Law No. 62/2026 was published in the Diário da República on Thursday, 10 September, and entered into force the following day.

The new law changes the legal framework for foreigners in Portugal, impacting the possibilities of regularisation for foreign citizens who are in Portugal without the appropriate visa.

The legislation represents a further change to the immigration and residence regime, changing rules on entry, stay, removal, screening, border procedures, and international protection, Executive Digest reports.

Residence permit

The law was enacted by President António José Seguro, and it amends Article 92 of Law No. 23/2007 and repeals its paragraph 4, maintaining the possibility of granting a residence permit to secondary school students or students in level 4 courses. This only applies when they hold a residence visa issued under the terms of the law, and if they meet the other required conditions.

A secondary school student, or a student in level 4 courses, who holds such a visa may be granted a residence permit if they are enrolled in an educational establishment, meet the stipulated conditions, and are covered by the National Health Service or health insurance.

Broader change

The change follows Portugal’s 2024 closure of the system that allowed certain foreign citizens to seek to regularise their situation in Portugal without having previously obtained the corresponding residence visa.

Law No. 62/2026 also ensures the implementation of several European regulations and transposes two European Union directives related to international protection, reception, and single authorisation for residence and work.

It also establishes changes to the procedures for deciding on residence permit applications. The application must be decided within 90 days, which may be extended by a further 30 days in exceptional and justified situations, particularly due to the complexity of the application.