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A New Chapter in Portugal’s Immigration Policy
Portugal has officially approved a new immigration law, marking the end of a long-standing system that allowed foreigners to regularize their stay through “expressions of interest.”
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed the law after recognizing the urgent need to address a massive backlog of residence permit applications — estimated at around 400,000 cases.
According to a statement from the Presidency of the Republic, the new measure aims to streamline existing immigration processes while preventing further overload from new submissions under the previous, more flexible rules.
The End of the “Expression of Interest” System
Under the old system, foreigners could enter Portugal on a tourist visa and later apply for residency if they found employment or other grounds to stay. This approach, while initially helpful for many immigrants, led to a surge in pending applications and administrative delays.
Now, the government has officially abolished the “exceptional regime” meaning you can no longer arrive as a tourist and regularize your stay from within Portugal.
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Instead, future applicants will need to secure employment contracts or apply through Portuguese consulates before arriving. The goal is to bring more structure and predictability to Portugal’s immigration process, while reducing loopholes that contributed to the overwhelming backlog.
A Comprehensive Action Plan for Migration
This legislative update is part of Portugal’s broader Action Plan for Migration, approved by the Council of Ministers.
The plan calls for:
The end of entry without clear rules, effectively closing the “open-door” approach that previously led to processing challenges.
A mission structure dedicated to clearing the current backlog of pending cases.
Strengthening Portuguese consulates worldwide with 45 new staff members across 15 priority countries, including all members of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).
The initiative also involves a revision of the Foreigners’ Law, particularly the repeal of Articles 88 and 89, which previously allowed tourists to legalize their stay after arrival.
What Happens to Pending Applications?
If you’ve already submitted your immigration documents, don’t panic. The government has confirmed that all pending applications will still be processed, provided they are complete and meet the necessary conditions, such as having at least one year of social security contributions.
To handle this efficiently, the newly approved plan introduces a dedicated mission structure combining AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) employees, inspectors from the former SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service), and newly recruited professionals.
What’s Next for CPLP Immigrants and EU Mobility?
One of the more progressive elements of the new policy is the transformation of the CPLP Mobility Visa into a community visa, giving CPLP immigrants greater freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone.
Additionally, Portugal plans to establish a Foreigners and Borders Unit (UEF) within the Public Security Police (PSP) to monitor immigrant presence and improve coordination between institutions.
Emergency care centers for immigrants are also on the horizon, aiming to ensure faster, more humane responses to migration-related needs.
Key Takeaway
Portugal’s new immigration law signals a shift toward a more structured and efficient system, closing loopholes that once allowed irregular pathways, while focusing on clearing existing backlogs and improving transparency.
For future migrants, the message is clear: residency applications should now begin before arrival, through official consular channels.
As Portugal balances openness with order, these changes could strengthen the country’s immigration framework but also mean tighter entry requirements for newcomers.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Policies and interpretations can change, so always consult official sources or a certified immigration advisor before making any decisions about your move to Portugal.