New Foreign Nationals Act (Law No. 61/2025): Visas and Family Reunification in Portugal – What Changed in 2025?
On 22 October 2025, Law No. 61/2025 was published, substantially amending the Foreign Nationals Act (Law No. 23/2007) and reorganising the legal framework governing the entry, stay, exit and removal of foreign nationals in Portugal. The changes, in force since 23 October 2025, introduce a new visa framework, stricter requirements for family reunification, and updated rules for residence permit applications.
The entry into force of Law No. 61/2025 brought significant changes to Portugal’s immigration regime, directly impacting thousands of families and professionals wishing to settle in the country. This article analyses the main changes, with particular focus on family reunification and the differences between the various types of visas now available.
What Is Law No. 61/2025?
Law No. 61/2025 represents the most recent and far-reaching reform of Portugal’s immigration system. Published on 22 October 2025 and effective as of 23 October, this legislation significantly amends the Foreign Nationals Act (Law No. 23/2007), redesigning procedures for the entry and stay of foreign citizens in Portuguese territory.
Main Objectives of the Reform
The changes aim to establish a more controlled and organised migration system, eliminating the former “expression of interest” mechanism and setting clearer rules for the entry and residence of foreign nationals in Portugal.
Changes to Family Reunification: What Has Changed?
One of the most impactful amendments introduced by the new law concerns the right to family reunification, regulated under Article 98 of Law No. 23/2007.
Family Reunification: Before and After
Previous Regime:
- Any holder of a valid residence permit was entitled to family reunification without any waiting period.
- Family members already present in Portuguese territory, including adults, could be reunified immediately under Article 98(2).
New Regime (Law No. 61/2025):
- For minors: Holders of a valid residence permit may reunify minor family members who entered Portugal legally and are residing in the country, provided they cohabit with and are dependent on the permit holder.
- For adults: Holders of special residence permits (teaching activities, highly qualified activity, cultural activity, investment or EU Blue Card) may reunify adult family members already in Portugal, provided they entered legally.
- For family members outside Portugal: A waiting period of two years after the granting of the residence permit is now required before applying for reunification of family members residing abroad.
Transitional Regime: A 180-Day Opportunity
Law No. 61/2025 established an important transitional period under Article 6: during the 180 days following 23 October 2025 (approximately until 21 April 2026), holders of the right to family reunification may apply for residence permits for family members already in Portuguese territory, provided they entered legally and meet the requirements of Article 98.
This is a crucial window for families already in Portugal seeking to regularise their situation through family reunification.
The transitional regime also benefits holders of residence permits for employed or self-employed work under Articles 88 and 89 of Law No. 23/2007 (former expression of interest regime). If they meet the requirements of Article 90(1), they may, within the same 180-day period, request conversion of their residence title into a permit for teaching, highly qualified or cultural activity under Article 90—allowing family reunification without time limitations.
Decision Timeframes
The timeframe for decisions on family reunification residence permit applications has also changed. Previously set at three months, with tacit approval after six months, the new regime establishes longer decision periods, potentially extending the overall duration of the process.
New Requirement: Mandatory Integration Measures
One of the most significant innovations introduced by Law No. 61/2025 is the mandatory compliance with integration measures by reunited family members—a requirement that did not exist under the previous regime.
After the granting of a residence permit for family reunification, family members must:
- Attend Portuguese language training
- Attend training on Portuguese constitutional principles and values
- In the case of minors, attend compulsory education
Impact on Renewal: Renewal of the residence permit now depends on proof that these integration measures have been fulfilled, including:
- Knowledge of the Portuguese language
- Knowledge of Portuguese constitutional principles and values
- Confirmation that social benefits were not counted as means of subsistence
Humanitarian Exceptions: Family members may exceptionally be exempted from these integration measures for humanitarian reasons, by decision of the government authority responsible for migration matters, in accordance with the principle of proportionality.
Important for CPLP Nationals: Nationals of countries belonging to the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) are exempt from presenting Portuguese language proficiency certificates, as Portuguese is recognised as an official language in these countries.
Differences Between Visa Types: Understanding the Options
The reform also clarified distinctions between different visa categories, often confused in practice. Three key modalities should be clearly understood:
1. Family Reunification (after AIMA residence authorisation)
What it is:
A right granted to individuals who already hold a valid residence permit in Portugal, allowing their family members to obtain residence permits to live together.
Process:
- The legal resident submits a family reunification request to AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).
- Once approved, the family member is notified.
- The family member applies for a family reunification residence visa at the Portuguese consulate.
- With the visa, the family member enters Portugal and completes the residence permit process.
Eligible family members:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Minor or incapacitated children
- Adult unmarried children in education (specific cases)
- Dependent ascendants or those over 65
- Minor siblings or those under guardianship
Documentation required:
- AIMA approval notification
- Identification documents of family members
- Travel authorisation for minors
Deadline:
The visa must be requested within 90 days of notification of approval.
2. Residence Visa for Accompanying a Residence Visa Applicant
What it is:
A visa for family members who wish to accompany an individual applying for a residence visa, before that person becomes a legal resident.
Key difference:
Unlike family reunification, the main applicant does not yet hold a residence permit. All applicants apply simultaneously in their country of origin.
Practical example:
A professional with a job offer in Portugal applies for a work residence visa, while their spouse and children apply at the same time for accompanying residence visas.
