Portugal's new government tightens immigration rules – DW – 06/03/2024 (2024)

FAQs

What are the new rules for Portugal in 2024? ›

Effective June 4, 2024 and following the government's repeal of the so-called 'expression of interest' (manifestação de Interesse) scheme, non-EU foreign nationals can no longer apply for a residence permit in Portugal after entering on a tourist visa, unless they are highly-qualified or provide proof of enrollment in ...

The changes put an end to a rule that allowed non-EU migrants to move to Portugal without an employment contract and later request residency after paying social security for a year. Now, migrants will need an employment contract before moving to the country.

The Portuguese government presented on 3 June its action plan for international migration, built around regulated immigration, foreign talent attraction, humanistic integration, and institutional reorganisation. The plan comprises 41 measures.

You need a visa to enter Portugal if you're a third-country national (non-EU/non-Swiss/non-EEA). The type of residence permit or visa you will need will depend on your circ*mstances and home country. Passport holders of the EU can freely arrive in Portugal without the need for a visa.

On 1st April 2024, Law no. 1/2024 of 5th March came into force, amending the Portuguese Nationality Law for the tenth time, with relevance in the counting of legal residence time and the regime for descents of Sephardic Jewish. The definition of Legal Residence is set out in Article 15 of the Nationality Law.

Yes, Portugal is known for its welcoming approach to obtaining dual citizenship. The country allows not only dual citizenship but also triple citizenship – meaning US citizens can hold Portuguese citizenship and that of the United States – and another country simultaneously.

The Portuguese government has announced that all immigration visas and permits will remain valid until June 30, 2025, in an effort to clear a backlog of visa and permit applications.

If you're moving to Portugal as a couple, you should be budgeting around €10,000 to cover yourself. Costs and quality of life in Portugal. Portugal is the only European country included in the top 10 best expat destinations according to the InterNations rating.

U.S. citizens may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.

Brazilians are the most prevalent foreign nationality. The 368,449 resident Brazilians represent 35.3% of the total foreign population. Other significant foreign communities (excluding naturalized citizens) are the ones from other countries of the Lusosphere.

Why are people migrating out of Portugal? ›

​Portugal has the highest emigration rate as a proportion of population in the European Union. More than two million Portuguese people (20% of the population) now live outside the country. It is estimated that more than 485,000 workers left Portugal between 2011 and 2014 to seek better living and working conditions.

To be eligible for residency and potentially citizenship via the Portuguese Golden Visa program, individuals must: Retain resident status for at least five years. Have a minimum of 35 days of physical presence over the five-year span.

EU/EFTA citizens staying for longer than three months don't need a residence permit but do need to register with the AIMA. After five continuous years of living in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residence in Portugal.

Portugal's government plans to tighten immigration rules by requiring a work visa from most foreigners wishing to enter and live in the country. Until now, a foreign citizen who entered Portugal with a tourist visa and found a job would be able to apply for a residence permit.

It is safe to live in Portugal.

The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Portugal 7th amongst the safest countries in the world. Portugal has a low crime rate. The Portuguese are friendly and welcoming and treat immigrants with warmth, kindness, and openness.

But they will need a valid ETIAS travel authorization and to be registered in the Entry/Exit System, which usually happens at the border. The Entry/Exit System is another new traveler system the EU is working on, and it is expected to launch Nov 10, 2024.

With the aim of responding to contemporary challenges, Portugal approved important changes to the “Nationality Law” on 5 January 2024. One of the most important changes is the new way of counting the five years required to obtain nationality, which will now take into account the date of the application for residence.

The new Nationality Law: Positive news for Golden Visa holders in 2024. In January 2024, the Portuguese parliament approved crucial amendments to the nationality law, providing relief to numerous Golden Visa applicants affected by delays in the processing of residency applications by SEF, now AIMA.

Portugal allows dual citizenship which means that those with Sephardic ancestry can get Portuguese citizenship without having to give up their existing citizenship. The concept of dual citizenship means that a person is a citizen of two countries at the same time.