Latest news and stories about legal reforms in Portugal for expats and residents.
The Minister of Labour meets again today with the UGT and the four business confederations regarding changes to labour law, following the appeal made by the President of the Republic after the 'rupture' announced by the employers.
The Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) proposed a law to suspend the statute of limitations (prazos de prescrição) when a defendant changes lawyers. The move aims to prevent “dilatory maneuvers” used to delay trials, citing the long-running case of former Prime Minister José Sócrates as an example. Those following the legal system should note the proposal targets the “carousel” of lawyer resignations that can lead to cases expiring.
José Sócrates is a former Portuguese Prime Minister who led the Socialist Party government from 2005 to 2011. He has been a central figure in high-profile legal cases linked to Operation Marquês, and recent reports say he plans to complain to the UN about Portugal's justice system.
Negotiations for the labour law (lei laboral) revision resume today between the government, employer confederations, and the General Workers' Union (União Geral de Trabalhadores or UGT). Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated that over 70 norms have been agreed upon, though key disagreements remain over the individual bank of hours (banco de horas) and rules regarding unlawful dismissal. Workers should note that the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses or CGTP) plans to attend despite not being officially invited.
The General Union of Workers (UGT – União Geral de Trabalhadores) is one of Portugal’s two main national trade union confederations. Founded in Lisbon on 28 October 1978, it was created as a social‑democratic alternative to the more communist‑aligned CGTP after the 1974 Revolution, grouping unions close to the Socialist Party and moderate centre‑right currents.
UGT represents around 400,000 workers and is affiliated to the European Trade Union Confederation and International Trade Union Confederation, giving Portuguese labour a voice at EU and global level. Its principles stress union independence from the state, employers, churches and parties, internal democracy and active worker participation.
Historically, UGT’s hallmark has been “propositive” social dialogue: it is usually more willing than CGTP to sign tripartite agreements on wages, labour law and social policy with governments and employers, shaping minimum wage increases, working‑time rules and social protection reforms. This makes UGT a key centrist actor in Portugal’s industrial relations, often mediating between left and right while defending collective bargaining and incremental improvements to labour rights.
The CGTP study is a report published by the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (Confederação Geral dos Trabalhadores Portugueses), Portugal's largest trade-union centre. Such studies typically analyse pay, working conditions and public-sector cuts and are used by unions to justify strike actions and policy demands.
Luís Filipe Montenegro Cardoso de Morais Esteves (born February 16, 1973, in Porto) is a Portuguese lawyer and center‑right politician who has served as Prime Minister of Portugal since April 2, 2024. A long‑time member of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), he is the leading figure of the post‑Troika generation of Portuguese conservatives. Montenegro was elected to the Assembly of the Republic in 2002 for the Aveiro district and remained an MP for 16 years, becoming PSD parliamentary leader from 2011 to 2017 during the bailout and austerity period under Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho. He was a prominent defender of strict austerity measures, arguing in 2014 that “the life of the people is no better, but the life of the country is a lot better,” a phrase that has followed his public image since. After an unsuccessful leadership bid against Rui Rio in 2020, Montenegro won the PSD leadership in 2022. He then forged the centre‑right Democratic Alliance (PSD–CDS‑PP and allies), which won a plurality of seats in the 2024 legislative election. Refusing to partner with the far‑right Chega, which he has called “often xenophobic, racist, populist and excessively demagogic,” he formed a minority government as head of the XXIV Constitutional Government on April 2, 2024. His first government fell in March 2025 after a no‑confidence vote linked to a conflict‑of‑interest affair, but fresh elections saw the Democratic Alliance increase its seat share, allowing Montenegro to return as prime minister leading the XXV Constitutional Government. His importance to Portugal lies in attempting to re‑center the traditional centre‑right after the crisis years, defending liberal‑conservative economics and EU alignment while drawing a sharp line against formal cooperation with the radical right, thus shaping how Portuguese democracy manages its new multi‑party era.
Nearly 32,000 asset-sharing disputes are currently pending in courts and notary offices, with resolution times stretching up to seven years and the total number of affected properties remaining unknown.
The government is preparing changes to housing policy that would allow one heir to force the sale of an inherited property even if others disagree. The plan also includes measures to accelerate evictions for non-compliance to encourage more owners to put houses on the rental market. While the government is ending the previous policy of forced leasing (arrendamento forçado), critics argue the new “forced selling” measure is equally controversial. Property owners and heirs should be aware of these upcoming legal shifts.
