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Portugal has once again revised its immigration law — and the 2025 amendments will have a significant impact on future applicants. From longer residency periods to stricter nationality rules under the Portuguese Nationality Law, along with major changes across several visa categories, the new framework aims to tighten the system while still attracting qualified talent.
Below is a clear breakdown of what you need to know and what has truly changed for families looking to move to Portugal in 2025.
New Portuguese Immigration Law Changes in 2025
On 23 October 2025, Portugal approved a new version of its Immigration and Residence Law, bringing important changes to how foreign nationals can enter, remain, and settle in the country. One of the most significant updates concerns the family reunification regime, introducing rules that directly affect both current residents and new applicants seeking to bring their relatives to Portugal.
These changes are relevant to most third-country nationals but do not apply to EU citizens, even if their family members are from non-EU countries.
Key Changes: New Immigration Law 2025
1. New Portugal Family Reunification Rules 2025
While the types of eligible family members remain the same, the 2025 Immigration Law introduces several new conditions that make the process more structured.
Under the new immigration rules, a resident must live in Portugal for at least two years before applying for family reunification. This period can be reduced to 15 months if the couple—married or in a legally recognized de facto union—has lived together for at least 18 months before the main applicant entered Portugal.
Another major change is that family members must now obtain a Residence Visa for Family Reunification before entering Portugal, except in specific situations. The law also reinforces that marriages and de facto unions must be legally valid under Portuguese law, meaning situations like second marriages not recognized in Portugal may be refused.
Additionally, family members will have to meet integration requirements—such as learning Portuguese language and culture or, in the case of minors, attending compulsory schooling—to renew their residence permits.
2. Exceptions to New Immigration Law Requirements
Despite the stricter framework, the new Portugal immigration law provides several important exceptions. In these cases, family reunification can move forward without completing the two-year residence period and without needing a Residence Visa, as long as the family member enters Portugal legally (for example, with an entry stamp).
These exceptions apply to:
- Family members of Portugal Golden Visa applicants
- Family members of highly qualified professionals
- Minors and dependents, including adopted children or minor siblings under guardianship
- A spouse or de facto partner who is the parent or adoptive parent of a minor included in the reunification request
Additionally, current residence permit holders have until 20 April 2026 to apply for family reunification under the previous, more flexible rules.
3. Other Key Adjustments to Portugal’s Immigration System
Beyond family reunification, the new immigration law in 2025 brings broader immigration adjustments affecting several visa categories. Nationals of CPLP countries must now obtain a Residence Visa before applying for a residence permit, aligning their process with other third-country nationals. The Job-Seeker Visa will be restricted to highly qualified professionals, narrowing its availability.
The law also restores a Residence Visa exemption for entrepreneurs developing innovative or start-up projects, encouraging investment in high-value activities. At the same time, it tightens access to urgent judicial procedures, limiting emergency appeals.
Who is Eligible for Family Reunification in Portugal?
A resident may request family reunification for the following relatives:
- A spouse or partner in a legally 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
- Parents of the resident or of their spouse, when financially dependent
- Minor siblings under the resident’s legal guardianship
Get In Touch With a Portugal Immigration Specialist
Portugal Residency Advisors® has assisted numerous international families in successfully relocating to Portugal and securing residency. Discover how our trusted, all-in-one solution makes your move simple and successful.
What Actually Changed for Families Moving to Portugal?
Before the new Portugal immigration law, families typically relied on two main relocation routes.
1. The main applicant moved first
The principal applicant would travel to Portugal alone and submit the family reunification request locally. Once approved, the family members abroad would apply for a reunification visa at the Portuguese consulate. In practice, this process was slow and often frustrating due to delays from both AIMA and the consulates.
2. The entire family travelled together
Another common option was for the whole family to travel at the same time, as long as everyone had their residence visas approved at the consulate stage. Family members did not need to qualify for their own individual visas such as work, study, or passive income. The law already allowed for “accompanying family visas,” provided that:
- the family relationship was properly documented,
- the main applicant met all legal requirements, and
- financial and accommodation conditions covered the whole family.
Family Reunification in Portugal: What the 2025 Law Really Changes
The recent updates to the family reunification rules under the new Portuguese Immigration Law mainly impact residents already living in Portugal who had not yet brought their families over. These applicants now face new requirements, including the two-year residency rule (except in the situations previously mentioned).
However, families planning to move to Portugal now generally do not need to relocate in stages. In most cases, they can still apply and travel together, just as before, without being forced to separate their move.
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Your Questions Answered
Can I move to Portugal at the same time as my family?
Yes. Families can still apply and relocate together as long as the accompanying visas are approved at the consulate.
Am I able to move to Portugal with my de facto partner?
Yes, as long as the de facto union is legally recognized and properly documented under Portuguese law.
Is the Job Seeker Visa still valid in Portugal?
Yes, but under the new 2025 law it is now limited to highly qualified professionals only.
Can I apply for family reunification while I’m already in Portugal?
Yes, but under the new rules most residents must live in Portugal for two years before applying—unless they fall under an exemption.
Do my family members need a Residence Visa before entering Portugal?
In most cases, yes. A Residence Visa for Family Reunification is now required before entry.
Can my child study outside Portugal and still qualify for reunification?
Yes. For Golden Visa holders, adult dependent children do not need to study in Portugal.
As an EU citizen, do I need to wait before bringing my family to Portugal?
No — as an EU citizen, you do not need to wait to bring your family to Portugal.
Can I bring my family if I hold a Golden Visa?
Yes—and Golden Visa families benefit from more flexible rules, including exemption from the two-year residence requirement.
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