AIMA, residency permits, nationality and visa rules — what changed and what it means for you.
Immigration
Chega proposals to prioritize access to schools and daycare centers raise doubts
The political party Chega has proposed giving priority access to schools and daycare centers to children of Portuguese nationals, EU citizens, and Social Security contributors. Constitutional experts consulted by PÚBLICO state that this proposal is likely unconstitutional and discriminatory.
Why it mattersWhile this is a political proposal rather than an enacted law, it reflects a shift in public debate that could eventually affect your access to education or daycare if such criteria were ever adopted into policy.
Justice system guarantees return of young man deported to Portugal, but family fears retaliation
A court ruling has authorized the return of 19-year-old student Kauê Matos to Portugal, following his earlier deportation. Despite the decision, the student remains in Brazil due to trauma and concerns over safety as the school year is about to begin.
Why it mattersThis court decision reinforces legal avenues for challenging deportations, though the case remains sensitive due to the ongoing concerns of the family regarding the student's safety upon his return.
Crime in Portugal: is this news real and was it published by the Brazilian press? SIC Verifica
A fact-check by SIC Verifica confirms that a viral image claiming Brazilian immigrants are driving up crime in Portugal is a fake, fabricated news report. Official statistics from the 2025 Annual Internal Security Report (RASI) show no correlation between nationality and crime trends, noting that the reported 3.1% rise in general crime is primarily due to increased police activity and enforcement rather than an increase in violent crime.
Why it mattersThis report confirms that widespread claims linking your community or fellow immigrants to a crime wave are based on disinformation, with official security reports showing no evidence to support such narratives.
Suspended sentence for teacher accused of making homophobic comments in Aveiro
A teacher convicted of making homophobic comments received a suspended sentence, provided he pays 500 euros in compensation to the ILGA Portugal association.
Why it mattersThis court ruling underscores the legal consequences for hate speech and discrimination in Portugal; while it concerns one individual, it reflects the judiciary's application of anti-discrimination laws.
Increase in immigration explains the rise in the number of students
A study by the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation indicates that the number of students in Portugal has exceeded two million despite declining birth rates, a growth directly attributed to the rise in immigration. The report also highlights persistent regional inequalities in the education system.
Why it mattersIf you are an immigrant parent, this data confirms that the school system is experiencing increased demand due to recent migration, which may correlate with the regional variations in school capacity and resources you might observe.
Digital passport control system operating without constraints
The new digital passport control system has been operational for 24 hours across airports in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, with no technical issues reported and reduced passenger wait times.
Why it mattersIf you are traveling through Lisbon, Porto, or Faro airports, you should experience faster passport control processing thanks to the new digital system.
Initiative to combat loneliness among immigrant women promotes picnic
The "Not Alone. Not Anymore" movement is hosting a free picnic for immigrant women on September 12 at 15:00 in Parque Eduardo VII, Lisbon. Participants are asked to bring a blanket, food or drinks to share, and their own cups; children are welcome.
Why it mattersThis event provides a community-building opportunity and social support network specifically for immigrant women living in Lisbon.
Foreigners Law: instead of curing the disease, the arm is cut off
The new Foreigners Law, recently promulgated by the President, is expected to be published in the coming days. It ends the possibility of applying for residency authorization while already in the country, tightens deportation rules, and introduces stricter measures for the detention of undocumented individuals.
Why it mattersThe path to residency via expression of interest is effectively closing; if you are currently in Portugal and were planning to use this process to regularize your status, you face a major change that will likely require you to look for alternative legal avenues before the new rules take full effect upon publication.
Secondary education completion rates lower in Lisbon, Setúbal, and Algarve
A Pordata report indicates that secondary school completion rates within the expected three-year period are significantly lower in the Greater Lisbon, Setúbal Peninsula, and Algarve regions compared to the national average. The report also highlights a growing number of foreign students in Portuguese higher education, with Brazil, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, France, and Italy being the top countries of origin.
“Speak Portuguese!”: reports of prejudice against immigrants become research in Portugal
The University Institute of Lisbon (Iscte) has launched an online survey aiming to reach 1,000 immigrants from CPLP countries to map experiences of discrimination and xenophobia in Portugal.
Why it mattersAs an immigrant, participating in this study allows you to contribute your experiences to a formal mapping of discrimination, which may help identify systemic issues and inform future integration policy.
Airport border control: Mandatory collection of biometric data in effect
The mandatory collection of biometric data (facial images and fingerprints) for all passengers arriving from countries outside the European Union begins this Sunday, September 6, 2026.
Why it mattersIf you are traveling to Portugal from outside the EU, expect mandatory fingerprinting and facial scanning at border control, which may increase processing times upon arrival.
'When I'm granted nationality, I'll throw a party.' Pedro was born in Portugal and is awaiting stateless person status
Born in Portimão to Ukrainian parents, Pedro is currently not recognized as a citizen by either Portugal or Ukraine, leaving him in a legal limbo as he awaits official recognition of his stateless status.
Why it mattersWhile this is an individual case, it highlights the systemic challenges and legal difficulties for people born in Portugal to foreign parents who face barriers in obtaining citizenship or recognition from their parents' country of origin.
European Commission wants common qualifications between member states to facilitate access to the labour market
The European Commission is proposing a 'European Diploma' to simplify professional recognition across EU countries. This initiative aims to eliminate the current, often lengthy process of requesting academic and professional equivalencies to work in one's field of training in another member state.
