Legal Update - Portugal Restructures Border Control: New Immigration Unit Formed Within Public Security Police

Following the promulgation of Law no. 55-C/2025 of 22 July, the Portuguese government has formally established the Unidade Nacional de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (UNEF), the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders, within the Public Security Police (PSP). The measure was signed into law by the President of the Republic on 17 July 2025 and marks another significant step in the restructuring of immigration and border control in Portugal, following the dissolution of the former Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) on 29 October 2023.

This reform centralises responsibilities for airport border control and foreign nationals’ oversight within a new, specialised PSP division. It also results in the extinction of existing flexible and core units previously responsible for these matters.

Under the new law, UNEF is tasked with a broad range of responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring and controlling airport border crossings, including the issuance of visas at border posts;
• Overseeing the presence of foreign nationals within the PSP’s jurisdiction;
• Processing coercive removal, expulsion, readmission, and voluntary return procedures;
• Managing centres for temporary installation or detention of foreign nationals, and equivalent facilities.
• Ensuring the security and policing of airports and aerodromes, including the resolution of tactical incidents;
• Cooperating with national and international security forces on border-related matters;
• Coordinating certified PSP training in the area of foreigners and borders;
• Representing Portugal in EU and international institutions on issues related to border control and foreign nationals;
• Supporting consular missions in high-risk countries through security liaison officers.

The unit is structured into central, regional, and local divisions and will operate under the leadership of the Deputy National Director of the PSP.

The law enters into force 30 days after its publication, meaning the UNEF is expected to begin formal operations in late August 2025. A transitional period will follow, including the issuance of necessary regulations and the implementation of operational structures.

For individuals and businesses dealing with immigration procedures in Portugal, particularly those involving airport entry, visas, and foreign national compliance matters, the UNEF will now serve as the main contact point within the PSP.

At LVP Advogados, we continue to monitor upcoming regulatory developments and procedural changes arising from this reorganisation. Should you require legal advice on this matter, please do not hesitate to contact our team.