{"id":2933,"date":"2025-10-20T12:17:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T15:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/philipecordeiro.com\/bkp\/?p=2933"},"modified":"2025-10-20T12:17:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T15:17:10","slug":"here-is-the-translation-new-amendments-to-the-foreigners-law-in-portugal-overview-and-main-impacts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/philipecordeiro.com\/en\/here-is-the-translation-new-amendments-to-the-foreigners-law-in-portugal-overview-and-main-impacts\/","title":{"rendered":"NEW AMENDMENTS TO THE FOREIGNERS LAW IN PORTUGAL \u2013 OVERVIEW AND MAIN IMPACTS"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, a new law was enacted that substantially amends the Foreigners Law in Portugal, as well as the legal framework governing immigration and the stay of foreigners in Portuguese territory. This document summarizes the main changes, highlights the implications for foreigners and outlines key precautions and opportunities for those interested.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

1.\u202fContext and Purpose<\/h3>\n

The new version of the Foreigners Law marks the 19th reform of this legal regime, aimed at \u201cregulating immigration\u201d in a more restrictive and efficient manner. The law emerges in a context of political pressure to control migration flows, address issues such as family reunification, work visas, and the regularization of foreigners, as well as respond to criticism regarding the administrative burden on the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA).<\/p>\n

The new regime was revised following partial vetoes or rejections of previous versions due to violations of the Portuguese Constitution, which is why the current text seeks to comply with the Constitutional Court\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\n

\n

2.\u202fKey Changes<\/h3>\n

Some of the most relevant changes that require attention include:<\/p>\n

2.1 Ban on Regularization After Entry \u2013 \u201cEntering as Tourist + Applying for Residency\u201d<\/h4>\n

One of the central changes is the end of the possibility for a foreign national to enter the country on a short-stay visa (e.g., as a tourist) and subsequently apply for a residence permit or authorization to stay. The immigration process must now begin in the country of origin or with an appropriate visa from the outset.<\/p>\n

This measure aims to curb \u201cin-country regularization\u201d practices and clearly alters the previously regime with immediate practical effects.<\/p>\n

2.2 Job-Seeking Visa Restricted to \u201cHighly Qualified\u201d Individuals<\/h4>\n

The new text significantly narrows the scope of the open job-seeking visa \u2013 which previously allowed entry into Portugal for the purpose of finding employment \u2013 by establishing that only workers with \u201chigh qualifications\u201d can use this mechanism.
\nA joint ministerial order will define which professions are included. For all other professions, the foreign worker must have a job offer or employment contract before entering Portugal.<\/p>\n

2.3 Changes to Family Reunification<\/h4>\n

The family reunification regime has also been amended:<\/p>\n