Portugal
Validity of residence permits
Impact date: 1 July 2025 This Decree-Law extends the validity of residence permits relating to the stay of foreign citizens within the national territory.
Employer implications/action needed Since the pandemic and the difficulties relating to the regular operation of the immigration authority, the Government has been extending the validity of residence visa documents that prove the regular status of foreign citizens in national territory.
With this extension, residence permits that expire between 22 February 2020 and 30 June 2025 are accepted, under the same terms, until 15 October 2025.
After 15 October 2025, documents related to residence permits will be accepted if presented with proof of payment of the renewal application, issued by the immigration authorities. Such proof is valid for 180 days from the issuance date.
Employer risk Companies must verify whether all foreign employees have a valid document allowing them to legally work in Portugal.
Proof of life to be provided by disability, elderly and survivor pensioners abroad
Impact date: 1 August 2025 The Executive Order no 274/2025/1, 31 July regulates the proof of life, at national level, to be provided by disability, elderly and survivor pensioners under the general social security scheme who are resident abroad.
Social Security pensioners residing abroad must prove on an annual basis that they are alive, under penalty of suspension of their pension. The evidence can be provided in documentary form, in person or digitally.
Employer implications/action needed N/A
Employer risk N/A
Measures to support and mitigate the impact of rural fires
Impact date: 25 August 2025
An exceptional and temporary exemption from social security contributions was created to support and mitigate the impact of rural fires, as follows:
- Total exemption from the payment of social security contributions for a period of up to six months, which can be extended for a maximum of the same period, subject to assessment, for companies, cooperatives and self-employed employees whose activity has been directly affected by the fires
- Partial exemption of 50% of the payment of social security contributions by the employer for a period of one year for companies and cooperatives hiring employees who were unemployed as a direct result of the fires
- An extraordinary financial incentive is granted for a period of three months, with the possibility of extension, to companies and cooperatives evidencing need of support to ensure the maintenance of jobs whose economic viability is estimated to be affected by the fires, in order to take preventive action against unemployment
- Employees affected by rural fires have priority in selection and referral for active employment measures
- Training initiatives are being developed to promote professional development, improve professional skills and enhance the employability of unemployed people in areas affected by rural fires
- Employers who can prove that they are experiencing a business crisis as a result of the fires can more easily benefit from the furlough regime
Employer implications/action needed Employers who have been affected by the fires may benefit from these measures.
Employer risk N/A
Preliminary draft Labour Law reform
Impact date: N/A The Government has submitted a draft law amending the Labour Code and related legislation.
Several proposals have been made on areas concerning teleworking, parental leave, fixed-term contracts, training, outsourcing, holidays and employment quotas for people with disabilities.
However, this is only a preliminary draft, and these measures are still subject to negotiation.
Employer implications/action needed N/A
Employer risk N/A
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