New Immigration Law in Portugal – What Changes in 2025
The Assembly of the Republic approved a thorough revision of the Immigration Law, marking a structural shift in migration policy in Portugal. The new law came into effect on October 23, 2025.
In practice, what has changed?
- Creation of the skilled worker seeker visa.
The possibility of applying for a specific visa to seek employment in Portugal will be restricted to "highly qualified" immigrants. The definition follows the criteria of the European Union Blue Card (EU Blue Card): professionals with a higher education degree or at least three years of recognized experience. The exact list of these professions will still be released by the government.
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
A residence permit is granted to a third-country national who develops an entrepreneurial project, including the creation of an innovative company, integrated into a certified incubator under the terms defined by an order from the members of the Government responsible for the areas of migration, internal administration and the economy.
- Limitations on family reunification
The holder of a valid residence permit for at least two years is entitled to family reunification with family members who have cohabited with him or her or who are dependent on him or her, regardless of whether the family ties existed before or after the resident's entry into the national territory. The duration of the residence permit is 15 months in relation to the spouse or equivalent who has cohabited with the holder for at least 18 months in the period immediately preceding the holder's entry into the national territory.
The two-year period does not apply to the following family members of the applicant:
- Dependent minors or incapacitated persons;
- Spouse or equivalent who is, with the holder of a residence permit, the parent or adoptive parent of a dependent minor or incapacitated person;
- Family members or main applicants of a residence permit granted under Articles 90, 90-A or 121-A (Golden Visa).
The stipulated period may be waived or reduced in duly justified exceptional cases, by order of the member of the Government responsible for migration, considering the nature and strength of the person's family ties and the effectiveness of their integration in Portugal.
The right to spousal or equivalent reunification depends on the marriage or stable union being valid and recognized under Portuguese law, and on the applicant for reunification and their spouse or equivalent being at least 18 years old on the date of the application.
- Citizens of the CPLP
The sale of property generally triggers capital gains taxation. For Portuguese tax residents, part of the gain is subject to progressive taxation, with potential exemptions available in reinvestment scenarios. Disposal decisions should always be preceded by careful tax analysis.
- Legal Proceedings against AIMA
Legal actions relating to decisions or omissions of AIMA, IP, take the form of administrative action, under Article 37 of the Code of Procedure in Administrative Courts, without prejudice to recourse precautionary measures, under general terms. The use of summons for the protection of rights, freedoms and guarantees is admissible when, in addition to the conditions referred to in paragraph 1 of Article 109 of the Code of Procedure in Administrative Courts, the action or omission of AIMA, IP, demonstrably and directly compromises the timely exercise of personal rights, freedoms and guarantees, the protection of which cannot be effectively ensured through the available precautionary measures.
- Expression of Interest
Applications for residence permits must be submitted no later than December 31, 2025, otherwise they will lapse.
- Bilateral Agreements
The Government promotes the negotiation and conclusion of bilateral agreements with third countries to streamline visa issuance procedures and grant residence permits that ensure the mobility of workers who meet the needs of strategic sectors of the economy, ensuring the provision of information, channels for recruitment and training, and instruction in the Portuguese language before their entry into national territory, facilitating their integration and labor protection.
Impact
– More demanding and rigorous processes.
– Increased risk of rejections when poorly documented.
– Relevance of compliance in terms of documentation from the outset.
How Beyond Legal supports:
– Prior eligibility assessment.
– Rigorous document preparation.
– Alternative legal strategies.
– Active monitoring before AIMA.
– Planning for families and businesses.
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