AmCham Webinar Series Everything You Need to Know to Live, Work, and Start a Business in Portugal
In collaboration with Ei! Assessoria Migratória
Immigration Legislation in Portugal: What Has Changed?
The 5th session of AmCham Portugal’s webinar series focused on one of the most relevant topics for individuals and companies looking to live or work in Portugal: the recent changes to the country’s immigration legislation.
With the expertise of Gilda Pereira and Carolina Cunha, from Ei! Assessoria Migratória, the session provided an insightful overview of the key updates to the legal framework and their practical impact. Three major changes were highlighted:
1st: Job Seeker Visa
– Applicants can now apply for this visa directly from their home country without the need for a prior work contract, allowing them to stay in Portugal for four months (extendable for an additional two) while searching for a job;
– A key change is that this visa now applies exclusively to highly qualified professionals: those with a university degree, or with at least five years of proven experience in their sector, or earning a minimum monthly income of €1,570;
– Once employment is secured, applicants may apply for a residence permit. However, if no job is found within the allotted period, they must return to their country of origin and wait one year before reapplying.
2nd: Residence Permit for Citizens of Portuguese-Speaking Countries
– The new legislation introduces clearer requirements and stronger protection for nationals from CPLP countries (Portuguese-speaking nations), ensuring more structured pathways and legal safeguards.
3rd: Family Reunification
– Applicants can now plan accompanying visas from the start, allowing families to relocate together instead of waiting two years. If the request is not submitted jointly, however, family members must wait two years to apply – except for children;
– Moreover, the official decision period for family reunification applications has been extended from 90 days to 9 months, and authorities are now conducting a more detailed assessment of the family’s economic situation as part of the reunification evaluation.
The speakers also highlighted a new window of opportunity for bilateral agreements between Portugal and other countries, designed to attract qualified talent and investment, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
This session provided participants with a practical understanding of Portugal’s evolving immigration landscape and the opportunities it creates for global professionals and investors.
