New Immigration Law Changes in Portugal: What Law 61/2025 Updates in Law 23/2007
Portugal has made major changes to its immigration system through the introduction of Law 61/2025, approved in October 2025. This new legislation significantly modifies the long-standing Law 23/2007—the Foreigners’ Law—which governs the legal framework for the entry, stay, and exit of foreign nationals in Portugal.
While Law 61/2025 is being presented as a technical update, the real impact goes far deeper. It reshapes the pathways for legal entry and residence, limits informal regularization routes, and introduces stricter conditions for family reunification. If you’re planning to migrate to Portugal, or already live here under a residence permit, this law likely affects you.
This article breaks down what’s changing, how these changes affect you, and what steps you should take to comply with the new rules.
1. The Legal Framework Behind the Reform
Law 61/2025 revises more than a dozen articles of Law 23/2007, including:
- Articles 45, 46, 52, 57-A, 75, 77, 87-A, 87-B, 88, 89, 98–106, 122, and 123
- It also modifies Decree-Law 37-A/2024
The new law is designed to increase control over irregular migration, promote skilled migration, and bring procedural clarity to the residence process.
2. What Has Changed – Section by Section
2.1 Entry and Visa Process
- Job-Search Visa Restrictions: Article 57-A now limits the job search visa to highly qualified professionals. Applicants must demonstrate specialized technical or professional qualifications to qualify.
- Changes for CPLP Citizens: Nationals of CPLP countries (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries) must now enter Portugal with the correct visa. They can no longer switch status once inside the country based on bilateral agreements or tribunal decisions.
2.2 Residence Permits
- Complete Applications Required: Article 77 now mandates that residence applications must be fully complete at the time of submission to AIMA, I.P., including housing, income, and criminal background documents.
- New Entry Conditions: Applicants must demonstrate lawful entry and purpose-consistent documentation to be eligible for residence (Article 52 updated).
- Transitional Measures: Article 198-A provides a grace period until 31 December 2025 for migrants in process under the old regime to adapt to the new requirements.
2.3 Family Reunification
- Stricter Conditions: Article 98 and 99 now require sponsors to prove stable housing, regular income, and integration (e.g. participation in language and cultural programs).
- Longer Waiting Periods: In many cases, sponsors now need to have at least 2 years of legal residence before applying to bring family members.
2.4 Illegal Entry and Expulsion
- Entry and Stay Violations: Articles 45 and 52 allow authorities to refuse visas or residence permits if the applicant entered or stayed illegally—especially if they pose a risk to public order.
- Stronger Expulsion Procedures: Articles 134 to 137 outline more direct and enforceable removal procedures for foreigners with irregular status.
2.5 Legal Appeals and Remedies
- Judicial Review of AIMA Decisions: Article 87-B creates a formal mechanism for migrants to challenge administrative delays or refusals in court.
- Increased Oversight: The law emphasizes administrative control, documentation checks, and removal of discretion in previously informal procedures.
3. Who Is Most Affected by the Reform?
- Individuals planning to move to Portugal without a pre-approved visa
- Current residents who entered irregularly or are in the process of legalizing status
- Workers applying for job-search visas without high qualifications
- Family members waiting for reunification based on informal income/housing evidence
- CPLP nationals relying on special visa routes or on-switching legal categories post-arrival
4. What Should You Do Now?
- Review your legal status: Ensure your permit or visa is still valid under the new rules.
- Avoid informal entry: Always enter with the appropriate visa category—tourist-to-resident switches are now barred.
- If regularizing, act before 31 Dec 2025: The transitional period offers a final window to comply.
- Gather stronger documentation: Especially for family reunification or permit renewal.
- Consult legal experts: Errors or omissions under the new law may lead to rejections without recourse.
- Need help? Contact us at Prismaat Contact Page.
5. Legal References
Conclusion
Law 61/2025 represents a decisive shift in Portugal’s immigration policy. By amending Law 23/2007, it closes several informal migration pathways while emphasizing control, integration, and qualification. Whether you are an employer, migrant, or family member, the new rules mean more paperwork, clearer procedures.
The good news? If you plan ahead, enter lawfully, and meet the updated requirements, Portugal remains open to skilled, legal migration. But the time to act is now—before the transitional window closes.
