Portugal's 2026 Nationality & Immigration Reforms: Guide for Expats and Investors

On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government proposed a major overhaul of the Nationality Law (Lei da Nacionalidade), Immigration Law (Lei de Imigração), and related enforcement structures. Following parliamentary approval on October 28, 2025, and subsequent adjustments by the Constitutional Court on December 15, 2025, these reforms took effect in late 2025 and early 2026. The Immigration Law amendments (Law 61/2025) were published on October 22, 2025, and are now fully operational. The Nationality Law changes, with court-mandated revisions, became effective in January 2026.

These updates address Portugal's evolving demographic needs, emphasizing integration, security, and efficient administration while maintaining a balanced approach to migration. They impact cidadania portuguesa (Portuguese citizenship) pathways, residence permits, and family ties.

Below, we outline the implemented changes and their implications, based on the final legislation.

1. Updated Requirements for Portuguese Nationality

The revised Lei da Nacionalidade introduces tougher eligibility criteria for naturalization, with the core residency extension upheld by the Constitutional Court. Several punitive provisions were struck down for being disproportionate or lacking legal clarity.

Key implemented updates include:

• Naturalisation by Residence:
  • Applicants from países de língua portuguesa (Portuguese-speaking countries, CPLP) require 7 years of legal residence; all others need 10 years, counted from the issuance of the first título de residência (residence permit). Time spent waiting for permit approval no longer counts toward this period.
  • Mandatory proof of A2-level proficiency in Portuguese, knowledge of cultura portuguesa (Portuguese culture, history, and values), and understanding of citizenship rights/duties via official tests.
  • Criminal record checks are stricter: Ineligibility applies for serious offenses punishable by imprisonment, but automatic exclusion for sentences of 2+ years was ruled unconstitutional—cases now involve individual assessment for proportionality.
• Nationality at Birth for Children of Foreign Nationals:
  • At least one parent must have 3 years of legal residence in Portugal at the time of birth.
  • Parents must submit an express declaration requesting nacionalidade portuguesa for the child.
• Sephardic Jewish Descent:
  • The pathway based on ascendência sefardita (Sephardic Jewish ancestry) has been discontinued for new applications.
• Ancestry-Based Nationality:
  • Extended to third-generation descendants (great-grandchildren), requiring proof of a genuine connection to the comunidade portuguesa (Portuguese community), such as cultural ties or visits.
• Loss of Nationality:
  • Provisions allowing revocation for naturalized citizens convicted of serious crimes (5+ years imprisonment within 10 years of naturalization) or as an accessory penalty were struck down by the Court for violating constitutional protections.

The Court also protected pending applications from retroactive application of the new 10-year timeline, preserving legitimate expectations for those already in process. Applications submitted before January 2026 follow the prior 5-year rule.

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

2. Immigration Law Reforms: Enhanced Regulation of Entry and Residence

Law 61/2025 streamlines and tightens migration pathways, eliminating the manifestação de interesse (expression of interest) process and prioritizing qualified migration. These changes took effect on October 22, 2025, with implementing regulations rolling out in early 2026.

Key reforms include:

1. Qualified Job-Seeker Visa:
   • The open job-seeker visa has been replaced by the Visto para Procura de Trabalho Qualificado, limited to highly qualified professionals in fields defined by government ordinance (e.g., tech, healthcare).
   • Allows a 120-day stay to find employment; failure requires departure and a 1-year wait before reapplying.
   • All prior job-seeker appointments after October 23, 2025, were canceled to transition to this model.
2. Family Reunification:
   • Sponsors must have at least 2 years of legal residence in Portugal, reduced to 15 months for couples with prior cohabitation (18+ months) or immediate for those with minors/dependents.
   • In-country applications are allowed for family members already in Portugal (transitional 180-day window post-October 2025); others apply via consulados portugueses (Portuguese consulates) with a residence visa.
   • Proof required: Adequate housing (health/safety compliant), financial stability (no public assistance reliance), and integration (e.g., Portuguese language courses, civic training, school attendance for minors).
   • Denials possible for public order, health, or security risks; decisions within 9 months (non-extendable for simple cases). Golden Visa holders remain exempt from waiting periods.
   • Renewal of family permits now depends on integration progress.
3. CPLP Residence Permits:
   • A visto de residência (residence visa) is mandatory before applying for permits—no conversions from tourist visas or exemptions.
   • Applications go directly to AIMA, with required security clearance from the Unidade de Coordenação Antiterrorismo (UCA) or border authorities.
   • Aims to prevent abuse seen in the old Manifestação de Interesse system; language training waived for CPLP nationals in family contexts.
4. Administrative Changes:
   • AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) now handles appointments based on capacity via a new online platform; the deferimento tácito (tacit approval) for delayed applications has been eliminated.
   • Judicial oversight restored: Full appeals to administrative courts, without prior restrictions on "grave violations" only.
   • Visa refusals for illegal entry/stay, with up to 7-year bans for security threats.

For corporate immigration, these shifts require earlier planning for qualified hires and family relocations, with emphasis on integration proofs.

References: AIMA website or the Portuguese Immigration Portal.

3. Establishment of UNEF: Strengthening Immigration Enforcement

The Unidade Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (UNEF) was created under the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP) as of late 2025, with full operations in 2026. This specialized unit handles:

• Controlo de fronteiras (border control), including Schengen Entry/Exit System biometrics.
• In-country inspections of foreign nationals' compliance.
• Execution of ordens de deportação (deportation/removal orders), with clarified voluntary departure options (10–20 days).

UNEF focuses on enforcement, distinct from AIMA's administrative role and without reviving the old SEF. It does not transform AIMA into a police body. For PSP operations, visit the official website.

4. Extended Validity and Renewal Process for Residence Permits

To ease transitions, residence permits expired on or before June 30, 2025, remain valid until April 15, 2026 (for use within Portugal only; retain originals for travel). From July 1, 2025, renewals are processed via AIMA's dedicated online portal, rolled out progressively for expirations through February 2026.

• Process: Eligible applicants (tax/social security compliant) upload documents (passport, permit, proofs of accommodation/taxes/contributions), pay fees (€58.10 for Brazilians, €185.30 others), and track status online. Biometrics may require an appointment.
• Temporary Proof: Upon approval, download a declaração (declaration) with QR code as interim certificate, valid for 6 months or until the new permit arrives.
• Notes: Incomplete applications are rejected; expired >6 months or first-timers need in-person handling. Notifications via email for older cases.

This digital shift reduces delays, with AIMA issuing approval proofs immediately.

Important Considerations

These reforms are now law, with minor implementing ordinances expected in 2026 (e.g., qualified job lists). The Golden Visa (Visto Gold) program was not altered here, but separate reviews continue—monitor for investment option changes. The Constitutional Court's nationality rulings ensure fairness for ongoing cases.

Always verify with official sources like AIMA, the Portuguese Parliament, or consult immigration experts before proceeding. Jobbatical can assist with personalized guidance.

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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