The newly elected Portuguese Government, which took office in May, has already begun its work to boost investment, technology, attract global talent steering Portugal towards economic prosperity to become a Global leader.
Measures taken by the New Government in Portugal implementing changes to Immigration and Citizenship matters will be the subject of parliamentary debate and other legislative changes, which may directly or indirectly affect both applicants and current holders of residence permits under various immigration programmes.
Proposed Measures
- A New National Unit for Foreigners and Borders (UNEF) within the Public Security Police (PSP), specialized to ensure police dedicated a to immigration control.
- Transfer the authority of renewal of residence permits from IRN to AIMA
- Extend the minimum period of residence (currently set at 5 years for citizenship)
- Extend the priod actual presence spent in Portugal (currently 2 weeks every 2 years).
- Removal of time spent illegally in the country for citizenship.
- Make Golden Visa program even more appealing to global investors, with extended tax incentives under consideration.
- Foreigners who seek Portuguese nationality must prove a genuine connection and successful integration into the country;
- Introduction of Portuguese language proficiency for the renewal of certain types of residence permits;
- Suspension of family reunification requests to control foreign population in Portugal.
Draft Laws
The bills are presented to the government by Chega, yet to be voted
- Draft Law 22/XVII/1 – Cancel adopt temporary residence permits obtained fraudulently
- Draft Law 23/XVII/1 – Adopt immediate suspension of family reunification requested by immigrants with legal residence in Portugal
- Nationality Draft Law 20/XVII/1 – Proposes to amend the Nationality Law to restrict the acquisition of Portuguese nationality (6-10 years of legal residency and approval on National Integration and Citizenship Test) and ensure the possibility of its loss in certain cases connected with criminal behaviour
Coming soon
We believe the above changes soon be approved by Portugal government with the support of the opposition parties Chega and PS becoming a law in a year or two. This will change the face of immigration in Portugal and tighter rules for acquisition of Portuguese nationality.
Apply Now
We suggest present and future investor candidates applying for golden visa through fund must immediately start applying for Portugal GV, to benefit from the current legal framework. Applications shall be governed by the version of the Law in force at the date the application is submitted.
Credit: Prime Legal
