Everything You Need to Know About Portugal’s New Immigration Law (October 2025 Update)

A new immigration law has just been approved in the Portuguese Parliament and promulgated by the President of the Republic. Although it has not yet been published in the Diário da República, it will soon come into force, introducing several key amendments to the existing Immigration Law (Law no. 23/2007).

These changes aim to refine Portugal’s immigration system, ensuring greater alignment with the country’s labor needs, improving integration measures, and creating stricter rules for residence permits and family reunification.

At moviinn®, we understand that legislative updates can create uncertainty. But it’s important to highlight that these amendments do not close Portugal’s doors to migration. Instead, they seek to make the process more structured, transparent, and aligned with qualified work and sustainable integration.

If you are planning to move to Portugal, or if you’re already here under a temporary or residence permit, this article explains the main changes, what they mean in practice, and how they might affect you.

1. Job-Seeking Visa for Qualified Work

What Changed

The Job-Seeking Visa (Visto de Procura de Trabalho), introduced in 2022, allowed foreigners to enter Portugal to look for any type of employment. Under the new law, this visa will now be restricted to qualified work.

Only candidates with specialized technical skills, as defined by a joint ministerial order of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Migration, Education, and Labour, will be eligible. This order has not yet been approved or made available for public consultation, however it is expected to be similar to the one applicable to the Highly Qualified Workers.

What This Means in Practice

This change aims to align Portugal’s immigration policy with its real economic needs, attracting professionals in fields where there is a proven shortage of qualified talent, such as technology, engineering, healthcare, or renewable energy.

For example, a Brazilian software engineer or a biomedical researcher from India could still apply for this visa to come to Portugal and look for work. However, a candidate without specialized qualifications will need to explore other visa options, such as the D2 Entrepreneur Visa or D1 Work Visa (which requires a work contract with a Portuguese based company).

moviinn® Insight

This change highlights the importance of careful planning before relocating. Our team can help you identify which visa type best matches your background, ensuring your profile fits the new “qualified work” criteria before you apply.

2. CPLP Residence Permits

What Changed

Until now, citizens of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) holding a short-stay visa or those who had entered Portugal legally could apply for a temporary residence permit (RP) directly in Portugal.

With the new law, this option is removed. Now, only CPLP citizens holding a residence visa, requested in their country of origin, may apply for a residence permit after arriving in Portugal.

What This Means

The process becomes more structured: CPLP citizens must apply for a residence visa first, in a Portuguese consulate, and convert it to a residence permit once in Portugal.

For example, a Mozambican teacher who previously entered Portugal on a short-stay visa and applied for a residence permit locally will now need to request a residence visa before travel. Once in Portugal, they can convert that visa into a residence permit, following the proper procedure.

moviinn® Insight

While this adds a layer of formality, it also provides greater legal security and clarity for applicants. At moviinn®, we assist CPLP nationals in preparing complete visa applications from their country of origin to avoid delays or rejections.

3. Self-Employed Workers and Entrepreneurs (Article 89)

What Changed

The revised Article 89 now provides for the granting of residence permits to third-country nationals who develop entrepreneurial projects, including the creation of innovative companies integrated into Portuguese certified incubators, without requiring a prior residence visa.

This is an important evolution of the law, aligning with Article 90(n.2), which already allowed highly qualified professionals to enter Portugal on a Schengen or short-stay visa and apply for a residence permit (RP) locally, as long as they were included in the list of highly qualified professions defined by the government.

Now, this same rule extends to entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals who establish innovative businesses within Portugal’s innovation ecosystem. It is important to note that the project must be developed in partnership with a certified incubator accredited by IAPMEI, which should always be verified on a case-by-case basis.

What This Means in Practice

An entrepreneur entering Portugal under a tourist visa to meet with investors and later joining a certified incubator, such as Startup Lisboa, Beta-i, or UPTEC, can now apply for a residence permit from within Portugal, without returning to their country of origin to apply for a residence visa.

Similarly, a freelance architect or designer launching an innovative project in collaboration with a Portuguese incubator could also apply locally for a residence permit under this new flexibility.

moviinn® Insight

This amendment is excellent news for entrepreneurs and digital innovators. It reinforces Portugal’s reputation as a startup-friendly country, offering flexibility for professionals who contribute to innovation and job creation.

4. Family Reunification (Article 98)

What Changed

Article 98 introduces several updates that reinforce family unity while ensuring compliance with integration obligations.

1. Eligibility After Two Years
A resident holding a valid residence permit (RP) for at least two years may request family reunification with family members who cohabit with or depend on them, even if family ties were established after entry into Portugal.

2. 15-Month Reunification for Spouses
If a spouse has cohabited with the RP holder for at least 18 months prior to their entry into Portugal, they may request family reunification after 15 months of the main holder’s residence permit, shortening the two years rule.

3. Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule

- Minors or dependents.
- Spouses or partners who are parents or adoptive parents of a dependent minor.
- Family members of RP holders under Article 90 (highly qualified work), Article 90-A (Golden Visa), or Article 121-A (EU Blue Card).