Why it mattersIf you are a foreign resident in Portugal or planning to work elsewhere in the EU with a degree obtained in another member state, this proposal aims to eventually remove the bureaucratic hurdles of getting your qualifications recognized, though it is currently in the proposal stage.
What could be on the Portuguese nationality test? Engineer creates online simulation
An independent engineer has created an online tool to simulate a future Portuguese nationality knowledge test, based on the Constitution and the law. The tool is unofficial, as the government has not yet issued the formal regulations for the test, which was already expected to be defined by August.
Why it mattersWhile this tool is unofficial, it illustrates the ongoing uncertainty for residency holders; keep in mind that the official government regulations for the new nationality test have not yet been released, so no study material is currently verified.
Stateless persons: AIMA has only 17 registrations for people without assigned nationality
AIMA confirms it has completed all necessary technical and administrative adaptations to process the Stateless Person Status, which officially came into force this month. Currently, only 17 individuals have registered under this new framework.
Why it mattersIf you are currently without a nationality or are in a situation of statelessness, you can now officially apply for recognition of this status at AIMA, as the legal framework and procedures are now fully operational.
Portugal has signed a contract for technical assistance, maintenance, and training for PSP teams to support the European Entry/Exit System (EES). Starting this Sunday, September 6, 2026, the collection of biometric data (photos and fingerprints) for all non-EU citizens will be mandatory at 100% capacity.
Why it mattersIf you are a non-EU citizen traveling through Portuguese airports, you should expect potential delays from Sunday as the mandatory 100% biometric registration process is implemented.
AIMA to hire 150 workers to increase immigrant response capacity
The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) plans to recruit 150 additional staff members to address delays in services. This follows a reported 17% increase in staffing between July 2024 and July 2026, though the Migration Technicians' Union has questioned the effectiveness of these figures.
Why it mattersIf you are awaiting an AIMA appointment or processing, this recruitment push aims to improve service capacity, though the union suggests that internal staffing challenges may persist.
The President promulgated several laws this week, including the Foreigners and Asylum Act on Monday, September 1st, 2026. Other signed diplomas include rules on public entity payments, emissions trading, renewable energy, and judicial officer careers.
Why it mattersThe President has formally enacted the new Foreigners and Asylum Act, which is now one step closer to becoming fully operational law; you should monitor the official publication (Diário da República) for the effective date and specific implementation rules.
Police close protocol with immigrant associations to 'humanize' airports
The PSP has established a partnership with immigrant associations to recruit and train staff to assist travelers from the moment they deplane until they reach border control. This initiative aims to provide support and reduce waiting times in airport arrival areas.
Why it mattersIf you are arriving at a Portuguese airport, you can expect to encounter new support staff intended to help navigate the arrival process and speed up your transit through immigration.
Ask the Lawyer: Under which article can I still regularize my stay in Portugal?
The article explains that Portuguese immigration law has undergone significant changes, notably the revocation of the 'manifestation of interest' procedure in June 2024. It emphasizes that there is no 'choice' of article, but rather that a resident's specific personal and professional circumstances determine which legal framework, if any, they may qualify under.
Why it mattersIf you are currently in Portugal without a residence permit, you should not rely on older processes or anecdotal advice from others; you must evaluate your specific situation—such as entry method, employment, family ties, and visa status—against the current, stricter legal requirements.
PSP expects to finish increasing immigrant detention capacity this month
The PSP plans to complete the expansion of the Santo António Temporary Installation Center (CIT-UHSA) in Porto by the end of September 2026, adding 80 new beds via container units. Additionally, renovations at the Faro Airport detention facility are scheduled for completion in October 2026.
Why it mattersThis expansion prepares for stricter immigration rules that include extending the potential detention period for foreign nationals from 60 to up to 360 days and increasing forced removal procedures.
Nepal: missing rise to over 5,600 and dead climb to 1,280
Following the devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet on August 26, the death toll has reached 1,280 with 5,624 people missing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lisbon confirmed that four Portuguese citizens are among the missing: three in Nepal and one in Tibet.
Why it mattersThis report confirms that Portuguese citizens are among the victims of the disaster in Nepal and Tibet, affecting families and the Portuguese consular response.
Brussels prepares new visa restrictions for countries it considers hostile
The European Commission is preparing a proposal to further restrict visas for citizens of countries deemed 'hostile' and posing security risks, such as Russia. The changes will be part of an upcoming review of the EU Visa Code, though individual visa decisions will continue to be handled by national authorities.
Why it mattersWhile this is currently an EU-level proposal, if adopted, it would impact the visa application process for citizens of nations designated as hostile by the EU when applying for entry into Portugal.
Aviation sector pressures Brussels to curb costs and simplify environmental rules
Industry association IATA is lobbying the European Commission to simplify climate requirements and address ongoing technical issues with the new Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES is transitioning away from current implementation flexibilities in the coming days, which the industry warns may cause operational disruptions for travelers.
Why it mattersIf you are a non-EU citizen traveling in or out of the Schengen area, the end of current EES implementation flexibilities could lead to increased processing times or technical delays at borders in the coming days.
Delayed nationality processes? See in which cases it is possible to request urgency
The Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN) has standardized the criteria for requesting priority in nationality applications, confirming that mere delay is not sufficient grounds. Applicants must prove imminent, irreparable, and serious harm, such as risk of statelessness, imminent deportation, loss of employment due to visa expiration, life-threatening medical needs, or humanitarian crises; age (75+) is now also an explicit criterion.
Why it mattersIf your nationality application is stalled, you can only request priority by submitting specific documentary proof of a concrete emergency, as standardized by the IRN; simple waiting time is not enough to grant you an expedited review.