On October 16, 2025, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, promulgated the new Immigration Law, marking a significant shift in Portugal’s immigration policy. After months of parliamentary debate and an initial version rejected by the Constitutional Court, the bill was revised and approved by 70% of members of Parliament, entering into force upon publication in the Official Gazette (Diário da República).
This new legislation profoundly changes the legal framework for the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreign citizens from national territory, with direct impact on residence permits, family reunification, and the role of AIMA – Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum.
Key changes in the new Immigration Law
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Stricter family reunification rules
One of the most sensitive changes concerns family reunification. The new law states that only foreign citizens with a valid residence permit for at least two years may apply for family reunification. Exceptions include:
- Families with minor or dependent children
- Spouses or equivalent partners who are parents or legal guardians of minors
- De facto couples who have lived together for at least 18 months, eligible after 15 months of legal residence
- Immigrants with golden visas, highly qualified professionals, or blue card holders
These changes aim to strengthen control over migration flows.
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Job-seeking visa limited to qualified professionals
Another relevant measure is the restriction of the job-seeking visa, now available only to professionals with high qualifications. The list of eligible professions will be defined by a joint ministerial ordinance. The goal is to attract specialized talent.
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End of in-country regularization for CPLP citizens
Citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), such as Brazilians, Angolans, and Cape Verdeans, will no longer be able to enter Portugal as tourists and apply for a residence permit while already in the country. From now on, they must obtain the appropriate visa in their country of origin before entering Portugal.
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New deadlines and requirements for AIMA
The new law imposes a maximum deadline of 90 days for AIMA to decide on family reunification requests, with no possibility of extension except in exceptional cases. Applicants also gain the right to take legal action against unjustified delays, provided they can prove serious harm to their fundamental rights.
End of automatic extension of residence documents
Alongside the promulgation of the new law, the automatic extension of expired residence documents – in place since March 2020 – has ended as of October 15, 2025. Initially created to address pandemic-related limitations and administrative delays, this measure is no longer valid.
Its termination has led to long queues at AIMA offices, with many people spending the night outside in hopes of renewing their documents.
According to the Government, many have already received their documents or scheduled their renewal. Those who have paid the renewal fee and booked an appointment will receive a certificate valid for 180 days, even after the extension ends. However, pressure on AIMA services remains high, with over 190,000 residence cards issued since June, including 55,000 for CPLP citizens.
Conclusion
The new Immigration Law represents the Government’s attempt to control migration flows, reinforce legal certainty, and ensure greater administrative efficiency.
At Lamares, Capela & Associados, we closely monitor all legislative and administrative changes, ensuring our clients receive rigorous and strategic legal support in immigration matters. If you need legal assistance with immigration processes, contact us.