On October 16, 2025, Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa promulgated a new version of the Lei dos Estrangeiros (Foreigners’ Law), marking the 19th iteration of the country’s immigration legislation. The law makes significant changes to how non-citizens can enter, reside, and regularize status in Portugal. For those of us living here from abroad, some of the changes are quite consequential.
Below is a breakdown of what’s new, what might affect you (or people you know), and practical implications to watch:
Major Changes at a Glance
Restricting “Work-Seeking” Visas: The option to obtain a “work-seeking” visa (visto de procura de trabalho) will now be limited to those with high qualifications only. Diário de Notícias The government has pledged to publish a joint ministerial ordinance defining exactly which professions qualify.
No More Applying for Residence from Within Portugal: Under the CPLP RuleUnder the new rules, citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) can no longer enter on a tourist visa and then apply for a residence permit from within Portugal. The residence request must now be supported by having entered with a proper residence visa. Diário de Notícias
Tighter Rules on Family Reunification (Reagrupamento Familiar)
Couples without children: now must prove 15 months of legal residence first, and wait up to 9 months for AIMA’s (Immigration Agency) decision. Diário de Notícias
Couples with children or holders of highly qualified visas or Golden Visas remain eligible for immediate family reunification. Diário de Notícias
Judicial Requests Face Stricter Standards: With more backlog and litigation, the new law places higher burdens on immigrants seeking recourse via courts when administrative decisions from AIMA are delayed. Applicants must show “grave and direct harm” to their rights, and judges can consider AIMA’s resource constraints. Diário de Notícias
Goal to Curb Immigration, Boost Institutional Capacity: The law is part of a broader push to limit new immigration and streamline AIMA’s operations amid litigation overloads. Diário de Notícias
🔍 Why These Changes Matter to Expats (or Would-Be Expats)
If you were hoping to move to Portugal on a work-seeking visa while exploring job opportunities, the narrowing of permitted professions will restrict your options significantly.
CPLP nationals who entered on a tourist visa and planned to convert to residence from inside Portugal can no longer do so — you’ll need to apply from abroad with a resident visa.
Family reunification may become more complicated and delayed, especially for couples without children.
If you face administrative delays with AIMA and intended to use the courts to force a decision, the higher hurdle may make that process more costly and uncertain.
Programs and rules that used to be relatively flexible may now be more rigid or selective.
Now What?
Check whether your profession qualifies under the new “high qualification” visa regime once the ordinance is published.
If you enter on a tourist visa today, plan ahead — converting to residence from within Portugal under CPLP rules is no longer guaranteed.
If you’re seeking to reunite with family, especially spouses, ensure you meet the new 15-month legal residence requirement (if applicable), and be ready for longer processing times.
Keep careful documentation of all correspondence with AIMA in case you later need to show evidence of harm or delay.
Stay tuned for updates — Portugal’s rules are evolving, and implementation regulations (portarias) may shift some of these obligations or definitions in practice.
This new law signals a more restrictive era for immigration in Portugal, especially for those entering with fewer formal credentials or relying on administrative flexibility. While it aims to strengthen institutional capacity and limit unauthorized entries, many expats and prospective residents may feel constrained by the tighter rules.