Security before June 3, 2024. These individuals have until December 31, 2025, to apply for residency under the old regime.
2. Stricter Work Visa Conditions
The popular Job-seeker visas are now available only to individuals deemed highly qualified, as defined by forthcoming government criteria. Applicants must secure employment within 120 days of arrival, or they will be required to leave the country and may only reapply after one year.
Additionally, a prior ban on entry for foreign workers without a valid work permit remains in effect, ending the practice of “post-entry legalization.”
3. Tighter Family Reunification Policies
New rules stipulate that foreign residents must now complete two years of legal residence in Portugal before they can apply for family reunification. Exceptions are made for minor children already living in the country, but overall, the process has become more stringent.
4. Revisions Affecting Brazilian Nationals
A major update includes the withdrawal of automatic residency approval for Brazilian nationals, signaling a move away from the preferential treatment historically given to citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries.
5. Special Provisions for Vulnerable Minors
Children and young people under institutional protection will now be granted residence under a special visa-exempt regime, separate from the general humanitarian protection category.
6. New Deadlines for Immigration Authorities
To improve administrative efficiency, Portugal’s immigration agency (AIMA) is now required to issue a decision on residence applications within nine months. This deadline can be extended only in cases of exceptional complexity.
7. Creation of a New Deportation Unit
The new legislation also includes the formation of a dedicated deportation unit within the national police force to handle undocumented migration and enforce removal orders more effectively.
When Do the New Rules Take Effect?
The legislation comes into force immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette and applies to all new applications submitted after that date.
With Portugal’s new immigration rules, the country has signaled a clear pivot away from liberal immigration pathways in favor of a more controlled and selective approach. For prospective migrants and their families, understanding these changes is essential to navigating the legal landscape and making informed decisions about residence and employment in Portugal.
What about Nationality Law Changes in Portugal
Alongside recent updates to visa and immigration rules, the Portuguese government is planning to revise its nationality law. A vote on these changes is expected to take place in September, according to different Portuguese news sources.
One of the key proposals is to increase the minimum amount of time someone must live in Portugal before they can apply for Portuguese nationality. The current rule allows people to apply after five years of residence. However, the new plan would require:
- Seven years of residence for people from Portuguese-speaking countries, and
- Ten years for those from all other countries.
Another important change is that only legal periods of stay would count toward this required time. That means if someone was living in Portugal without legal status, that time would no longer be considered when applying for nationality.
This shift could have a significant impact on Brazilians living in Portugal. Between 2010 and 2023, over 400,000 Brazilians were granted Portuguese nationality, according to the Ministry of Justice.
There’s also a proposed change affecting children born in Portugal. Currently, if a child is born in the country, they can become Portuguese if one of their parents has lived there legally for at least one year. The government wants to increase that requirement to three years.
This article has been brought to you by our Guest Writer and Immigration Expert Mr. Umer Rasib.
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