Meridian · Freshness tracker

What's changed.

Dated updates to visa, tax, residency, citizenship, housing, and labour policy across every country tracked. Every entry cites its primary source and the date we last verified it.

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Category All categoriesVisa & immigrationResidencyCitizenshipTaxationLabourHousingHealthcareOther
In force 3 Jun 2024
In force Visa & immigration

"Manifestação de interesse" in-country regularisation route ended

The "manifestação de interesse" route, which had allowed third-country nationals who entered Portugal legally to regularise status in-country based on social-security contributions, was ended as part of the June 2024 migration package. New applicants must now apply through consular visa channels abroad. Already-lodged expressions of interest continue to be processed.

Who it affects: Third-country nationals arriving in Portugal without a prior long-stay visa.

Ministério da Administração Interna ↗ · AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 3 Jun 2024
In force Visa & immigration

AIMA Mission Plan launched to clear 400,000-case backlog

The Portuguese government launched a dedicated AIMA "mission structure" in June 2024 tasked with clearing an inherited backlog of approximately 400,000 pending residence-permit and regularisation cases — the largest backlog in AIMA's first year. Triage offices were opened and additional staff seconded from other ministries.

Who it affects: All third-country nationals in the AIMA backlog since late 2022.

Ministério da Administração Interna ↗ · AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Governo de Portugal ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 29 Oct 2023
In force Visa & immigration

AIMA replaces SEF as migration authority

The Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) replaced the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras on 29 October 2023, absorbing most civilian immigration functions. Border-police functions transferred to PSP/GNR. The transition contributed to a large backlog in residence-permit processing through 2024-2025.

Who it affects: All third-country nationals with residence cases; Portuguese residents renewing permits.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Diário da República Eletrónico ↗ · Ministério da Administração Interna ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 30 Oct 2022
In force Visa & immigration

D8 Digital Nomad Visa formally launched

Portugal introduced the D8 Digital Nomad Visa (Visto para atividade profissional prestada remotamente) on 30 October 2022. It offers long-stay entry for remote workers earning at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage from non-Portuguese employers or clients, with a route to residence permit thereafter. It has become one of the most-used remote-work visas in Europe.

Who it affects: Remote workers with non-Portuguese employers seeking to relocate.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Diário da República Eletrónico ↗ · verified 2026-04-21

In force 30 Oct 2022
In force Visa & immigration

D8 Digital Nomad Visa introduced

Portugal introduced a dedicated remote-worker residence permit (visto de residência para exercício de atividade profissional prestada de forma remota, commonly "D8") from 30 October 2022. Applicants demonstrating foreign-source income of at least four times the national minimum wage (approximately €3,480/month in 2025) qualify for either a one-year temporary-stay visa or a residence permit renewable for up to five years with a path to permanent residence and citizenship.

Who it affects: Non-EU remote workers and freelancers with foreign clients considering Portuguese residency.

Portal de Vistos (Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros) ↗ · AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Diário da República ↗ · verified 2026-04-18

In force 30 Oct 2022
In force Visa & immigration

Work-Seeker Visa (Visto para Procura de Trabalho) introduced

A new residence visa for the purpose of job search was created under the 2022 Lei dos Estrangeiros revision, allowing non-EU nationals to enter Portugal for up to 120 days (extendable once by 60 days) to look for work. Holders who sign an employment contract during the stay can then convert directly to a work residence permit without leaving the country.

Who it affects: Non-EU nationals seeking entry to Portugal to search for employment.

AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo ↗ · Portal de Vistos (Ministério dos Negócios Estrangeiros) ↗ · Diário da República ↗ · verified 2026-04-18