The post-Brexit social security coordination agreement between Portugal and the UK entered into force on 1 May 2021, preserving pension rights and contribution aggregation for mobile workers.
SEF's unified online appointment booking platform, launched on 15 April 2021, replaced fragmented systems and reduced reliance on intermediaries for immigration appointments.
The Portuguese Tax Authority's 2021 guidance clarified how tax residency is triggered under the 183-day rule and habitual residence criteria, critical for digital nomads and remote workers.
Decree-Law 14/2021 fundamentally reformed Portugal's Golden Visa program by redirecting real estate investments away from major cities and raising investment thresholds for more productive capital.
The 2021 Golden Visa reform confirmed investment funds remain viable, requiring CMVM regulation and at least 60% capital investment in Portugal, making funds increasingly attractive to sophisticated investors.
Law 2/2020 strengthened citizenship-by-marriage criteria, requiring clearer demonstration of effective ties to the Portuguese community while simplifying rules for couples with Portuguese children.