Comprehensive Reform expected of Portugal’s Nationality and Immigration Laws: Key Updates from June 2025 (nacionalidade imigracao reformas)

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On 23 June 2025, the Portuguese Government unveiled a transformative package of legislative reforms during a Council of Ministers meeting, targeting the Nationality Law(Lei da Nacionalidade), Immigration Law ( Lei de Imigração), and immigration enforcement structures. These reforms address Portugal’s demographic and structural challenges, aiming to balance strict regulation with a humanistic approach to Portuguese nationality and immigration in Portugal.

Below, we outline the key changes and their implications.

1. Stricter Requirements for Portuguese Nationality

The proposed amendments to the Lei da Nacionalidade introduce significant changes to eligibility for cidadania portuguesa (Portuguese citizenship). Key updates include:

• Naturalisation by Residence:
  
  • Applicants from países de língua portuguesa (Portuguese-speaking countries) must demonstrate 7 years of legal residence, while others require 10 years, counted from the issuance of the first título de residência (residence permit).
  • Proof of proficiency in the Portuguese language, knowledge of cultura portuguesa (Portuguese culture), and understanding of citizenship rights and duties is mandatory, verified through official tests.
  • Individuals with criminal records for offenses punishable by imprisonment are ineligible, regardless of the sentence served.
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• Nationality at Birth for Children of Foreign Nationals:
  
  • At least one parent must have 3 years of legal residence in Portugal.
  • Parents must submit an express declaration requesting nacionalidade portuguesa for their child.
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• Sephardic Jewish Descent:
  
  • The pathway to citizenship based on ascendência sefardita (Sephardic Jewish descent) will be discontinued for new applicants.
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• Ancestry-Based Nationality:
  
  • Limited to third-generation descendants (great-grandchildren), with proof of a genuine connection to the comunidade portuguesa (Portuguese community).
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• Loss of Nationality:
  
  • Naturalised citizens convicted of serious crimes with prison sentences of 5 years or more may lose citizenship within 10 years of naturalisation, subject to court discretion and proportionality.

For official details, refer to the Portuguese Government Portal or the Nationality Law page.

2. Immigration Law Reforms: Streamlining Migration Channels

The proposed Lei de Imigração reforms focus on regulating reunificação familiar (family reunification), visto CPLP (CPLP residence), and visto de procura de trabalho (job-seeker visa). Key changes include:

1. Job-Seeker Visa:
   
   • Restricted to highly qualified professionals, with eligible professions defined by government ordinance.
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2. Family Reunification:
   
   • Requires at least 2 years of legal residence in Portugal.
   • In-country applications are permitted only for minors; other family members must apply through consulados portugueses (Portuguese consulates).
   • Applicants must provide proof of adequate housing, financial stability (excluding public assistance), and integration efforts, such as aprendizagem da língua portuguesa (Portuguese language learning) and school attendance.
   • Applications may be denied on grounds of public order, health, or security.
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3. CPLP Residence Permits:
   
   • A visto de residência (residence visa) is now mandatory.
   • Tourist visas or visa exemptions will no longer qualify for residence permits.
   • Security clearance by the Unidade de Segurança Interna (UCFE) is required.
   • The government aims to prevent a repeat of the Manifestação de Interesse process.
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4. Administrative Changes:
   
   • The Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) will manage appointment schedules based on operational capacity.
   • The deferimento tácito (tacit approval) rule for residency applications will be eliminated.

For corporate immigration teams, this changes how companies plan for employee and family relocation together.

References: AIMA website or the Portuguese Immigration Portal.

3. Creation of UNEF: A New Immigration Enforcement Unit

The government will establish the Unidade Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (UNEF), a specialized unit within the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP). UNEF will oversee:

• Controlo de fronteiras (border control).
• In-country inspections of foreign nationals.
• Execution of ordens de deportação (deportation and removal orders).

This is distinct from reinstating the former Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) or transforming AIMA into a police entity. For details on PSP operations, visit the PSP official website.

4. Final Extension of Expired Residence Permits

To facilitate transitions, residence permits valid until 30 June 2025 will be automatically extended to 15 October 2025. From 1 July 2025, renewal requests can be submitted via AIMA’s new plataforma de contacto (contact platform). Applicants paying the renewal fee will receive a temporary six-month certificate to maintain legal status until the new permit is issued.

Important Considerations

These reforms are still "Proposals" and await parliamentary approval. Potential amendments may alter the final legislation. The government has not addressed the Visto Gold (Golden Visa) program in this announcement, but further updates may follow. Stay informed through the Portuguese Parliament website.
Also, a word of caution that please verify with official sources or contact us for the latest info, before acting on any next steps basis above proposal by the government.
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Disclaimer:

Immigration laws and policies change frequently and may vary by country or nationality. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend doing your own due diligence or consulting official sources. You're also welcome to contact us directly for the latest guidance. Jobbatical is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided.

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