Dont Take off Yet! Portugal Visas Urgent Update 2025

PORTUGAL - Government approves new Visa Legislation

On July 16, 2025, the Portuguese Parliament approved a sweeping package of immigration reforms, still pending presidential ratification. These changes redefine visa eligibility, residency requirements, family reunification, and naturalization processes — with direct impact on Lusophone nationals such as Brazilians and Mozambicans. Once published in the Diário da República (Official Gazette), the new laws will take effect 30 days later.

 
🛂 Visas – Updates & Critical Analysis

1. D2 Visa (Entrepreneurship & Company Formation)

Expanded criteria: The visa remains available to those setting up or acquiring businesses in Portugal and is no longer restricted solely to "highly qualified" entrepreneurs.
Key requirements:

A detailed business plan demonstrating economic viability.
Proof of sufficient financial resources to support the business for at least one year.
A registered Portuguese company (can be an LDA, sole proprietor, or self-employed with service contracts).
Minimum stay: 4 months in the first year, and at least 6 months in each subsequent year.
No more “manifestation of interest”: Informal expressions of intent to work as an entrepreneur (formerly accepted) are no longer valid.
 
2. D7 Visa (Passive Income / Retirement)

Still applicable to those with stable passive income and private financial means.
Family reunification: Now allowed only after two years of legal residence, and requires proof of suitable accommodation and income.
 
3. Golden Visa (Residency by Investment)

Eligible Investments:

Certified investment funds (venture capital/private equity): minimum €500,000.
Donation of at least €250,000 to cultural or heritage projects.
Transfers of €500,000 or more for scientific or technological research.
Creation of a minimum of 10 jobs in Portugal.
No longer eligible: Real estate investments, real estate funds, or capital transfers over €1.5 million were abolished in 2023.
Minimum residence requirement: 7 days in the first year, and 14 days in each subsequent 2-year renewal period.
Strategic shift: The program now prioritizes productive investments (business, culture, science) over speculative real estate.
 
4. Family Reunification & CPLP Nationals

Minimum residency requirement: Principal applicants must reside in Portugal for at least 2 years before applying for family reunification (except for minor children with documented prior dependency).
For CPLP nationals (e.g., Brazil, Mozambique, Angola):

The required residence period to apply for nationality has increased from 5 to 7 years.
Applicants must pass exams in Portuguese language and culture, demonstrate democratic integration, and formally commit to constitutional values.
“Manifestation of interest” (informal job applications while in Portugal) is no longer accepted — applicants must secure a formal visa (e.g., D1, D2, D7) prior to entering Portugal.
For non-CPLP nationals: The required period of legal residence for nationality has increased to 10 years.
 
📄 Required Documentation – Critical Overview

D2 Visa: Business plan, proof of financial means, tax ID (NIF), company registration, housing proof, insurance, and clean criminal record.
D7 / Golden Visa / Family Reunification: Evidence of passive income, valid accommodation, proof of investment or job creation, language/culture exams for nationality, valid and continuous legal residence.
CPLP Nationality: Certificate of integration, proof of language and cultural proficiency, formal declaration of commitment to Portugal’s democratic and constitutional values.
 
📆 Key Deadlines & Validity

The law will come into force 30 days after official publication, if ratified within the 20-day constitutional period.
Applicants must maintain minimum annual physical presence (varies by visa type).
Processes submitted before publication may continue under previous rules, if all eligibility conditions were already met before the cut-off date.
 
📌 Strategic Consequences

D2 Visa: Now accessible to a wider range of entrepreneurs — not just highly skilled — provided they present a viable business plan and meet minimum residency and financial thresholds.
Golden Visa: Remains attractive for investors, but is now focused on productive sectors like innovation and culture, rather than real estate. Minimal physical presence required.
Family reunification: Stricter rules on timing and documentation; long-term planning essential for families.
CPLP nationals: Longer paths to citizenship (7 years) and higher integration standards; informal job interest declarations are no longer sufficient — a formal visa must be secured from the country of origin.
General nationality: Now requires 10 years of legal residence for non-Lusophone applicants, making fast-track naturalization significantly more difficult.
 
✅ Summary by Type

Visa / Status
Key Updates

D2 – Business / Self-employed
Now open to broader entrepreneur profiles; not restricted to highly qualified applicants. Business plan, minimum residence, and formal setup required. Manifestation of interest no longer accepted.

D7 – Passive Income
Reunification only after 2 years of legal residence; housing and income requirements tightened.

Golden Visa
Eligible investments: funds, culture, science, job creation. No more real estate options. Minimal stay requirement retained.
Family Reunification
Only after 2 years of legal residence (for adults). Minors must show prior dependency.

CPLP Nationality
7 years residence, integration tests, and formal declaration required. Manifestation of interest eliminated.
General Nationality
10 years of legal residence required for non-CPLP nationals.
 
These new measures introduce stricter documentation, longer pathways to legal status, and eliminate informal work-based regularization routes. Immigration professionals and applicants must now adapt with strategic foresight, proper legal support, and early planning — especially for Lusophone families and entrepreneurs.