Portugal tightens immigration controls and prioritises highly qualified professionals. Family reunification rules become stricter – with exceptions for Golden Visa and Blue Card holders.
Portugal’s new Immigration Law has been promulgated, introducing significant amendments to the legal framework governing the entry and stay of foreign nationals. The main goal is to make the system more selective, focusing on skilled migration and stronger administrative oversight.
One of the most relevant changes concerns the job-seeker visa, now limited to highly qualified professionals, and no longer open to general applicants.
Citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) are also affected: they can no longer enter Portugal as tourists and subsequently apply for a residence permit. Instead, they must now obtain a consular residence or work visa prior to entering the country.
The family reunification process becomes more demanding, generally requiring at least two years of legal residence before a request can be made. However, Golden Visa holders, highly qualified professionals and Blue Card holders remain exempt from this minimum period, as expressly provided for in the law.
As for the Golden Visa (ARI) regime, no new changes are introduced. The rules adopted in 2023 continue to apply: real estate investments are no longer eligible, while productive investment, job creation and venture capital funds remain valid routes.
In summary, the new law aims to create a more transparent, qualified and structured immigration system – without altering the current framework for foreign investors.