Portugal to Tighten Visa Rules in Response to Record Immigration

  • Number of foreign residents in Portugal rose 33% in 2023
  • Government approved the planned new requirements on Monday

People board a tram in the Baixa district of Lisbon.

Photographer: Goncalo Fonseca/Bloomberg
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Portugal’s government plans to tighten immigration rules by requiring a work visa from most foreigners wishing to enter and live in the country.

Until now, a foreign citizen who entered Portugal with a tourist visa and found a job would be able to apply for a residence permit. With the planned new requirements, most foreigners wanting to work in the country will need to apply for a work visa at a Portuguese consulate prior to arriving, Presidency Minister Antonio Leitao Amaro said on Monday.