The President of the Court of Auditors (Tribunal de Contas) has called for a rigorous debate over government plans to reform the institution. A major point of contention is the proposed end of prior approval (visto prévio) for certain public contracts, which critics say is essential for financial sustainability. Former officials warn that weakening the court's oversight could undermine the state's ability to analyze complex private-sector contracts. Residents should note that these changes aim to speed up public procurement but face significant institutional pushback.
The Court of Auditors (Tribunal de Contas) is Portugal’s independent public audit body that inspects and approves the accounts of state entities, public companies and other bodies that use public funds. Its rejection of an organisation’s accounts signals serious financial irregularities and can lead to recoveries, fines or political fallout, so taxpayers and public-sector contractors should pay attention.
A parliamentary committee has approved expanding the right to be forgotten (direito ao esquecimento) to include patients with diabetes, HIV, cancer, and hepatitis C. The law ensures that individuals who have recovered or are managing these conditions face the same conditions as others when applying for bank credit or insurance. The proposal, originally from the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista), aims to end discrimination in financial services based on medical history. Those with chronic conditions should note that these changes will take effect once the final law is published.
Socialist Party (PS)
Portugal's other traditional major party suffered a historic collapse in the 2025 election, dropping from 78 to 58 seats and falling to third place for the first time in democratic history. The party was led by Pedro Nuno Santos from January 2024 until his resignation following the May 2025 defeat. José Luís Carneiro, a 53-year-old former Minister of Internal Administration known for his moderate positioning within the party, was elected unopposed as the new Secretary-General with 95% of votes in June 2025. The Socialist Party governed Portugal from 2015 to 2024, including an absolute majority from 2022 to 2024 under António Costa, who resigned in November 2023 amid a corruption investigation. The PS previously led the innovative "Geringonça" (contraption) coalition government from 2015-2019, a minority government supported by the Left Bloc and Portuguese Communist Party that reversed austerity measures and presided over economic recovery.
The right to be forgotten (direito ao esquecimento) is a legal protection that prevents banks and insurance companies from using a person's past medical history, such as cancer or HIV, to deny credit or insurance. In Portugal, this right typically applies ten years after the end of treatment for adults, or five years if the illness occurred before age 21. Residents seeking life insurance or mortgages after recovering from serious illness should be aware of these protections.
The government has approved new regulations to resolve undivided inheritances, aiming to boost housing supply and enhance fire prevention efforts.
The government is set to approve changes to tenancy laws (Lei do Arrendamento) this Thursday to expedite judicial decisions for non-payment of rent. The measures, led by Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Miguel Pinto Luz, aim to restore landlord confidence and bring thousands of vacant properties back to the market. Tenants should note that while the reform targets persistent non-payment, the government has stated it will include protections for vulnerable residents.
Update: New rules for undivided inheritances and evictions
The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) has approved three bills to resolve impasses in undivided inheritances (heranças indivisas) and speed up evictions for rent arrears. Minister of the Presidency (Ministro da Presidência) António Leitão Amaro explained that after two years of an inheritance being accepted, a single heir can now initiate a property sale to prevent one person from blocking the process. The government will consult Parliament next week, aiming to finalize the laws by the end of the month.
Miguel Pinto Luz is Portugal's Minister of Infrastructure. On Feb 24, 2026 he told journalists in Viseu that works on the A1 motorway in the Coimbra area would be fully completed and traffic restored to four lanes by the end of that week.
The Lei do Arrendamento (Leasing Law) is the primary legal framework governing rental agreements in Portugal. Recent government updates aim to speed up evictions for non-payment while maintaining protections for vulnerable residents to encourage more property owners to enter the rental market. Tenants should note that these changes may affect notice periods and dispute resolution processes.
The Council of Ministers (Conselho de Ministros) is Portugal’s national cabinet where the prime minister and ministers meet to approve government decisions, laws and emergency measures. In crises it can decide on declarations such as a state of calamity and the measures that follow; those decisions are then published in the Diário da República. Residents should note that a Council declaration can unlock national aid, resources and civil protection support for affected municipalities.
António Leitão Amaro is Portugal's Minister of the Presidency (Ministro da Presidência) in the government led by Luís Montenegro. He is a key figure in the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) and often is the government's spokesperson. Those following housing and rental policy should note his role in announcing the June 2024 measures regarding evictions and inheritances.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro faces criticism over his labour reform agenda, with commentators suggesting the government is distancing itself from a potentially failing policy while Montenegro defends his commitment to action-oriented reform.
