Portugal Tightens Immigration Law

The Portuguese Parliament has approved amendments to the country’s immigration law.

📌 Work permits only for the highly skilled:

Under the new rules, work visas will only be granted to highly qualified migrants. Even Brazilians — the largest immigrant group in Portugal — will no longer be entitled to automatic residency rights.

📌 Family reunification restricted:

Family reunification will only be possible after at least two years of legal residence in the country. The period is shortened for married couples, while no requirement applies to children.

🔺️ Passed with right-wing support:

The law was passed thanks to cooperation between Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s PSD party and the far-right Chega. It will become law once signed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

🔺️ Rapid growth in foreign population:

Official data shows that by the end of 2024, the number of foreigners in Portugal surpassed 1.5 million, accounting for about 15% of the population. The government argues the reform will make integration easier.

Source: Avrupadan