03 Oct Portugal’s Immigration Law Changes: Family Reunification and Visas

What Do Portugal’s New Immigration Rules Mean for Families, Investors, and Visas?

On 30 September 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved significant amendments to the Immigration Law (Law no. 23/2007), after a previous version had been struck down by the Constitutional Court. 

The changes focus mainly on family reunification rules, introducing new minimum residence periods and stricter conditions, while keeping special regimes for certain categories such as Golden Visa holders, highly qualified professionals, and cultural or teaching visas. 

In this article, we outline the main updates and share an exclusive Q&A with Dra. Cátia Pereira Baptista, team leader of Caiado Guerreiro’s Immigration Department, who explains the practical consequences for foreign residents, investors, and families. 

Background: Why was this amendment needed 

The first version of the law, passed in July 2025, was vetoed by the Constitutional Court, which found that some of its provisions — especially those limiting family reunification — violated constitutional principles, particularly the fundamental right to family life. 

The new version approved in September was designed to fix those issues, combining stricter rules with targeted exceptions for minors, dependents, and holders of special residence permits. 

Key changes to the Immigration Law 

• Minimum residence period for family reunification:
  Most residence permit holders must now complete two years of legal residence before applying for family reunification. 

• Exceptions: 

• Spouses or partners with minor children can apply immediately, with no waiting period. 

• For parents or dependent adult children, only one year of residence is required. 

• Holders of Golden Visas, EU Blue Cards, residence permits for teaching, cultural or highly qualified activities are not subject to waiting periods.

• Housing and income requirements:
  Applicants must prove adequate housing that meets normal standards of safety and habitability, and show stable and regular income sufficient to support their family without relying on state assistance. 

• Decision deadlines:
  Authorities must decide on family reunification requests within nine months, extendable in exceptional cases. 

• Job-seeker visas:
  These are now restricted to highly qualified professionals, with eligibility criteria to be defined in further regulations. 

• Border control and digitalisation:
  The Entry/Exit System (EES) will register biometric data of non-EU nationals, and more processes will be digitised with the AIMA (Immigration and Asylum Agency). 

Q&A with Dra. Cátia Pereira Baptista

Who is most affected by these changes? 

Mostly those applying to standard residence permits — employees or self-employed workers in non-specialised professions. They will now need to complete two years of residence before applying for family reunification, unless they have minor children or other exception that applies to them. 

And what about investors or Golden Visa holders?

For these profiles, nothing really changes. They remain exempt from the waiting period, which provides stability and legal certainty. This shows that Portugal still wants to attract investment and highly qualified talent. 

What happens to family reunification requests already in progress?

This is still unclear. The law does not fully explain whether pending cases will follow the old rules or the new ones. Authorities may try to apply the new requirements, which could lead to disputes. That’s why it’s important to prepare strong documentation and seek legal support. 

What are the main risks under the new law?

I’d point out three: 

1. 1. 1. Waiting periods — most applicants must now factor in a 1–2 year delay before reunification. 
      2. Documentation — proof of housing, income, and cohabitation will be checked more rigorously. 
      3. Closer scrutiny — authorities are likely to apply stricter standards when reviewing applications. 

And what practical strategies do you recommend? 

• Plan ahead: families should organise early and secure adequate housing and income proof. 

• Use exceptions: if you qualify under a special regime or have minor children, apply immediately. 

• Get legal guidance: since further regulations are expected and interpretations may vary, professional advice is key to avoid delays and rejections. 

Do you think these changes will affect Portugal’s attractiveness as a destination? 

It depends. For underqualified workers, the hurdles are higher. This does not mean that Portugal values those workers any less — it’s simply how the system has been until now, leaving room for ill-intentioned professionals. The goal is to create a fair and safe work environment for everyone and ensure that labour laws are properly enforced.  Portugal welcomes talent and investment, but under stricter migration control for general categories. 

Key Impacts of the New Immigration Law: Waiting Times, Housing and Income Rules 

The new Immigration Law represents a tightening of the rules for family reunification, while preserving favourable treatment for investors, highly qualified professionals, and certain special categories. For many foreign residents, the biggest changes will be longer waiting periods, stricter housing and income requirements, and greater scrutiny of applications. As Dra. Cátia highlights, pending cases and regulatory details remain uncertain — so specialised legal support is essential to minimise risks and ensure successful outcomes.

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