Portugal's immigration changes in 2025 and 2026: what changed for you?

Between October 2025 and May 2026 Portugal changed its two main immigration laws: the foreigners law (family reunification and the job-seeker visa) and the nationality law (10-year citizenship). Both first lost some provisions at Portugal's Constitutional Court, and the final versions were passed with amendments. This article summarises the changes and what they mean for your plans.

1. Citizenship: from 5 years to 10

Since 19 May 2026, citizenship by residence for Iranian, Turkish, Georgian and most other nationals requires 10 years of legal residence (7 for Portuguese-speaking and EU countries). A Portuguese language and culture test and knowledge of citizens' rights and duties are also required. Applications filed before that date are decided under the previous law. Citizenship in detail

2. Family reunification: a waiting period

Since 23 October 2025, the spouse of a D7, D8, D2 or D1 holder can usually join after 2 years of residence (or 15 months after 18 months of living together before entry). Minor children and the spouse who is their parent, and the families of golden visa and D3 holders, are exempt. Family reunification in detail

3. Job-seeker visa only for specialists

The general job-seeker visa has gone; the new 120-day version is only for people with specialised technical skills. The old "enter and regularise" route (Manifestação de Interesse) is now fully closed. Portugal work visas

4. What did not change

• The D7 and D8 remain open; with the 2026 minimum wage, the D7 minimum income is €920 and the D8 €3,680. D7 and D8 visas
• Permanent residence is still available after 5 years.
• The golden visa continues with non-property options and keeps the minimal 7-day stay in the first year. Portugal golden visa

Our advice

If your main goal is a fast European passport, Portugal is no longer the shortest route and should be compared with other options. But if you want legal residence in the EU with realistic financial requirements and a high quality of life, Portugal is still one of the best choices. Families should plan the order of applications from the start. All routes to Portuguese residency

Based on the texts of Lei 61/2025 and Lei Orgânica 1/2026 as published in Portugal's official gazette; position as of October 2026.