Portugal Tightens Immigration Rules: What Expats Need to Know

Portugal’s Parliament has approved new amendments to the Foreigners’ Law, making it harder for expats and immigrants to bring family members and secure residence permits. The law passed with support from PSD, Chega, and CDS, while left-wing parties opposed it. Iniciativa Liberal abstained, criticizing the rushed process.

 Family reunification will take longer: Expats who receive a Portuguese residence permit must now wait at least two years before applying to bring family members. Previously, the process could begin much sooner. Critics say this will delay family integration and make it harder for new residents to settle. 

 No more switching from tourist to resident status: Citizens of visa-free countries such as Brazil and Timor-Leste can no longer enter Portugal as tourists and then apply for a residence permit from within the country. Instead, they must apply for the correct visa before arriving. 

 Visas limited to highly qualified workers: Residence, temporary stay, short-term, and job-seeking visas will now be granted mainly to highly skilled professionals, restricting opportunities for lower-skilled workers. 

 New immigration enforcement unit: A new National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) will be created within the Public Security Police (PSP) to handle immigration and border control. 

 Opposition parties and immigrant associations criticized the lack of consultation and warned that these measures could make Portugal less welcoming to foreign residents. 

 For current expats, existing residence permits remain valid, but future applications—especially for family reunification—will face stricter conditions.

Source: https://sicnoticias.pt/pais/2025-07-16-lei-de-estrangeiros-aprovada-no-parlamento-1eb77e78