The last meeting ended without an agreement and with mutual accusations of intransigence.
Update: Government schedules fresh labour law talks for Monday
Minister of Labour Rosário Palma Ramalho has summoned the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (União Geral de Trabalhadores or UGT) and business leaders to a meeting on Monday, March 16. The government aims to exhaust all possibilities for an agreement rather than prolonging the discussion indefinitely.
Rosário Palma Ramalho is Portugal’s Minister of Labour, responsible for labour policy, workplace regulation and negotiations with trade unions. Her statements today about the CGTP withdrawing from labour reform talks matter because they affect negotiation dynamics and can influence strikes or demonstrations that may disrupt public services and workplaces.
The General Union of Workers (UGT – União Geral de Trabalhadores) is one of Portugal’s two main national trade union confederations. Founded in Lisbon on 28 October 1978, it was created as a social‑democratic alternative to the more communist‑aligned CGTP after the 1974 Revolution, grouping unions close to the Socialist Party and moderate centre‑right currents.
UGT represents around 400,000 workers and is affiliated to the European Trade Union Confederation and International Trade Union Confederation, giving Portuguese labour a voice at EU and global level. Its principles stress union independence from the state, employers, churches and parties, internal democracy and active worker participation.
Historically, UGT’s hallmark has been “propositive” social dialogue: it is usually more willing than CGTP to sign tripartite agreements on wages, labour law and social policy with governments and employers, shaping minimum wage increases, working‑time rules and social protection reforms. This makes UGT a key centrist actor in Portugal’s industrial relations, often mediating between left and right while defending collective bargaining and incremental improvements to labour rights.
President António José Seguro and Parliament President José Pedro Aguiar-Branco have urged the government and social partners to resume negotiations on the new labour law (legislação laboral). While employer confederations recently stated conditions for an agreement were lacking, the government and some unions have expressed openness to further talks. The proposed reforms, known as the Trabalho XXI draft bill, have faced significant hurdles over issues like outsourcing and the right to disconnect. Workers should note that Socialist Party (Partido Socialista) leader José Luís Carneiro has criticized the current proposals as a “choice for inhumanity.”
Update: Business groups and UGT agree to resume labour talks
President Seguro has successfully revived negotiations after business confederations previously declared them over. The Confederation of Tourism (Confederação do Turismo de Portugal or CTP) and the Confederation of Commerce and Services (Confederação do Comércio e Serviços de Portugal or CCP) confirmed their availability to return to the table. The General Union of Workers (União Geral de Trabalhadores or UGT) also clarified it never intended to leave the discussions.
Socialist Party (PS)
Portugal's other traditional major party suffered a historic collapse in the 2025 election, dropping from 78 to 58 seats and falling to third place for the first time in democratic history. The party was led by Pedro Nuno Santos from January 2024 until his resignation following the May 2025 defeat. José Luís Carneiro, a 53-year-old former Minister of Internal Administration known for his moderate positioning within the party, was elected unopposed as the new Secretary-General with 95% of votes in June 2025. The Socialist Party governed Portugal from 2015 to 2024, including an absolute majority from 2022 to 2024 under António Costa, who resigned in November 2023 amid a corruption investigation. The PS previously led the innovative "Geringonça" (contraption) coalition government from 2015-2019, a minority government supported by the Left Bloc and Portuguese Communist Party that reversed austerity measures and presided over economic recovery.
José Pedro Aguiar‑Branco is the President of the Assembly of the Republic, who in this story requested that the Committee on Constitutional Affairs examine the constitutional conformity of government measures in a proposed bill. He is using his parliamentary role to trigger a formal review of changes affecting confession rules and the rights of the defence.
The General Union of Workers (UGT – União Geral de Trabalhadores) is one of Portugal’s two main national trade union confederations. Founded in Lisbon on 28 October 1978, it was created as a social‑democratic alternative to the more communist‑aligned CGTP after the 1974 Revolution, grouping unions close to the Socialist Party and moderate centre‑right currents.
UGT represents around 400,000 workers and is affiliated to the European Trade Union Confederation and International Trade Union Confederation, giving Portuguese labour a voice at EU and global level. Its principles stress union independence from the state, employers, churches and parties, internal democracy and active worker participation.
