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Change Approved by Parliament Restricts Tourist Regularization, Limits Family Reunification, and Tightens Visa Issuance for CPLP Citizens.
The Parliament of Portugal approved an anti-immigration law that could profoundly change the lives of thousands of Brazilians in the country. The text changes the rules of the so-called Foreigners Act, tightens visa issuance requirements, and establishes new restrictions for residency applications.
According to g1, the measure was approved with the support of the conservative government base of Luís Montenegro and the far-right Chega party, after an initial version was deemed unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court.
Now, the text goes to President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for review, who may either sign or veto it.
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Brazilian Tourists Will No Longer Be Able to Regularize
The main change is the end of the possibility to enter Portugal as a tourist and then apply for residency authorization.
Until now, this model was used by many Brazilians, who could stay legally in the country while awaiting the analysis of their application. With the new law, this option is closed, requiring prior visa acquisition still in Brazil.
According to g1, the restriction had already been partially introduced in 2024, but there were still exceptions for Brazilians and citizens of Timor-Leste. Now, even these safeguards are gone.
Family Reunification Will Have New Barriers
Another significant change concerns family reunification. Previously, immigrants with legal residency could request the entry of their relatives without a minimum length of stay requirement.
With the new law, it will be necessary to wait two years of residency in Portugal before applying for reunification.
Despite this, the text includes exceptions after criticism from the Constitutional Court. In cases of minor children, spouses with children in common, relatives with disabilities, or dependents, it will be possible to expedite authorization.
Even so, all applications will be subject to integration requirements, such as proof of language study and knowledge of Portuguese constitutional values.
Stricter Visas for Portuguese-Speakers
The new text also tightens the rules for Brazilians and other CPLP citizens. From now on, the residency application must be made in the country of origin, with consular visa already approved. It will no longer be possible to apply for authorization while already in Portuguese territory.
Additionally, work search visas are limited to highly qualified professionals. Those who do not secure a job within the deadline will have to return to their country of origin and can only attempt again after one year.
For other workers, it will be necessary to arrive in Portugal already with a signed contract.
The Anti-Immigration Offensive in Portugal
The changes are part of an anti-immigration offensive that gained momentum with the rise of the right and far-right in the country.
The issue has become central in the political debate, especially after the increase in the number of foreigners, who now represent about 15% of the Portuguese population.
According to g1, in June of this year, thousands of immigrants received notifications of denial in their applications for expressions of interest, including Brazilians who did not meet the criteria of the previous legislation.
Possible Changes to Citizenship
In addition to the anti-immigration law, the government is also discussing changes to the Nationality Law. Among the proposals is the end of the automatic granting of citizenship for children of immigrants born in Portugal, as well as an increase in the minimum residency time required to apply for nationality: from five to ten years. For CPLP citizens, such as Brazilians, the period would decrease to seven years.
Another proposal provides for the possibility of revocation of citizenship for naturalized citizens convicted of serious crimes, a measure that has also generated controversy.
The new rules of the anti-immigration law in Portugal represent a significant tightening for Brazilians who wish to live, work, or reunite with family in the country.
The decision marks a turning point in integration policies and could directly affect the largest foreign community on Portuguese soil.
And you, do you believe that this law is a way to protect the domestic market or a setback that harms Brazilians and other immigrants? Leave your opinion in the comments and share your experience about living or trying to live in Portugal.
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Uma pessoa reagiu a isso.