Portugal Enacts Revised Immigration Law, Ending Tourist-to-Residence Path for CPLP Nationals

Overview

• President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa promulgated the amended Aliens Act on Oct. 16 after a court‑vetted rewrite won about 70% support in Parliament.
• Brazilians and other CPLP citizens can no longer enter as tourists to regularize status, requiring appropriate visas before arrival.
• Family reunification now generally requires two years of legal residence, with exceptions for minors, dependents and couples with children, and a one‑year route for some partners who prove a stable union.
• Job‑seeker visas are restricted to highly qualified professionals, and the government can negotiate bilateral labor accords for essential sectors.
• Separate proposals under discussion would tighten citizenship rules, with committee debates expected next week, against the backdrop of Portugal’s large Brazilian community.