Eligible family members:
Same as family reunification.
Documentation required:
- Proof of family ties
- Proof of stable and sufficient financial resources for the main applicant and accompanying family members (calculated for 12 months)
Important note:
This visa does not apply to family members of individuals who are already legal residents in Portugal.
3. Temporary Stay Visa for Accompanying a Temporary Stay Visa Applicant
What it is:
Similar to the previous category, but for temporary stays (up to 12 months).
Applicable situations:
- Scientific research (less than one year)
- Temporary teaching activity
- Professional internship
- Short-term studies
- Medical treatment
Differences from a residence visa:
- Temporary nature
- Limited duration
- Specific purpose
Important exception:
This visa does not apply to family members of seasonal work visa holders.
Documentation required:
- Term of responsibility (alternative)
- Proof of family ties
- Proof of sufficient resources for the stay period
Comparative Table: Reunification vs. Accompaniment
| Feature | Family Reunification | Accompaniment (Residence) | Accompaniment (Temporary Stay) |
| Main applicant | Already a legal resident | Applies temporary stay | Applies simultaneously |
| Time of request | After AIMA approval | Simultaneous | Simultaneous |
| Place of request | After AIMA process | Country of origin | Country of origin |
| Duration | Residence | Residence | Temporary |
| Prior process | Yes (AIMA) | No | No |
| Nature | Resident’s right | Family accompaniment | Temporary family accompaniment |
Other Relevant Changes Introduced by Law No. 61/2025
Visa for Highly Qualified Job Search
The job-seeker visa has been restricted to holders of specialised technical skills and highly qualified professional activities. The Portuguese Government has not yet published the list of professions or criteria defining “highly qualified”.
Territorial Validity of Visas
Temporary stay visas, residence visas and highly qualified job-seeker visas are now valid exclusively for Portuguese territory, not allowing travel within the Schengen Area during their validity.
Stricter Requirements
General visa requirements were reinforced, with greater emphasis on:
- Adequate means of subsistence
- Proof of good character
- Return transport ticket
- Suitable accommodation
CPLP Nationals
For nationals of CPLP countries, the requirement for prior AIMA opinion in residence visa applications has been waived, streamlining procedures.
New Judicial Protection
Article 87-B was added to the Foreign Nationals Act, establishing a specific judicial protection regime against decisions or omissions by AIMA, allowing administrative actions and, in urgent cases, injunctions to protect fundamental rights.
Practical Impacts for Families and Professionals
For Those Already in Portugal
If you hold a residence permit and have family members in Portugal who entered legally:
- Take advantage of the 180-day transitional period (until April 2026).
- After this period, only minors already in Portugal may be reunified.
- Adult family members may need to return to their country of origin and wait for the applicable period.
- Holders of residence permits under Articles 88 and 89 may also use this period to convert their permit under Article 90, if eligible.
For Those Planning to Move to Portugal
For Those Planning to Move to Portugal
- Consider applying for accompanying visas for the entire family simultaneously.
- Avoid separate reunification procedures later.
- Plan financial resources carefully, as proof of subsistence for all family members is required.
For Highly Qualified Professionals
Advantages include:
- Access to the highly qualified job-seeker visa
- Family reunification without the two-year waiting period (for highly qualified permits)
- Faster processes for CPLP nationals
Practical Recommendations
Documentation
Keep the following organised and up to date:
- Identification documents
- Proof of family ties (apostilled or legalised)
- Criminal record certificates
- Proof of financial means
- Proof of accommodation
- Portuguese language certificates (when applicable)
- Proof of civic integration training
Timing
- Act quickly if already in Portugal
- Plan the process from the country of origin if not
- Prepare for the two-year waiting period where applicable
- Arrange mandatory training promptly after reunification
Integration
- Begin learning Portuguese early
- Learn about Portuguese constitutional principles
- Enrol minors in compulsory education
- Keep proof of completed training for renewals
Specialised Legal Advice
Given the complexity of these changes, it is strongly recommended to:
- Consult an immigration lawyer
- Assess each case individually
- Monitor legal and legislative developments
- Obtain guidance on mandatory integration measures
Conclusion
Law No. 61/2025 represents a paradigm shift in Portugal’s migration system, with profound impacts on families and professionals. Family reunification, once more accessible, now involves stricter requirements and longer timeframes.
Key developments include:
- A minimum two-year residence period (with specific exceptions)
- Mandatory integration measures
- Renewal conditional upon compliance
- Longer decision timelines
Understanding the distinctions between family reunification and accompanying visas is essential to choosing the correct pathway. While reunification applies to existing residents, accompanying visas allow families to relocate together from the outset.
The 180-day transitional period offers a final opportunity for families already in Portugal to regularise under the previous framework and transition between residence categories. After this period, the new rules apply in full.
The integration requirement reflects a significant philosophical shift, recognising that migration does not end with residence approval but continues through active learning and adaptation.
Careful planning, complete documentation, early language learning and specialised legal advice are essential to navigating these changes successfully.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace personalised legal advice. Immigration rules are complex and each situation must be assessed individually by a qualified professional.
Reference legislation:
- Law No. 61/2025 of 22 October
- Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July (Foreign Nationals Act)
- Regulatory Decree No. 84/2007 of 5 November
- Ordinance No. 1563/2007 of 11 December
Last update: December 2025
