Portugal is leading the way in immigration reform once again. With the introduction of Law No. 9/2025, the country has standardized the validity periods of residence permits for nationals from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). This change marks a key moment in ensuring that all third-country nationals are treated equally under Portuguese immigration law.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack what this law means, why it’s so important, and how it positively impacts nationals from CPLP countries like Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique.
🌍 What is the CPLP?
Before we dive into the law itself, let’s quickly cover what the CPLP is.
The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) is an intergovernmental organization made up of nations where Portuguese is an official language. It was established to promote political and diplomatic cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic integration.
CPLP Member States:
Angola
Brazil
Cape Verde
Equatorial Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Mozambique
Portugal
São Tomé and Príncipe
Timor-Leste
These countries share strong historical and cultural ties, and Portugal has long maintained a privileged relationship with them — especially when it comes to migration and residency rights.
📜 Understanding Law No. 9/2025
Law No. 9/2025, enacted on February 14, 2025, was introduced to harmonize the validity of residence permits for CPLP nationals with those of other third-country nationals.
✅ What Changed?
Previously, CPLP citizens were issued residence permits that didn’t always match the validity periods given to citizens from other non-EU countries. This created confusion, inefficiency, and, in some cases, perceptions of unequal treatment.
With Law No. 9/2025, the Portuguese government has:
Standardized residence permit durations for CPLP nationals
Ensured equality between CPLP nationals and other third-country nationals
Reduced bureaucratic inconsistencies
Improved immigration processing and integration policies
🛂 Equal Residence Permits for CPLP Nationals
One of the most notable outcomes of the law is that CPLP nationals will now receive residence permits with the same duration and renewal terms as other non-EU nationals.
Key Benefits:
Fair Treatment: All non-EU foreign nationals are now treated equally regarding permit duration.
Simplified Process: A single system makes it easier for government bodies to process and renew documents.
Stronger Ties: Portugal shows commitment to its historical and cultural bonds with CPLP countries.
This means, for example, a Brazilian or Mozambican national applying for residence in Portugal will no longer receive a shorter-term permit than, say, someone from the United States or India.
🧾 Extended Validity for Existing Residency Documents
In addition to aligning validity periods, Portugal has also extended the legal validity of residence documents and visasthat expired on or after February 22, 2020. These are now considered valid until June 30, 2025.
This extension was introduced to accommodate backlogs and processing delays, especially those resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
👩💼 According to Portuguese immigration lawyers at LVP Advogados:
“Residency documents and visas will continue to be accepted by all Portuguese public authorities… including for accessing public services, entering and leaving the country, and for purposes of renewing these permits.”
📌 Source: LVP Advogados – Residency Document Validity Extension
🔐 Integration with EU Border Security Standards
Law No. 9/2025 also includes a nod to European Union regulations by incorporating aspects of EU Regulation 2017/2226, which governs the Entry/Exit System (EES).
Key Updates:
Biometric data collection at border points
Tracking entry and exit of third-country nationals
Enhanced border security and efficiency
This integration with EU policy ensures that Portugal remains aligned with European immigration standards, enhancing both national and continental security.
📌 Source: European Commission – EES Regulation
🧩 Why This Law Is a Big Deal
So, why is this change significant? Here’s what Law No. 9/2025 represents in broader terms:
1. Equality in Immigration
This law ensures that CPLP nationals are not treated as a separate class of migrants. Everyone outside the EU is subject to the same rules — fair and transparent.
2. Administrative Efficiency
One rulebook makes life easier for SEF (Portugal’s immigration authority), employers, universities, and applicants.
3. Integration Over Isolation
Longer and standardized permit durations help migrants feel more stable and connected to Portugal. It also aids in housing, employment, and access to services.
4. Strengthened Lusophone Ties
This reform sends a clear message: Portugal values its linguistic and cultural partners and wants to treat them with the respect and equality they deserve.
💼 What CPLP Nationals Should Know Before Applying
If you’re a CPLP national thinking of moving to Portugal in 2025 or beyond, here’s what this law means for your application:
You can expect standardized, longer-duration residence permits
The renewal process will be aligned with general third-country policies
Any current or recently expired residency documents remain valid until June 30, 2025
There will be increased use of biometric and digital systems for processing
💡 Tip: Always apply early and monitor updates on the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) website: https://www.sef.pt
📣 Final Thoughts
Portugal’s Law No. 9/2025 is a bold step forward in aligning immigration practices with the principles of fairness, efficiency, and international cooperation. By extending equal residence permit terms to CPLP nationals, Portugal continues to set a progressive example in global migration policy.
Whether you’re from Brazil, Angola, or Guinea-Bissau, this law makes your journey toward living and working in Portugal clearer, fairer, and more predictable.