Oct '25 ā¢ š£ News & Announcements š£
šµš¹ Portugal ā New Immigration Law
First I would like to say we are a Real Estate Brokerage and our business is strictly limited to serving our clients either buying | selling or renting property in Portugalā¦ The information in this post is directly from our trusted attorney, and you should always seek a Lawyer | Solicitor | Notary | Tax Attorney | Accountant or other professional for legal advice and representation, as this information is not to be considered any form of legal advice, and additionally any Visa | residency or Nationality | Citizenship laws may be subject to change.
With that said, at Infinite Solutions, our mission is to bring clarity and reassurance - especially for our many American and Canadian clients currently in the process of moving or considering it in 2026, so let me share with You Portugalās New Immigration Law:
1. Background
On 30 September 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved major amendments to the Foreigners Act (Law No. 23/2007). The President promulgated the reform on 16 October 2025, and it was published in the DiĆ”rio da RepĆŗblica on 22 October 2025 as Law No. 61/2025 and entered into force on the 23rd of October.
Hereās the good news:
If youāre applying under the D7 (Passive Income) or D8 (Digital Nomad) visa programs, these amendments will not affect your process or daily life in Portugal and your process remains secure.
The D7 and D8 route and its renewals remain unchanged. It is also possible for you to bring your family with you as an accompanying family member at the same time as you come. If you want to bring your spouse or your minor children later, you may still use the family reunification route without having to wait 2 years.
These changes wonāt impact the daily lives of D7 or D8 or even Golden Visa holders. For most Americans and Canadians planning to relocate, the journey continues exactly as planned.
Your visa process, rights, and integration path remain unchanged ā and Portugal continues to welcome newcomers who bring stability, talent, and a spirit of global connection.
The reform aims to tighten entry routes, align visa procedures with EU standards, and control irregular migration following the dissolution of SEF and creation of AIMA.
2. Key Changes Relevant for Americans and Canadians
āø Stricter āJob-Seeker Visaā
The work-seeking visa is now limited to high-value activities, such as IT, Academics, engineering, medicine, biotechnology, AI and Managers, requiring advanced degrees or substantial experience.
āø Limits in the Family Reunification Route
You will have to wait 2 years if you want to bring family members after your application and if it is not a minor child or your spouse meaning these limits are not applicable to minor children or spouses which you can always bring even if its not under the family reunification route.
āø Abolition of the āExpression of Interestā Route (Less relevant for Americans | British & Canadians)
Irregular entrants (tourists who later filed for residence) can no longer regularize status inside Portugal.
Residence must begin with a visa issued abroad by a Portuguese consulate.
āø Possible Immigration Quotas (Less relevant for Americans | British & Canadians)
The Government may set annual quotas by sector, according to labour-market needs (construction, agriculture, tourism, etc.).
āø New Obligations for Employers and Schools
Companies and education institutions must verify the authenticity of supporting documents and ensure compliance with immigration rules.
āø Institutional Adjustments
Clarifies AIMAās role in integration and residence procedures.
Border control and enforcement remain under PSP and GNR supervision.
āø Transitional rules
Applications already submitted (including Expression of Interest cases) will continue under the previous regime.
New rules apply only to applications filed after 23 October 2025.
3. Practical Impact for Clients
These changes wonāt impact the daily lives of D7 or D8 or even Golden Visa holders. For most Americans and Canadians planning to relocate, the journey continues exactly as planned.
Your visa process, rights, and integration path remain unchanged, and Portugal continues to welcome newcomers who bring stability, talent, and a spirit of global connection.
ā¢ Existing residents and those with pending applications wonāt be affected at all by these changes.
If you are planning a move in 2026, now is an ideal time to begin your visa process under todayās terms.
In respect to Nationality | Citizenship, the new rules were not yet approved meaning the existing law with the 5 year for naturalization is still in force. As soon as there are any updates, we will immediately inform you.
ā¤ļø A Human Perspective
Behind every legal amendment, there are real storiesā¦ Families, retirees, and professionals seeking balance, safety, and a sense of belonging.
As many of our American and Canadian clients shareā¦ āLiving in Portugal feels like joining a big familyā¦ The process is complex, but the reward is an entirely new quality of life.ā
At Infinite Solutions, we remain committed to simplifying the legal journey with the assistance of our trusted attorney, ensuring your transition to Portugal is smooth, secure, and inspiring.
0
0 comments
šµš¹ Portugal ā New Immigration Law
powered by
skool.com/gmp-vips-1236
The fun-loving, Portugal-curious community with a breakfast show, daily quiz & wine club - hosted by Carl Munson
Suggested communities
Powered by