Portugal's Family Reunification changes and Visa Framework 2025: Everything HR teams need to know

Understanding Portugal's New Immigration Law changes

Lei n.º 61/2025, published on October 22, 2025, and effective from October 23, 2025, represents a comprehensive reform of Portugal's immigration framework. This law amends Lei n.º 23/2007 (the primary law governing foreigner entry, residence, and removal from Portugal). The new legislation introduces stricter controls, eliminates certain regularization routes, and implements more rigorous integration requirements.

Key Objectives

The law aims to:

• Ensure structured, lawful migration patterns
• Reduce administrative backlog at AIMA
• Prevent irregular entries and overstays
• Strengthen social integration of migrants
• Protect public services from overwhelming demand on healthcare, housing, and education
• Align with European immigration standards and the new Schengen Entry/Exit System
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Update 1: Family Reunification: New Rules & Waiting Periods

Overview of Reforms

Portugal's new family reunification regime introduces stricter requirements while maintaining provisions for vulnerable families. The law attempts to balance "humanist but rigorous" migration policy with constitutional guarantees of family life.

General Rule: The 2-Year Residence Requirement

Default Requirement: Applicants must have 2 full years of legal residence in Portugal before requesting family reunification.

Key Exceptions to the 2-Year Rule

Certain applicants are exempt from the 2-year waiting period:

1. Couples with Minor or Dependent Children: Immediate eligibility once the primary applicant receives their residence permit
2. Couples with Cohabitation History: 15-month wait if the couple cohabited for at least 18 months before the applicant's arrival in Portugal
3. Highly Qualified Professionals: Exempt from the 2-year requirement (D3 visa holders)
4. Investment/Golden Visa Holders: No waiting period required
5. EU Citizens' Families: Exempt (apply under separate EU family reunification rules)

Who Qualifies as Family Members?

Eligible relatives include:

• Spouse or legally recognized de facto partner (both must be 18+ years old)
• Minor children (under 18)
• Dependent adult children (18+) who are single and studying in Portugal
• Dependent first-degree relatives (parents/grandparents) in exceptional cases
• Minor siblings under guardianship (limited circumstances)

Housing & Financial Requirements (Mandatory)

Adequate Housing Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate access to accommodation considered normal for a comparable family in the same region, which must:

• Be owned or rented (tenancy agreements must be for minimum 1 year and registered with tax authorities)
• Meet general safety and health standards
• Be verified by proof: rental receipts, property deeds, or residence registration

Government Definition Pending: The specific standards will be detailed in a future ministerial ordinance covering housing and interior affairs.

Sufficient Financial Means

Applicants must prove stable, sustainable income to support all family members without relying on social support (no unemployment benefits, social assistance, etc.).

Evidence includes:

• Employment contracts
• Proof of regular income
• Bank statements
• Tax declarations
• Professional qualifications/business documentation

Exact thresholds: To be specified in a separate ministerial ordinance on migration and social security affairs.

Integration Obligations (New & Mandatory)

Mandatory Integration Programs

After receiving their residence authorization, all family reunification members must participate in:

1. Portuguese Language Training (Formação em Língua Portuguesa)
   • Compulsory for all family members
   • Exception: May be waived for CPLP citizens (at authorities' discretion)
   • Duration and intensity: To be specified in regulations
2. Civic Values & Constitutional Principles Training (Formação em Princípios e Valores Constitucionais)
   • Must cover Portuguese constitutional principles
   • Required for all family members
3. Compulsory Education (for minors)
   • All minor family members must attend mandatory schooling
   • Compliance verified for residence permit renewal

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with integration requirements may result in refusal to renew residence permits upon expiration.

Application Procedures & Decision Timelines

Step-by-Step Process

For Family Members Outside Portugal:

1. Primary Applicant (Resident in Portugal) contacts AIMA to request family reunification authorization
2. AIMA Assessment: Reviews housing, financial means, integration obligations
3. Favorable Decision: AIMA issues authorization notification
4. Family Member's Visa Application: Family applies to Portuguese consulate in home country with AIMA authorization
5. Consular Processing: Embassy/consulate issues residence visa (D6 visa for family reunification)
6. Entry & Registration: Family member enters Portugal and completes biometric registration with AIMA

For Family Members Already in Portugal:

1. Single AIMA Appointment: Both primary applicant and family member present together
2. Documentation Review & Biometric Collection: Same appointment
3. Residence Authorization Issued: Upon approval

Critical Decision Timelines

• Standard Reunification Cases: AIMA must decide within 9 months
• Extension: Only possible in complex cases; additional 9 months maximum
• Couples with Minors/Dependents: NO extensions permitted - decision within 9 months only
• Judicial Appeals: Applicants now have full access to courts to challenge AIMA decisions (previously restricted)

Official Government Notifications & Links

Official Legal Document: Lei n.º 61/2025 - Diário da República

Key Government Resources:

• AIMA - Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/viver/reagrupamento-familiar
• Family Reunification Application Portal: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/viver/reagrupamento-familiar-com-familiar-fora-de-territorio-nacional-art-98-o-n-o-1
• Visa Information (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/family-reunification

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Update 2 : End of "Manifestation of Interest" & New Visa Framework

The Manifestation of Interest is Gone

Previously, foreigners could:

• Enter Portugal without a visa
• Submit a "manifestation of interest" to AIMA
• Regularize their status after arrival

This route is permanently eliminated. All residence applications must now begin before arrival through proper visa procedures at Portuguese consulates.

New Visa Framework: Residence Visas Only

All non-EU applicants must now obtain a residence visa (not tourist or short-stay visas) to establish legal residence.

New Visa Categories Include:

Territorial Limitation

All residence and temporary stay visas are now valid for Portuguese territory only. They no longer automatically grant access to other Schengen countries. Applicants must comply with separate Schengen visa procedures for inter-country travel.

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Visa Application Procedures

Where to Apply

All visa applications must be submitted to:

• Portuguese consulate in applicant's country of residence
• OR Portuguese embassy (in countries without consulates)

Required Baseline Documents

1. Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity after intended stay)
2. Proof of housing in Portugal (rental agreement, property deed, letter of accommodation)
3. Financial documentation (employment contract, bank statements, tax returns, proof of income)
4. Clean criminal record (from country of origin and any residence country 12+ months)
5. Health insurance (private or Portuguese public system eligibility)
6. Completed visa application form
7. Passport photographs (biometric standard)
8. Consular fees (amount varies by visa type)

Family Reunification Visa (D6) Specific Documents

Beyond baseline requirements:

• AIMA family reunification authorization (obtained before consular application)
• Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, registered partnership)
• Identification documents of primary family member
• For minors: Birth certificate, parental authority documentation
• For dependent adults: Proof of dependency

Processing Timelines

• Standard processing: 30-60 days
• Complex cases (background checks, additional verification): 60-90 days
• Priority processing available for certain categories (investment visa, highly qualified professionals)

Conclusion

Portugal's Lei n.º 61/2025 represents a significant tightening of immigration procedures, emphasizing structured migration, integration, and family stability over previous simplified pathways. While more restrictive, the law provides clear procedures, defined timelines, and judicial recourse.

Key Takeaways:

• Plan ahead: No more visa-free entries followed by regularization
• Prove financial stability: Housing and income documentation now mandatory
• Prepare for integration: Language and civic training are legal requirements
• Understand timelines: Family reunification can take 9+ months
• Use official channels: Consulates and AIMA are your only legitimate pathway

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.