New Family Reunification Rule in Portugal

Legal Residence for Two Years

As of 2025, the immigration framework in Portugal has been updated to introduce a key new requirement for family reunification under the law governing the entry, stay, exit and removal of foreign nationals (namely Law No. 23/2007 and its subsequent amendments). Under this new regulation, foreign nationals who hold a residence permit in Portugal and wish to bring eligible family members to join them must generally have been legally residing in Portugal for at least two years before submitting the family-reunification application.

What exactly has changed

Previously, the law allowed holders of a valid residence permit to apply for family reunification relatively freely, so long as the basic requirements were met (family relationship, accommodation, means of subsistence, etc.). The law did not specify, in clear terms, a minimum residence duration threshold in Portugal before the principal applicant (the sponsor) could initiate the family-reunification process.
Under the 2025 amendment, that has changed: the two-year residence requirement is now a formal part of the legal regime for family reunification.

New criteria

The prominent resident (sponsor) must have held a valid legal residence permit in Portugal and have resided ordinarily in the country for at least two years. lexology.com+1

The family-member application (for spouse/partner, minor children, etc.) must meet the usual prerequisites: proof of the family link, adequate accommodation, sufficient means of subsistence (not relying on social assistance), and often demonstration of integration (for example, schooling for minors) and Portuguese language/cultural awareness. Governo de Portugal+1

Applications by adult family members (parents, adult children) are now more strictly regulated; in-country applications may be limited (for minors, exceptions may apply), and external (consular) channels may be required.

Exceptions and transitional rules

The government’s reasoning for introducing the two-year threshold is to reinforce the principle of integration and to align the right to family reunification with stable residence and social integration in Portugal. Governo de Portugal+1
In practice, this means that many migrants who previously might have submitted family-reunification requests shortly after obtaining a permit will now need to wait. This may lead to more extended waiting periods for joining family members and increase the importance of planning the timing of residence and related applications.
For lawyers, immigration advisors and potential migrants, it is now essential to verify whether the two-year rule applies in your case, whether any exceptions are available, and whether the application must be submitted from abroad or within Portugal.

What to do now

If you are a foreign national residing in Portugal and intend to bring your spouse, partner or children under the family-reunification scheme:

• Confirm that you have held a valid residence permit and have effectively resided in Portugal for at least two years (unless you meet an exception).
• Prepare all supporting documentation: family relationship, proof of accommodation, sufficient means of subsistence, evidence of integration.
• Consider whether your family-member application must be submitted via the Portuguese consulate abroad or can be made in Portugal.
• If you are in a special category (investment permit, highly qualified professional, minor or dependent family member), check whether you are exempt from the two-year rule or subject to accelerated conditions.
• Consult a qualified immigration lawyer or advisor to ensure the application is done correctly under the amended law.