Portugal Parliament approves amended immigration law after veto

First, list of detected resources in order of appearance:
1. Diário da República (DIÁRIO DA REPÚBLICA)
2. Diário da República (https://dre.pt)
3. VisaVerge.com

Now the article with up to five .gov links added (only the first mention of each resource, preserving all content and formatting exactly; added links are official .gov where available):

Portugal’s parliament approved an amended immigration law on September 30, 2025, advancing a package that reshapes entry and stay rules while tightening access to family reunification. The measure passed with support from the far-right Chega party and the Liberal Initiative, over opposition from the Socialist Party (PS) and other left-wing parties. It now awaits presidential sanction and publication in the official journal before it can take effect.

Lawmakers said the changes respond to pressure to better manage arrivals and ensure clearer standards for work and residence, even as critics warned of new barriers that may separate families and push vulnerable migrants into limbo.

Core change: family reunification waiting period

At the heart of the reform is a new waiting period tied to family reunification:

• A standard two-year wait applies before most immigrants can apply for close relatives to join them.
• There is a narrower lane for couples: if partners lived together for more than one year before the sponsor moved to Portugal, the waiting time can be reduced by half.
• Minor children and dependents with disabilities are exempt — they can join without any waiting period.

These provisions were among the most contested. An earlier version of the law was vetoed by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa after the Constitutional Court raised concerns about family rights. The revised text aims to address those constitutional issues while retaining stricter screening.

Supporters say the law balances control with compassion by standardizing requirements. Opponents warn it will delay family reunions and strain households, particularly affecting spouses and parents.

Policy changes overview

The amended law sets out several practical shifts applicants should plan for:

• Family Reunification Wait
  • Standard wait: 2 years
  • Couples together >1 year before move: wait halved
  • Minor children and dependents with disabilities: no waiting period
• Job Search Visas
  • Eligibility narrowed to highly skilled workers, restricting the previous broader route into Portugal’s labor market
• Proof of Accommodation
  • Applicants must show stable housing (leases, ownership, or formal housing declarations) when applying for residence
• Income Calculation
  • Social welfare benefits will no longer count when authorities assess household income for residence renewals
• Bilateral Agreements
  • The law enables faster visa and residence processing through new bilateral deals, aiming to speed up applications where partner arrangements exist

VisaVerge.com reports that the family reunification changes will likely be the most felt in day-to-day life, especially for mixed-status families and new arrivals who expected to bring a spouse within months. Case officers will weigh evidence of pre-move relationships and household stability, while the no-wait safeguard for minor children should prevent many split-parent household scenarios.

Impact on applicants and timeline

For people already in Portugal, the near-term effect is uncertainty while the law awaits final steps. The measure must be signed by the president and then published in the official gazette, the Diário da República. Once published, it may take effect immediately or on a specified later date.

Important next steps and preparation tips:

1. Keep proof of relationship strong and clear:
   • Marriage or partnership records
   • Evidence of cohabitation before arrival
   • Other documents showing time together prior to the sponsor’s move
2. Gather housing evidence early:
   • Leases, ownership documents, or formal housing declarations to meet the stable accommodation test
3. Plan finances knowing that social welfare benefits will not count toward income thresholds for renewals
4. Check for applicable bilateral agreements that could speed visa issuance or residence permits once activated

Warning: Timing matters. People in mid-process may see the old rules apply to already-filed applications, while new filings might be judged under the amended criteria once the law is in force.

Effects on families, employers, and services

• Families: Community groups warn the two-year wait can be heavy on families—those left behind may face safety risks, income loss, and caregiving burdens. The half-time reduction for couples with proof of >1 year together could help some, but informal relationships may struggle to meet documentation standards.
• Employers: The narrowing of job-search visas to highly skilled workers may squeeze sectors that rely on entry-level hires. Employers might need to:
  • Pivot to other legal pathways
  • Adjust recruitment strategies
  • Use bilateral programs designed to speed processing for targeted roles
• Public services and caseworkers: The government says clearer structure will help manage flows and preserve services, but opponents fear delays and backlogs if rollout isn’t handled carefully.

Political context

The legislative path mirrors a broader European trend toward tighter entry standards and stricter renewal tests. In Portugal, the presidential veto forced parliament to address constitutional concerns about family rights while still implementing tougher screening and eligibility rules.

Supporters argue the law will reduce irregular entry and stabilize residence systems. Opposition voices contend it tilts toward deterrence and could harm settled residents trying to reunite with family. Both sides emphasize the need to protect children and people with disabilities, who the law exempts from waiting.

Practical takeaways

• Collect and organize relationship and housing documentation now.
• Expect updated checklists, online portals, and front-line scripts once the law is published.
• Monitor the Diário da República for the publication date, which will confirm the law’s effective date.
• If relying on job-search routes, secure offers or qualify under higher-skill categories where possible; explore bilateral agreements that might apply.

According to VisaVerge.com analysis, the changes signal a move toward more predictable decision-making but with tougher entry points. The measure establishes clearer lines about who can come, when family can follow, and what evidence applicants must present. For now, the key milestone to watch is publication in the Diário da República, which will unlock the effective date and confirm exactly when the new rules start to apply.