Portugal’s Constitutional Court has recently rejected key provisions of a proposed immigration reform bill, reaffirming the country’s commitment to family reunification and legal certainty. For international moving companies, this ruling represents a significant win, preserving a stable and predictable environment for relocation services.
The rejected bill would have imposed a two-year waiting period before immigrants could apply for family reunification, excluded spouses and adult children from immediate eligibility, and introduced vague criteria around housing and income. The Court ruled these measures unconstitutional.
The ruling shows that Portugal remains a welcoming destination for families seeking to settle together. It ensures that families can relocate without facing arbitrary delays or legal uncertainty. The ruling also leaves Portugal’s popular Golden Visa programme untouched. These residency-by-investment schemes attract high-net-worth individuals who frequently require premium relocation services, including transport of luxury goods, vehicles, and property.