On October 16, 2025, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa ratified the amendments to Portugal’s Law on Foreigners (Lei de Entrada e Saída de Estrangeiros), confirming the reforms previously approved by Parliament in September.

This step marks the final phase of the legislative process and follows the developments highlighted in our earlier article, “Parliament Approves Major Immigration Reform: What Golden Visa Investors Need to Know.”
With the President’s approval, the reform now provides clarity and reassurance for Golden Visa investors, confirming the program’s stability within Portugal’s evolving immigration framework.

A Positive Outcome for Golden Visa Holders

The final version of the law explicitly excludes Golden Visa holders from the new restrictions on family reunification, ensuring that their rights remain fully protected.

Investors can therefore continue to reunite with spouses, dependent children, and, in many cases, dependent parents without being subject to the new two-year waiting period applicable to other residence categories.

This exemption reflects the Portuguese Government’s acknowledgment of the Golden Visa’s importance as a stable and predictable investment pathway for international families. It confirms that the program’s integrity and long-term security remain intact, reinforcing Portugal’s position as one of the most attractive destinations for investment-based residency.

Other Key Changes in the Immigration Law

While the Golden Visa program remains unaffected, the reform introduces several general updates to other visa categories and immigration processes:

• Work Search Visa – now limited to high-level professionals; the official list of eligible professions will be published shortly by the Government.
• CPLP Visa – nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries must now apply from their country of residence; in-country applications will no longer be accepted.
• Family Reunification (General) – introduction of a two-year waiting period before applications can be made (not applicable to Golden Visa holders).

Broader Procedural Adjustments

• Urgent Lawsuits – now limited to cases involving specific violations of rights; all other matters must follow general procedures.
• Processing Time – residence applications will now have an extended nine-month analysis period.
• Renewals – applicants must demonstrate integration into Portuguese society.

Further regulation is expected to clarify what evidence or requirements will be necessary for renewal applications under this new framework.

What Comes Next

The law will enter into force following its official publication, expected shortly. IAS will continue to monitor the implementing regulations and provide timely updates once additional details become available.

A Clear Message for Investors

This reform confirms what IAS has consistently emphasized: Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most stable and reliable investment residency programs.
At a time when several countries are tightening or suspending similar programs, Portugal continues to stand out for its consistency, transparency, and respect for investor rights — maintaining the confidence of families and global investors choosing to build their future in Portugal.

For further information or personalized legal guidance on Portugal’s Golden Visa, contact the IAS Legal team or follow our updates at IAS News & Insights.