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

Understanding Portugal's New Immigration Law Changes (Updated for 2026)

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 foreign nationals' entry, residence, and removal from Portugal). The legislation introduces stricter controls, eliminates certain regularization routes, and implements more rigorous integration requirements. These changes remain fully in force in 2026, with ongoing implementation through AIMA regulations and operational updates.

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

Update 1: Family Reunification – New Rules & Waiting Periods (2026 Status)

Overview of Reforms‍

Portugal's family reunification regime introduces stricter requirements while maintaining provisions for vulnerable families. The approach balances a "humanist but rigorous" policy with constitutional guarantees of family life. No major reversals have occurred in 2026.

General Rule: The 2-Year Residence Requirement

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

Key Exceptions to the 2-Year Rule‍

Certain applicants remain exempt:

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 (e.g., D3 visa holders, EU Blue Card equivalents)
4. Investment/Golden Visa holders: No waiting period required
5. EU citizens' families: Exempt (apply under separate EU rules)

Who Qualifies as Family Members?‍

Eligible relatives include:

• Spouse or legally recognized de facto partner (both 18+)
• 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: Must demonstrate normal accommodation for a comparable family in the region (owned/rented, minimum 1-year registered tenancy, safety/health standards). Proof via rental receipts, deeds, or registration. Specific standards await further ministerial ordinance.
• Sufficient Financial Means: Stable income to support family without social assistance. Evidence: contracts, bank statements, tax declarations. Exact thresholds pending separate ordinance on migration/social security.

Integration Obligations (New & Mandatory)‍

After residence authorization, family members must participate in:

1. Portuguese Language Training (compulsory; possible waiver for CPLP citizens at discretion)
2. Civic Values & Constitutional Principles Training
3. Compulsory education for minors (verified at renewal)

Non-compliance can lead to residence permit renewal refusal.

Application Procedures & Decision Timelines

• Outside Portugal: Primary applicant requests AIMA authorization → favorable decision → family applies for D6 visa at consulate → entry and AIMA registration.
• Already in Portugal: Joint AIMA appointment possible (transitional provisions allowed in-country applications until April 2026 for some cases).
• Timelines: Standard cases: AIMA decision within 9 months (extensions limited; none for couples with minors/dependents). Judicial appeals fully available.

Official Resources (verified current as of 2026):

• AIMA Family Reunification: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/viver/reagrupamento-familiar
• Application Portal: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/viver/reagrupamento-familiar-com-familiar-fora-de-territorio-nacional-art-98-o-n-o-1
• Visa Info (MNE): https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/family-reunification

Update 2: End of "Manifestation of Interest" & New Visa Framework (2026 Status)

The Manifestation of Interest is Permanently Gone‍

This route entering without visa, submitting interest to AIMA, and regularizing post-arrival was fully eliminated by Lei n.º 61/2025 (with final abolition of any residual pathways confirmed by December 31, 2025). All residence must start pre-arrival via consulate visa applications.

New Visa Framework: Residence Visas OnlyNon-EU applicants require a residence visa (not tourist/short-stay). Territorial limitation: Visas valid only for Portugal (no automatic Schengen access; separate procedures required).

Key Visa Categories & Changes

• Highly Qualified Job Seeker: Replaces general job-seeker visa; limited to qualified professionals (technical skills/occupations defined by ordinance; 120 days to find work + possible 60-day extension). Requests paused until full regulation.
• D2: Self-employed – unchanged
• D3: Highly qualified employment – exempt from family wait
• D6: Family reunification – stricter housing/income/integration
• D7: Passive income/retirees – unchanged
• D8: Digital nomads/remote workers – available (income/tax compliance)
• D9: Investment/Golden Visa – unchanged exemptions
• New/others: Teaching/cultural professionals category

Visa Application Procedures

‍Apply at Portuguese consulate/embassy in country of residence. Baseline documents: passport, housing proof, financials, criminal record, health insurance, photos, fees. D6 adds AIMA authorization and relationship proof.

Processing Timelines

• Standard: 30-60 days
• Complex: 60-90 days
• Priority for investment/highly qualified

Additional 2026 Notes

• AIMA continues backlog reduction efforts (e.g., online renewals expanded, including for Golden Visa from February 2026; interim proof of approval documents for delays).
• Nationality/citizenship rules (separate law) remain at 5 years residency for naturalization pending final resolution of 2025-2026 debates/challenges.

Conclusion

Lei n.º 61/2025 marks a lasting shift toward structured, qualified migration with strong integration focus. While more restrictive, it offers clearer procedures, timelines, and judicial recourse.

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.