Historically, UGT’s hallmark has been “propositive” social dialogue: it is usually more willing than CGTP to sign tripartite agreements on wages, labour law and social policy with governments and employers, shaping minimum wage increases, working‑time rules and social protection reforms. This makes UGT a key centrist actor in Portugal’s industrial relations, often mediating between left and right while defending collective bargaining and incremental improvements to labour rights.
The new President took office in Belém, emphasizing the need for national stability while highlighting critical challenges including an ageing population, healthcare and housing deficits, and a slow judicial system.
The Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is calling for the creation of a specialized court to handle the massive backlog of immigration-related lawsuits. João Massano, head of the Lisbon Regional Council, estimated that there are currently 200,000 cases pending in administrative courts against the Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA). Visa holders and those awaiting residency should note that the proposal aims to speed up judicial decisions through mediation and specialized judges.
The Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) is the professional body that regulates lawyers in Portugal, manages ethics and professional registration, and organises legal aid and court-appointed defence. The association can set up permanent teams of court-appointed lawyers if it judges the current system inadequate, which is why the Ministry of Justice said it would not object to such a move.
João Massano is the President of the Lisbon Regional Council of the Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados). He is currently highlighting the backlog of 200,000 cases in administrative courts involving the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo or AIMA). Those awaiting residency should note his proposal for specialized judicial branches to speed up these pending immigration proceedings.
Negotiations for a new labour reform package ended without an agreement between the government, the General Workers' Union (União Geral de Trabalhadores or UGT), and employer confederations. The Business Confederation of Portugal (Confederação Empresarial de Portugal or CIP) stated that 12 points remain unresolved after seven months of debate, including last-minute demands that hindered a consensus. While the government blamed the UGT for being “intransigent,” the union argued the proposals were structurally inadequate and failed to meet necessary conditions. Workers should note that current labour laws remain in place as the future of the reform package is now uncertain.
Update: Opposition leader criticizes government's "lack of humility"
The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS), José Luís Carneiro, accused the government of a “lack of democratic humility” following the collapse of labor negotiations. Carneiro argued that the failure to reach an agreement with social partners harms the country's competitiveness and urged Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to resume dialogue on more acceptable terms.
The General Union of Workers (UGT – União Geral de Trabalhadores) is one of Portugal’s two main national trade union confederations. Founded in Lisbon on 28 October 1978, it was created as a social‑democratic alternative to the more communist‑aligned CGTP after the 1974 Revolution, grouping unions close to the Socialist Party and moderate centre‑right currents.
UGT represents around 400,000 workers and is affiliated to the European Trade Union Confederation and International Trade Union Confederation, giving Portuguese labour a voice at EU and global level. Its principles stress union independence from the state, employers, churches and parties, internal democracy and active worker participation.
Historically, UGT’s hallmark has been “propositive” social dialogue: it is usually more willing than CGTP to sign tripartite agreements on wages, labour law and social policy with governments and employers, shaping minimum wage increases, working‑time rules and social protection reforms. This makes UGT a key centrist actor in Portugal’s industrial relations, often mediating between left and right while defending collective bargaining and incremental improvements to labour rights.
CIP is the Confederation of Portuguese Business (Confederação Empresarial de Portugal), the main employers’ association that represents companies and sector groups in Portugal. It lobbies government on economic and labour policy and its statements are watched by investors, employers and workers when debates arise over funding rules and labour reforms.
Socialist Party (PS)
Portugal's other traditional major party suffered a historic collapse in the 2025 election, dropping from 78 to 58 seats and falling to third place for the first time in democratic history. The party was led by Pedro Nuno Santos from January 2024 until his resignation following the May 2025 defeat. José Luís Carneiro, a 53-year-old former Minister of Internal Administration known for his moderate positioning within the party, was elected unopposed as the new Secretary-General with 95% of votes in June 2025. The Socialist Party governed Portugal from 2015 to 2024, including an absolute majority from 2022 to 2024 under António Costa, who resigned in November 2023 amid a corruption investigation. The PS previously led the innovative "Geringonça" (contraption) coalition government from 2015-2019, a minority government supported by the Left Bloc and Portuguese Communist Party that reversed austerity measures and presided over economic recovery.
The PSD party is seeking to amend the legal framework for gender and name changes in the civil registry by reintroducing medical validation, a move that faces internal opposition, particularly from MP Bruno Vitorino who has called for the bill's withdrawal.
The process of allocating pensions that combine contributions from Social Security and the Caixa Geral de Aposentações (CGA) is currently complex and takes an average of seven months. The president of the Social Security Information Institute has indicated that improvements are expected by the end of June.
