Portugal’s Immigration Policy Is Shifting — Expats, Take Note!

We have a saying... "Quem te avisa, teu amigo é!" – Meaning: only a real friend tells you the hard truth. Consider this your heads-up — from someone who lives here, works here, and cares about how you land. Over the past few years, Portugal has been portrayed as a dream destination — beautiful, affordable, welcoming. But behind the scenes, a major policy shift is unfolding that every expat, or would-be expat, needs to be aware of. 1. The End of the “Manifestação de Interesse” This mechanism once allowed undocumented migrants to regularize their status over time. It’s now gone. There’s no more post-facto legalisation for those who enter without proper documentation or contracts. From now on, it’s by-the-book, or nothing. 2. SEF is Dead. AIMA is Here — and Stricter. Portugal’s immigration authority, SEF, has been officially dismantled. Its replacement, AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum), is already operating with tighter controls. Expect: - S...