The new immigration bill: the four measures that may change everything

Flavia L. Lamattina

On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government approved a legislative package consisting of four measures that might profoundly reform the country’s immigration, nationality, and border control policies. The proposals, approved in the Council of Ministers, aim to tighten the requirements for entry, residence, and integration of immigrants in Portugal, and will now proceed to debate and vote in Parliament.

Among the main changes is the revision of the Nationality Law. The minimum period of legal residence required to apply for Portuguese citizenship has been increased from five to ten years for most foreigners, and from five to seven years for citizens of CPLP countries (Community of Portuguese Language Countries). This period is now counted from the issuance of the residence permit.

In addition, a formal examination will be required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language, culture, fundamental rights and duties, and the political structure of the country. Naturalization will no longer be granted to individuals who have been convicted of prison sentences. Those who have already acquired Portuguese citizenship may lose it if they commit serious crimes such as homicide, rape, or crimes against the State, provided that the penalty is imposed by a court.

There are also changes regarding citizenship by birth. For a baby born on Portuguese soil to acquire nationality, the parents must have been legally residing in the country for at least three years. Even then, citizenship will not be granted automatically — the parents must formally request it.

Another significant change is the elimination of the extraordinary naturalization regime for Sephardic Jews, and the restriction of citizenship by descent to a maximum of great-grandchildren.

The Government also announced the creation of a new national unit for immigration and border control within the PSP (Public Security Police), taking over responsibilities previously held by the now-defunct SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service). This new unit will be responsible for controlling entry at borders, internal inspections, and enforcing removal orders for individuals sentenced for immigration infractions. According to the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, this measure meets Portugal’s need to “once again have an effective border police,” ensuring greater control over entry and residence.

The new law will allow only highly qualified individuals to obtain temporary stay visas without existing employment contracts. The Government’s stated goal is to redirect migration flows to attract more skilled workers, promoting a transformation of the national economy based on knowledge and added value. In this context, a “talent department” will be created within AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), and partnerships will be established with higher education institutions to facilitate the arrival of foreign professors and researchers.

Family reunification rules have also been restricted. For an immigrant to bring family members to Portugal, they must have resided legally in the country for at least two years. Even so, the request will be limited to minor children. Spouses and other relatives will need to follow different legal processes to enter. Reunification will also be subject to proof of adequate housing, sufficient means of subsistence (without relying on social benefits), and compliance with integration measures, such as learning Portuguese and attending compulsory education.

For CPLP nationals, the new rules maintain the waiver of the AIMA opinion but now require prior approval from the Coordination Unit for Borders and Foreigners (UCFE) of the Internal Security System. Furthermore, aspiring CPLP immigrants will no longer be able to request residence permits without first obtaining a specific consular visa.

As a transitional measure, the Government announced that the deadline for the regularization of pending residence authorizations has been extended until October 15, 2025. AIMA is expected to open a portal to facilitate visa-renewal and documentation-update processes.

According to António Leitão Amaro, these measures represent a “tightening of requirements” for immigrants, following what he described as “seven years of uncontrolled immigration.” At the same time, he assured that the reforms were developed based on constitutional principles and humanist values. The constitutionality of the new rule that allows for loss of nationality due to criminal conviction has been questioned, but the Government argues that it is a supplementary judicial sanction, not an automatic consequence — and thus complies with constitutional parameters.
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