The proposed reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure threatens to impose financial penalties on lawyers for actions deemed 'manifestly unfounded' by judges, creating a two-tier criminal justice system that disproportionately impacts less affluent citizens. With fines ranging from €204 to €10,200, and potential disciplinary actions for repeat offenses, this legislation undermines legal certainty and fairness, ultimately jeopardizing the right to a fair trial.
The Supreme Court of Justice has denied a habeas corpus request from former GNR officer João Lopes, who was convicted for his involvement in assaults against immigrants in Odemira. Lopes, along with six other officers, faced charges related to multiple instances of kidnapping and assault, leading to a sentence of over eight years in prison.
Filipa Urbano Calvão from the Court of Auditors expresses a favorable stance towards reviewing the law regarding prior approval for contracts exceeding five million euros. The court opposes the immediate elimination of this requirement, countering government claims that it engages in political decision-making. The president of the Court of Auditors argues that the ongoing discussions about reforming prior approval are misguided.
The Government has actively engaged in revising labour law, presenting a draft bill on 24 July and reconvening the Permanent Commission for Social Dialogue in September. Following several meetings with business confederations and the UGT, a significant meeting is scheduled for 3 March to further discuss the labour law reform, indicating ongoing negotiations and collaboration among stakeholders.
The return of former Prime Minister Passos Coelho to the political scene has generated significant excitement. Coelho has openly criticized his successor, Luís Montenegro, for failing to form a legislative agreement with Chega and IL, despite having a parliamentary majority. He suggests that an alliance with Chega could benefit the PSD, despite the party's historical stance against racist rhetoric. Coelho also questions Montenegro's commitment to reforms, highlighting his own past austerity measures that cut pensions and social support. His shifting positions raise concerns about his integrity and the authenticity of his reformist agenda.
Former Prime Minister Passos Coelho advocates for a new immigration model that emphasizes integration and aims to prevent social instability. He reflects on past policies and suggests reforms to create a more effective approach to immigration.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Lisbon and Porto to protest against the government's proposed changes to the labour law, known as the 'Work XXI' reform. Led by the CGTP union, the protests highlighted concerns that the reforms would negatively impact workers' rights. CGTP's Secretary-General, Tiago Oliveira, called for the government to withdraw the labour package, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the workforce.
The article discusses the detrimental impact of bureaucratic delays and obstacles on economic activity, highlighting findings from a recent INE survey. It identifies the judicial system, licensing, and taxation as the primary barriers to business development, exacerbated by ineffective public policies. The author calls for legislative reforms to address these issues, particularly in the judicial and licensing sectors, to facilitate investment and growth in the economy.
A real estate businessman has been charged with 52 counts of qualified fraud, stemming from fictitious transactions involving the sale of properties that were seized by the state. This case highlights significant issues within the real estate market and raises questions about legal reforms needed to prevent such fraudulent activities.
Luís Neves has been appointed as the Minister of Internal Administration, succeeding Luís Montenegro. With a background as the National Director of the Judiciary Police, Neves faces significant challenges, including improving police working conditions, reforming the Civil Protection system, and managing border control amid corruption investigations. His appointment is seen as a strategic move by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, aiming to shift away from the security rhetoric associated with Chega, particularly on immigration. Neves is expected to bring his operational expertise to the ministry, focusing on effective communication and collaboration among various agencies. However, he faces high expectations that may prove challenging to meet in a role marked by political tensions and public scrutiny.
Three elderly women, aged 80, 91, and 92, were reportedly mistreated in an illegal care home in Maia. The owner of the facility is currently facing trial for the alleged abuse, raising concerns about the safety and treatment of vulnerable patients in such establishments.
A lawsuit is set to be filed against Portugal in the European Court of Human Rights due to complaints from immigrants regarding the state's failure to comply with its own laws. Brazilian activist Amanda Abreu has gathered over two hundred testimonies highlighting issues such as obstruction of justice and xenophobia, which have severely impacted immigrants' access to documentation, family reunifications, and essential services. The legal action aims to compel Portugal to adhere to its constitutional laws rather than to punish the state. The testimonies will also contribute to a scientific article and a report for the European political party Volt, focusing on legislative review in the European Parliament.
The issue of fake recibos verdes is a critical concern that transcends political ideologies, emphasizing the need for labor justice. Addressing this problem is essential for ensuring fair labor practices and protecting workers' rights.
