Portugal’s Newly Approved Immigration Law 2025

The key updates in Portugal’s newly approved Immigration Law (Sept 2025). Learn how the changes affect CPLP citizens, job-seeker visas, family reunification, integration requirements, and judicial appeals.

On 30 September 2025, Portugal’s Newly Approved Immigration Law 2025, which reshapes immigration rules for thousands of people, from CPLP citizens (including Brazilians) to families seeking reunification.

The Portugal Immigration Law 2025 introduces stricter visa requirements, new conditions for job-seekers, clearer integration measures, and defined timelines for family reunification.

If you are planning to move to Portugal or already live here, understanding these changes is essential.

CPLP Citizens Face New Entry Restrictions

One of the most significant changes in the Portugal immigration law 2025 affects CPLP nationals:

• No more switching from tourist to resident: CPLP citizens (including Brazilians) can no longer enter Portugal as tourists and later apply for residency.

• Mandatory consular visas: They must now obtain a visa before entering Portugal — whether for work, study, or retirement.

This shift means CPLP nationals must prepare their immigration strategy in advance.

Job-Seeker Visa Limited to Highly Qualified Professionals

The job-seeker visa in Portugal has been redefined under the new law:

• Only highly qualified workers can apply at Portuguese consulates.

• If applicants fail to secure employment, they must return home.

• Re-entry ban: They cannot apply for a new job-seeker visa or re-enter Portugal for one year.

Although the Socialist Party proposed expanding access to sectors like agriculture, tourism, and construction, these changes were not included in the final text.

Family Reunification Rules Under Portugal Foreigners Law 2025

The Portugal Foreigners Law 2025 keeps the two-year waiting period for family reunification but adds important exceptions:

• One-year rule: If the immigrant can prove at least one year of cohabitation with their spouse before arriving, reunification can happen after just one year in Portugal.

• No waiting period: If the spouse abroad is caring for a minor or incapacitated person, the two-year wait is waived.

This provides more flexibility for genuine families while preventing fraudulent cases.

Clearer Integration Requirements for Immigrants

The law strengthens integration measures but ensures they are fair and transparent:

• Language and civic training must be completed after arrival, not as a condition to enter Portugal.

• Minors must attend school in compliance with Portuguese law.

• Removed vague language (“in particular”) to prevent the government from adding extra requirements arbitrarily.

This ensures immigrants know exactly what is expected from them.

Stricter Conditions for Family Reunification Applications

The law also requires families to demonstrate greater stability before reunification approval:

• Proof of legal marriage/union under Portuguese law (no polygamy or underage marriages).

• Housing and financial independence: Families must show they can support themselves without state aid.

This aligns Portugal’s law with broader EU immigration standards.

Deadlines for Reunification Decisions

Delays in processing reunification requests have long been a problem. The new law introduces clear timelines:

• General cases: Maximum of 9 months, extendable to 18 months in complex cases.

• Exceptions (cohabitation or care of minors): Must be decided within 9 months, with no extensions allowed.

This gives families more predictability and security.

Judicial Appeals Against AIMA Decisions

The law also affects appeals against AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo):

• Appeals are allowed only if AIMA’s actions or omissions cause a serious, direct, and irreversible violation of rights not protected by other remedies.

• Judges must also consider AIMA’s workload before deciding on new appeals.

This partially restores immigrants’ right to appeal, which earlier drafts had attempted to restrict much further.

What Portugal’s New Immigration Law Means for You

The Portugal Foreigners Law 2025 creates a more structured and restrictive immigration framework:

• CPLP citizens, especially Brazilians, must now apply for consular visas before arriving.

• Job-seeker visas are only available to highly qualified professionals.

• Family reunification is still possible, but with stricter requirements.

• Integration measures are clearer and must be completed after arrival.

• AIMA appeals are limited but still available under certain conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Portugal Foreigners Law 2025 represents a major shift in the country’s immigration policy. While it clarifies processes and deadlines, it also raises the bar for entry and family reunification.

For anyone planning to move to Portugal — or reunite with loved ones here — careful preparation is now more important than ever.

Professional legal and immigration support can help you navigate these new rules smoothly and avoid unnecessary delays.

What is Portugal’s Foreigners’ Law 2025?

Portugal’s Foreigners’ Law 2025, approved on 30 September 2025, updates immigration rules for CPLP citizens, job-seekers, and families. The law requires CPLP nationals to apply for consular visas before arrival, limits job-seeker visas to highly qualified professionals, clarifies integration requirements, and sets deadlines for family reunification.

How does the Portugal Foreigners Law 2025 affect Brazilians?

Brazilians and other CPLP citizens can no longer arrive in Portugal as tourists and apply for residence later. Instead, they must obtain a consular visa (work, study, retirement, etc.) before entering Portugal.

What are the new rules for Portugal’s job-seeker visa?

Under the new law, the job-seeker visa is only available to highly qualified professionals. If applicants fail to find a job within the allowed timeframe, they must return home and are barred from reapplying for one year.

What are the family reunification changes in Portugal in 2025?

The general two-year waiting period for reunification remains, but:

• Cohabiting couples (1+ year before arrival) may reunite after just one year.

• If the spouse abroad cares for a child or an incapacitated person, the wait is waived.

Can immigrants appeal AIMA decisions under the new law?

Yes, but with restrictions. Appeals are only allowed when AIMA’s action or omission causes a serious, direct, and irreversible violation of rights not otherwise protected. Judges must also consider whether AIMA is overloaded with pending cases.

The Portuguese Foreigners Law 2025 brings clarity but also more restrictions, especially for CPLP citizens and job-seekers. If you are planning to move to Portugal, apply for a visa, or reunite with family, it’s important to get expert guidance to avoid delays or refusals.

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