Portugal's new foreigners law: what changes for students, workers and parents

Portugal · 16 October 2026

A Portuguese law firm, Antas da Cunha Ecija, has published a news note on Law No. 62/2026, which it says has been in force since 11 September and reshapes parts of Portugal's immigration framework, including residence conditions, labour mobility and immigration control.

On study routes, the note says students who entered Portugal lawfully without a residence visa can generally no longer obtain a residence permit after arrival and must secure the right visa beforehand. A residence route linked to certain vocational courses has been removed, while secondary school students who entered and stayed legally remain an exception if they meet the requirements.

On work, the note says that where the law allows, people can change employer or move between employment and self-employment by notifying AIMA, rather than waiting for a new residence permit. It also says seasonal workers may now have more than one extension, though the nine-months-in-twelve limit still applies.

The note adds that visa-exempt residence for parents is now limited to parents of Portuguese-national minors who actually exercise parental responsibility, and that protection from removal now requires at least five years' residence for people born in Portugal or present since before age 10. It also describes new border screening and return procedures with Ombudsman monitoring.

This is a law firm's summary. For the exact legal requirements, check the text of the law and the official authority.

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