4. Exceptional Cases
The Government may waive or reduce these periods, considering factors like family ties, integration level, human dignity, and proportionality.

5. Integration Requirements
Once the family reunification RP is granted, family members must:

- Attend Portuguese language training;
- Attend courses on Portuguese constitutional principles and values;
- Ensure minors attend compulsory schooling.

6. Renewal Requirements
Renewal depends on proof of integration, as per integration requirements above, and not relying on social assistance.

7. Suitable Housing and Financial Means
Applicants must prove:

- Adequate housing for the family;
- Sufficient means of subsistence (criteria to be defined by ministerial order).

8. Application from Outside or Inside Portugal
Family reunification is typically requested when the family member is outside Portugal, but may also be filed locally in certain cases (minors, spouses with common children, or family members under special articles).

9. Decision Deadline
Applications must be decided within 9 months, extendable in exceptional situations.

Example

A US engineer living in Lisbon with a valid residence permit can now request family reunification for her spouse and child, only after two years of residence. If her spouse had already cohabited with her for 18 months before she moved to Portugal, he could apply after 15 months instead of waiting two years.

moviinn® Insight
Portugal continues to uphold strong family values through its immigration framework. The law balances family unity with integration, ensuring newcomers are supported while contributing to Portuguese society.

5. Judicial Processes Against AIMA

What Changed

The new law introduces clear legal procedures to challenge delays or inaction by AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).

It specifies the right to file injunctions (providências cautelares) when AIMA’s action or omission seriously compromises rights, freedoms, or guarantees, and when these cannot be safeguarded through other measures.

What This Means

Applicants now have stronger legal recourse if, for instance, a residence permit renewal remains pending for many months without response. However, the judge must also consider AIMA’s available resources and the impact of the injunction on its workload and ongoing processes.

moviinn® Insight

While this is primarily a procedural update, it represents progress in accountability and transparency. Applicants facing excessive delays will now have a clearer legal path to protect their rights.

6. Expressions of Interest (Manifestação de Interesse)

What Changed

The transitional regime under Decree-Law no. 37-A/2024, which allowed pending Manifestação de Interesse applications to be converted into residence permits, will remain valid only until 31 December 2025.

After that date, no new or pending applications based on the old Manifestação de Interesse process will be valid.

What This Means

The Manifestação de Interesse system (often translated as “Expression of Interest” or “Declaration of Intent”) allowed individuals already in Portugal, usually working under a short-stay visa, to regularize their stay by proving employment and social security contributions.

With this change, the transitional window closes permanently on 31 December 2025. For example, a Canadian citizen who entered Portugal in 2023 and submitted a Manifestação de Interesse can still obtain a residence permit under this transitional period, but anyone arriving after this date must apply for a residence visa through consular channels.

moviinn® Insight

This marks the definitive end of regularization through informal employment. Planning your relocation properly before entering Portugal has now become essential.

7. Transitional Rules and Conversion Opportunities

What Changed

For 180 days after the law enters into force, certain holders of residence permits will have the opportunity to convert their permits into other types that better reflect their professional situation.

Examples of Conversion

1. Work Permits to Highly Qualified or Cultural Activity Permits
An American citizen who obtained a residence permit through Manifestação de Interesse (as an employed worker) must, within 180 days, convert it into a permit for teaching, highly qualified, or cultural activities, if they meet the eligibility criteria.

2. Family Members Already in Portugal
Family members already in Portugal, provided they entered legally and meet Article 98 requirements, can also apply for conversion during the same 180-day period.

moviinn® Insight

This transitional flexibility provides a bridge for those already living and working in Portugal to align their residence status with their actual professional profile under the new framework.

8. DF vs D6 Visa: Understanding the Difference

When planning relocation with family, understanding the difference between DF (Accompanying Family Visa) and D6 (Family Reunification Visa) is essential.

moviinn® Insight

Whenever possible, main applicants should request the DF (accompanying family member visa) along with their own residence visa at the consulate. This prevents long waiting times and allows families to move and integrate together without delays.

Portugal Remains Open to Immigration

While the new law introduces clearer criteria and greater structure, it is not a signal of closure, it is a sign of evolution and modernization.

Portugal remains one of the most welcoming countries in Europe for qualified professionals, high demand professions’ workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and families. The key is to plan carefully, ensure eligibility, and seek professional guidance to navigate the process smoothly.

At moviinn®, we help individuals, families and businesses from all over the world relocate and build a new life in Portugal, with expert legal support and tailored immigration planning.

Ready to Understand How These Changes Affect You?

If you’re considering moving to Portugal or already living here and want to know how this new immigration law applies to your situation, our experts can help.

Book a consultation with moviinn® today:
Whether you’re planning your first move or adjusting your status under the new law, our legal and relocation team will evaluate your case, clarify your options, and guide you through every step, so you can plan your future in Portugal with confidence.