Portugal’s new immigration law took effect on 11 September 2026, tightening rules on entry, stay, removal, screening, border procedures and international protection.
President António José Seguro enacted Law No. 62/2026 the previous day, when it was also published in the Diário da República. The reform reshapes the legal framework for foreign nationals.
For migrants already in Portugal without the correct visa, as well as those planning to move there, the rules have changed substantially.
Ink barely dry
The law entered into force less than 24 hours after publication, giving applicants and advisers little time to prepare.
It amends Article 92 of Law No. 23/2007, Portugal’s main immigration law, and repeals paragraph 4.
The changes cover border procedures, screening, conditions of stay, international protection and removal from Portuguese territory.
Classroom carve-out
One existing route remains for a specific group of students.
Secondary school students and those enrolled in level 4 courses may still qualify for a residence permit under Article 92.
Applicants must hold a residence visa issued under the law, meet the other required conditions and be enrolled in an educational institution. They must also be covered by Portugal’s National Health Service or private health insurance.
Regularisation route narrows
The law further restricts regularisation for foreign nationals already in Portugal without the appropriate visa.
Their options had already narrowed in 2024, when the government ended a system allowing some foreign nationals to regularise their status without first obtaining the corresponding residence visa.
The 2026 reform reduces the number of remaining routes to legal status that do not require leaving Portugal and re-entering with the required visa.
Brussels’ script, Lisbon’s pen
Law No. 62/2026 also aligns Portuguese law with several EU measures.
It transposes two EU directives covering international protection, reception and single authorisation for residence and work.
The changes bring Portugal more closely into line with EU migration rules and reduce national discretion where the directives apply.
The 90-day clock
Authorities must now decide residence permit applications within 90 days of receiving them.
The deadline may be extended by 30 days in exceptional and justified circumstances, particularly for complex cases.
The rule gives applicants a clearer timetable, although its impact will depend on how often authorities use the extension.
Beyond Portugal’s borders
Portugal’s reform comes as the EU continues to overhaul its wider border system.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational since 10 April 2026 across 29 European countries.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is not yet operating, and no launch date has been announced.
Portugal participates in the EES and is among the 30 countries that will require ETIAS once the system begins operating.
The narrower path
Portugal has further restricted undocumented regularisation while bringing national law closer to EU migration rules.
Foreign nationals already in Portugal without the correct visa now have fewer routes to legal status following the 2024 closure and the latest reform.
Lawful applicants, meanwhile, gain a 90-day decision deadline, with one possible 30-day extension for complex cases.
Secondary school students and those taking level 4 courses retain one of the visa-linked residence routes that the law explicitly preserves.
Three developments will be worth watching: how often authorities use the 30-day extension, how Portugal implements the EU directives on reception and single residence and work authorisation, and whether further immigration reforms follow Law No. 62/2026.