The law introduces stricter immigration requirements, limiting access to the Portuguese labor market to highly qualified foreign professionals. The previous visa has been replaced by a new 鈥渉ighly qualified job-seeking visa.鈥�
For foreign workers, the situation remains uncertain. The new system cannot yet be implemented, as the necessary decree has not been issued. In practice, this means that candidates whose appointments were cancelled have no current recourse. They must wait until the new framework takes effect, and only if they meet the tougher eligibility criteria.
The upcoming decree will define the specific requirements for obtaining a highly qualified job-seeking visa. Applicants should expect to prove their professional qualifications, as the government has already mentioned the need for 鈥渟pecific technical skills.鈥� The law also tightens the conditions for family reunification, making it harder for foreign residents to bring relatives to Portugal.
