Portugal Immigration Law 2025: Key Updates to the Residence Law
On 23 October 2025, Portugal introduced a new version of its Immigration and Residence Law. This reform affects how foreign citizens enter, stay, and live in Portugal. Among the several amendments introduced, the changes to the family reunification regime deserve special attention, as they significantly impact both current residents and new applicants wishing to bring their family members to Portugal. It should be noted, however, that these amendments do not apply to citizens of the European Union, even when their family members are nationals of a non-EU member state.
Understanding Portugal’s Family Reunification Rules (2025 Update)
The family reunification regime allows a holder of a Portuguese residence permit to apply for residence permits on behalf of certain family members, thereby enabling families to live together legally in Portugal.
Who Qualifies for Family Reunification in Portugal?
- A spouse or partner in a recognized de facto union;
- Minor or dependent children, including adopted children;
- Adult dependent children who are single and enrolled in an educational institution in Portugal (for Golden Visa holders, the institution does not need to be located in Portugal);
- The parents of the resident or of their spouse, when financially dependent;
- Minor siblings under the resident’s legal care.
Key Changes Introduced by the 2025 Immigration Law
While the list of eligible family members remains unchanged, the new law introduces several significant conditions and procedural adjustments. The most notable include:
- A residence permit holder may only request family reunification after residing in Portugal for at least two years, except in specific situations mentioned below.
- This period may be reduced to fifteen months if the couple – married or in a de facto union – has been living together in a shared household for at least eighteen months immediately before the main applicant’s entry into Portugal.
- A Residence Visa for Family Reunification must now be obtained before the family member enters Portuguese territory (subject to the exceptions detailed below).
- Marriages or de facto unions will only be accepted if recognized under Portuguese law. For instance, a second marriage contracted while a first remains valid may not be accepted.
- Family members will need to complete integration measures to renew their residence permits – such as learning the Portuguese language and culture, or, for minors, attending compulsory schooling.
Exceptions and Transitional Rules
There are, however, important exceptions to the new requirements. In certain cases, no minimum period of residence in Portugal will be necessary, nor will family members need to hold a Residence Visa, provided their entry into the country is legal (for example, with an entry stamp).
These exceptions apply in the following circumstances:
- Family reunification under a Golden Visa application or involving highly qualified workers;
- Minors or dependents, including adopted children or minor siblings under guardianship;
- A spouse or de facto partner who is a parent or adoptive parent of a minor or dependent included in the reunification request;
- Exceptional cases of particular urgency, duly justified.
Additionally, current residence permit holders have until 20 April 2026 to apply for family reunification under the previous, more flexible, rules.
Other Important Updates to Portugal’s Immigration and Residence Law
- Beyond family reunification, the reform also introduced broader changes that affect different categories of residence and visa holders:
- Nationals of countries belonging to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) must now obtain a Residence Visa before applying for a residence permit.
- The Job-Seeking Visa will now be limited to highly qualified professionals.
- The law reintroduces an exemption from the need for a Residence Visa when applying for residence to develop innovative entrepreneurial projects (such as start-ups).
- It also restricts access to urgent judicial procedures, tightening the rules around emergency legal remedies.
These changes represent a significant evolution in Portuguese immigration law. Foreign residents and their families – particularly those planning to reunite in Portugal – should carefully assess how the new requirements may affect their applications and timelines. However, it is important to note that the two-year residence period and the requirement to obtain a Residence Visa prior to entry do not apply to the family members of Golden Visa holders or highly qualified workers.
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João Rebelo Maltez | Senior Immigration Lawyer