Portugal Exempts Certain Foreign Nationals from Residency Rule

Portugal has published a list of foreign nationals exempt from the two-year residency requirement for family reunification under its revised immigration law, which came into effect on 23 October 2025. The updated Foreigners' Law mandates that most foreign nationals must hold a valid residence permit for a minimum of two years before applying to bring family members to Portugal.

However, exceptions are made for families with minors or dependent children, holders of golden visas, holders of EU Blue Cards, and holders of highly skilled worker permits. This approach aims to balance stricter migration controls with the protection of vulnerable family units and skilled workers.

Additionally, the revised law imposes restrictions on the job-seeker visa, which will now be limited to qualified professionals, with specific occupations to be defined by a ministerial decree. A significant change for citizens of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) is the new requirement for them to obtain the appropriate visa before entering Portugal.