🇵🇹 Portugal approves new Immigration Law – 5 measures you need to know

✅ Family Reunification

• Standard rule: 2 years of residence before applying. This is for family reunification from OUTSIDE the country. Not when you apply and move together.

• Spouses/partners who lived together before immigrating: only 1 year

• Children under 18 and dependents with disabilities: can join immediately

✅ Visas & Permits

• Job Search Visa limited to highly qualified professionals

• No more “automatic approvals” if deadlines are missed

• New biometric Entry/Exit System for tighter border control

✅ Enforcement & Oversight

• New PSP unit (UNEF) will handle immigration and border functions that were previously under SEF

✅ Integration & Procedures

• Decisions on family reunification: up to 9 months

• Language, civic courses & school attendance required for family integration

✅ Citizenship

• Residency requirement: 7 years for Lusophone countries (CPLP), 10 years for others

• Stronger Portuguese language/culture tests