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🇪🇺🇵🇹 EU Directive 123 Now in Force, But It Does Not Allow Free Movement Across Europe

Lisbon — The new EU Directive (EU) 2024/1233 has officially come into force, but experts clarify that holding a Portuguese residence permit does not automatically allow immigrants to move and work freely in another EU country.

The directive aims to simplify administrative procedures, strengthen workers’ rights, and reduce bureaucracy for non-EU citizens living legally in Europe. However, each EU country will still control its own immigration and work authorization rules.

According to immigration specialists, residents in Portugal will still need separate authorization before legally working in countries like Germany, France, or Spain. Experts also warn that working without proper permission could create future problems with residency renewal, immigration status, or citizenship applications.

🚨 Nationality Law Only Affects New Applications 🚨

The Institute of Registries and Notaries (IRN) explained that applications will be judged based on the rules that were in place when they were submitted. This means that people who applied before the new law was approved will still be evaluated under the old rules, including the shorter residency period required in Portugal.

The President of Portugal, António José Seguro, also said that the transition should be handled carefully so that people with pending applications are not unfairly affected by the new law. He stressed that changing the rules for ongoing applications could damage people’s trust in the Portuguese government, both inside and outside the country.

🇵🇹 Portugal Court Rejects Nationality Revocation Proposal ⚖️

Portugal’s Constitutional Court has ruled unconstitutional a proposal to revoke Portuguese nationality from citizens convicted of certain crimes.

Following the decision, the government confirmed it will not move forward with the measure.

Meanwhile, the PSD parliamentary leader stressed the importance of the approved nationality law.