At a glance
- Portugal has amended its legal framework for foreign nationals entering and staying in the country.
- A new visa type allows skilled professionals to enter Portugal to search for qualified employment.
- Eligibility will be defined by a forthcoming government ordinance specifying technical skill criteria.
- Visa holders must begin work and complete documentation before the visa expires or leave the country.
- Reapplication for the same visa is only possible after a one-year gap if initial conditions are not met.
Law No. 61/2025, enacted on 22 October, introduces amendments to Portugal’s legal framework governing the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreign nationals. Among the changes is the creation of a new visa for the purpose of seeking qualified employment. This visa may be granted to individuals with specialised technical skills, which will be defined by a government ordinance yet to be issued.
Visa holders must commence professional activity and complete the documentation regularisation process before the visa expires. Failure to do so requires the individual to leave Portugal, and they may only apply for a new visa for the same purpose after a one-year waiting period. The amendments came into force on 23 October 2025.
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