New Rules for Residence Permit Applications in Portugal (April 2025)

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Last updated
April 22, 2025

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Starting April 28, 2025, Portugal’s immigration authority (AIMA) will only accept residence permit applications that are complete at the time of submission.

This includes both new applications and renewals. Any submission missing even one legally required document will no longer be accepted for review. This is a shift from previous procedures, where incomplete cases could still be submitted and updated later.

Impact on Employers

If you're hiring or relocating international employees to Portugal, you’ll need to make sure all required documents are ready before any immigration appointment. This applies to:

  • Residence permit applications for new hires
  • Renewals for current employees already in Portugal

Applications must comply with Law 23/2007 of July 4 and Regulatory Decree 01/2024 of January 17. A fully prepared application from the start is now essential to avoid delays or rejections.

Why This Change Matters

This update reflects Portugal’s broader effort to modernize its immigration system, following recent reforms like the new 20-day work visa and the introduction of a unified identification number.

For employers, it adds a new layer of responsibility: any missing documentation can now delay a hire or interrupt the permit renewal of an existing employee. Preparing each case carefully and verifying that all required documents are included at the time of submission is now essential.

How Jobbatical Can Support Your Team

With no flexibility for incomplete submissions, staying compliant with the updated requirements is more important than ever.
At Jobbatical, we help you get it right the first time. Our team works with you to gather all the necessary documents and submit complete, compliant applications.

Hiring in Portugal? Talk to our immigration experts to keep your process on track.

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