On February 11, 2025, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa promulgated a new decree-law, amending Law No. 23/2007, of July 4, which establishes the legal framework for the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreign nationals from Portuguese territory, introducing a revised visa regime for citizens of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). implementation and impact.

The newly approved legislation aims to establish a more structured immigration framework, particularly benefiting individuals from CPLP nations, which include Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, East Timor, and Equatorial Guinea.

This development aligns with Portugal’s longstanding commitment to fostering closer ties with Portuguese-speaking nations, reinforcing historical, linguistic, and economic connections. However, the practical effectiveness and efficiency of this visa regime remain subject to scrutiny.

The new legal framework introduces a revised visa concession system for CPLP (Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries) citizens and incorporates into Portuguese law the implementation of the Entry/Exit System (SES)—an automated digital system for recording the entry and exit of non-Schengen citizens.

Under this new legal regime, there are updated regulations regarding visa issuance for CPLP nationals, granting them easier entry into Portugal. Upon arrival in the country with a short-term visa, they will now have the possibility to apply for a temporary residence permit, simplifying the regularization process.

The promulgation of the new immigration law marks a significant shift in Portugal’s approach to migration policy, particularly concerning CPLP nationals. Regarding other types of visas, no changes have been introduced.

As Portugal moves forward with these immigration reforms, the success of the new visa regime will ultimately depend on its execution, efficiency, and ability to address the challenges facing the country’s immigration system.