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The job seeker visa, which previously allowed foreign nationals to enter Portugal to look for work, was officially cancelled on October 23, 2025. All scheduled appointments and pending applications were immediately canceled, as this visa is no longer valid following the entry into force of the new immigration law.

This visa is expected to be replaced by a new system targeting highly qualified professionals, but the exact requirements, application opening date, and procedures have not yet been announced.

This means that it is currently no longer possible to apply for the standard job seeker visa, and applicants must wait for the official publication of the new specialized regime.

The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has recently updated its services to allow certain individuals already present in Portugal to regularize their stay, particularly those who meet academic or study-related requirements.

According to recent sources, the AIMA online portal now accepts residence permit applications from students and graduates who wish to continue their studies or enroll in a university program in Portugal, even if they were previously in a temporary or irregular situation.

This means that:

• Individuals already in Portugal with a student visa or a recent academic diploma may apply for a residence permit directly through the AIMA portal, provided they meet the required conditions;
• AIMA appointments have become more accessible for these profiles, with a strong focus on transitioning to valid residence permits for studies or academic training.

This is very positive news for international students and graduates who wish to remain legally in Portugal to study or continue their education.

As mentioned above, the former job seeker visa has been abolished, but it is expected to be replaced by a new job search visa aimed at highly qualified professionals (with recognized diplomas, professional experience, or specialized skills).

This new visa is expected to:

• Be reserved for highly qualified individuals;
• Be subject to strict academic or technical skill criteria;
• Potentially allow a temporary stay with the possibility of transitioning to a work or residence permit.

While the official details are still pending publication by the Portuguese authorities, this reform clearly shows Portugal's intention to attract skilled and qualified talent.

In 2025, Portugal recorded a significant increase in the number of residence permits issued, with approximately 386,463 permits granted by October 2025, representing an increase of around 60% compared to the previous year.

This increase is largely due to the processing of backlogged applications (especially those linked to the former "expression of interest" system), as well as the prioritization of qualified workers, students, and online permit renewals.

We continue to monitor official figures and will share practical updates as new processing priorities are confirmed.