Bikrant Niure 
Thousands of non-EU citizens who have lived legally in Portugal for at least five years now have a new way to apply for permanent residency. AIMA has opened a dedicated option on its online Contact Form, allowing eligible foreign residents to request an appointment to submit their permanent residence applications in person. The new procedure, … Read more
Finding a job in Portugal requires more than sending your CV to recruitment websites. For many people, especially foreigners, the most effective approach is to combine personal contacts, local Facebook groups, OLX, LinkedIn, recruitment agencies and Portugal’s official IEFP employment service. The Portuguese government also provides an important option for non-EU citizens who are still … Read more
Waiting for Portuguese nationality can take years. In 2026, some applicants are facing an estimated wait of around three years, while others may receive a decision sooner or wait considerably longer, depending on the type of application and the office handling it. The growing backlog at the Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN), differences between … Read more
Bringing your spouse, children or parents to Portugal through family reunification has become increasingly difficult, not only because of changes in immigration law but also because of problems obtaining appointments with AIMA. Although the agency officially provides ways to request appointments, many residents say they cannot get a response through the available channels, leading some … Read more
Portugal has approved new regulations that will determine how foreign residents qualify for Portuguese citizenship, introducing clearer procedures for knowledge tests, financial requirements and identity checks. The decision was taken by the Council of Ministers on 29 October 2026, with the Government also promising simpler digital applications and faster processing of nationality cases. The announcement … Read more
Living in Portugal with a foreign degree? You may need to have your qualification officially recognised to continue studying, apply for certain jobs or meet professional requirements. The process depends on whether you completed secondary school, a university degree or a professional course, and choosing the correct route can save you time and money. Portugal … Read more
Portugal has changed the minimum residence period for foreign nationals seeking Portuguese citizenship through naturalisation. Under Organic Law No. 1/2026, which took effect on 19 May 2026, eligible citizens of European Union countries and countries where Portuguese is an official language generally need seven years of legal residence, while nationals of other countries must complete … Read more
Portugal’s D1 visa is the main residence-visa route for many non-EU workers who already have a job in the country. For applicants from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and other Asian countries, the key point is simple: you normally need a genuine Portuguese employment offer or contract before applying. As of 23 October 2026, the application … Read more
Portugal’s housing crisis is making it increasingly difficult for many immigrants and low-wage workers to find an affordable place to live, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. With Portugal’s minimum monthly wage reaching €920 in 2026, even people who have jobs can struggle to pay rent, cover everyday expenses and meet landlords’ requirements. Moving to smaller … Read more
Portugal had 690,480 pending Portuguese nationality applications on 30 June 2026, according to Ministry of Justice data reported by Público, Observador and ECO on 21 October. The total was 38% higher than a year earlier, highlighting the growing challenge facing people waiting for Portuguese citizenship, despite government efforts to increase processing capacity. Portugal’s citizenship backlog … Read more