Portugal Changes Its Immigration Law: What It Means for Foreign Workers

The Portuguese Parliament has approved major amendments to the Immigration Law, tightening the rules for entry, residence, and family reunification of foreign citizens.

This decision follows a period of record-high migration. According to 2024 data, more than 1.5 million foreign nationals currently live in Portugal — about 15% of the country’s population.

That’s four times more than in 2017.

Key changes in the new law

1) Family reunification — only after two years of legal residence

Foreign citizens will now be allowed to apply for family reunification only after two full years of legal residence in Portugal.The only exceptions are minor children and dependents with disabilities.

2) Job search visas — only for qualified professionals

Portugal has restricted job seeker visas to highly qualified workers or applicants with specialized skills needed in the national labor market.The aim is to attract skilled professionals rather than unregulated labor migration.

3) End of simplified legalization

Previously, migrants could obtain legal status after one year of official work, even if they entered Portugal on a tourist visa.

This rule has now been abolished. From now on, applicants can submit legalization documents only from abroad — from their home country or country of residence.

Political context

The first version of the reform was rejected by the Constitutional Court, which ruled that it was too strict toward migrant families. After revision, the updated version received strong support from right-wing and far-right parties — including PSD, Chega, Iniciativa Liberal, CDS-PP, and JPP.

Party representative Cristina Rodrigues (Chega) commented:

“We welcome the government’s efforts to tighten the system and address the abuses in social support. Portugal must protect its welfare structure and those who come here to work legally.”

The President of Portugal is expected to sign the final version soon — if it fully complies with the Constitution.

What it means for migrants and agencies

These new measures create stricter but clearer rules for those planning to move to Portugal.For recruitment agencies and candidates, this means:

• all documents must now be submitted through official channels only;

• qualification checks will become more important;

• employment contracts must be fully verified before submission;

• and there will be growing demand for trusted legal intermediaries who ensure proper documentation.

  
  

Analysis and conclusion

Portugal’s decision reflects a broader European trend of tightening migration control while maintaining the need for foreign labor. Many EU countries are now trying to find a balance between filling labor shortages and reducing irregular migration.

This reform does not close the doors for foreign workers — it simply makes the process more transparent, predictable, and legal.

Qualified professionals and verified agencies will now have a clearer and safer path to employment in Portugal.

Get Legal Work (GLW) supports recruitment agencies and employers in adapting to new EU migration rules.

We monitor legal changes, verify candidate documentation, and ensure full compliance throughout the employment process.