On May 18, 2025, early parliamentary elections were held in Portugal. Their outcome may influence the country’s political direction, including its approach to immigration.
Seat Distribution
- AD (center-right) — 86
- PS (socialists) — 58
- Chega (far-right) — 58
- IL (liberals) — 9
- Livre — 6
- BE and PCP — 4 in total
The center-right coalition AD has strengthened its position. Chega became the third-largest party in Parliament and received majority support in several southern districts.
Potential Impact on Immigration Policy
Immigration was one of the central topics during the election campaign. The parties that gained the most seats have previously supported stricter policies:
- voted against liberalizing legalization procedures;
- proposed abolishing the “expression of interest” mechanism (Articles 88 and 89);
- supported increasing the minimum naturalization period from 5 to 10 years;
- advocated for stricter review of residency applications, especially in cases of suspected document fraud;
- called for immigration quotas and stronger enforcement of employer responsibilities.
What Happens Next
The president will begin consultations and appoint a party to form the new government. Until this process is complete, significant legal changes are unlikely. However, the general direction is already becoming clear: increased control, review of current legalization mechanisms, and potentially tougher conditions.
Recommendations for Applicants
If you are already in the process of applying or are planning to submit an application, it’s important to act without delay:
- Check your current status and ensure there are no risks of expiry or rejection.
- Prepare your documents in advance.
- Seek professional advice, especially if your case involves employment, freelancing, family reunification, or the CPLP program.
Conclusion
Portugal’s immigration policy may become more restrictive in the coming months. As long as the current rules remain in place, there is still an opportunity to benefit from them. It is advisable to monitor news closely and not delay your next steps