Article by Inês Costa Moura - General Manager at International Atlantic Services

Portugal is preparing for one of the most significant overhauls of its immigration framework in recent years. On 30 September 2025, Parliament approved sweeping changes to the Lei de Entrada e Saída de Estrangeiros (Law on Foreigners). Although the reform must still be promulgated by the President of the Republic, the parliamentary vote marks a decisive step toward reshaping how foreign nationals enter, reside, and reunite with their families in Portugal.

For Golden Visa investors and their families, the news brings clarity and reassurance: the program’s key benefits remain intact.

Key Changes — And Why Golden Visa Holders Are Protected

One of the most notable areas of reform is family reunification. The new law introduces stricter requirements, such as:

• Proof of Prior Cohabitation
• Demonstration of Financial Dependency
• Evidence of Adequate Housing

In addition, a two-year waiting period will apply to many applicants wishing to bring family members to Portugal.

However, holders of Portugal’s Golden Visa are explicitly excluded from these new restrictions. Their current reunification rights — including the ability to bring spouses, dependent children, and, in many cases, dependent parents — remain fully intact. This exemption reinforces the Golden Visa’s status as a particularly stable and predictable route for families investing in Portugal.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

The reform package now moves to the President of the Republic, who has 20 days to:

• Ratify the Law
• Request a Constitutional Review
• Return it to Parliament for Reconsideration

IAS will continue to follow this stage closely and provide timely updates to investors should any delays or constitutional questions arise.

Progress on Backlog & Biometrics Scheduling

Alongside the legislative changes, the Government has announced a plan to address long-standing delays in residence applications. Authorities aim to clear the existing backlog of pending cases by December 2025 and to begin scheduling biometrics appointments for all applicants from January 2026 onwards.

In practice, we are already seeing encouraging signs: the scheduling of renewals has started to move faster, indicating that implementation of the Government’s plan is underway.

At IAS, we are closely monitoring every development — from the President’s decision to the practical instructions that will guide enforcement. We will promptly notify our clients of any updates or scheduling related to their cases.