Foreign-born population – 2024 | 16.3% of the population | Main countries of birth (2021): Brazil (25%), Angola (14%), France (9%) |
Size: 1.7 million, 53% women | Evolution since 2015: +47% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, Portugal received 319 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 130% more than in 2024. This figure comprises 12% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 75% labour migrants, 6% family members (including accompanying family). In addition, 81 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, a 10% increase compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Brazil, Angola and Cape Verde were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑34%, to reach around 1 800. The majority of applicants came from Colombia (200), China (200) and Angola (200). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of China (95) and the largest decrease nationals of Senegal (‑300). Of the 1 380 decisions taken in 2025, 33% were positive.
Emigration of Portuguese citizens to OECD countries remained stable in 2024 at 61 000. Approximately 20% of this group migrated to Switzerland, 19% to Spain and 13% to France.
The merge of the former Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) and the High Commission for Migration (ACM) occurred at the end of 2023 with the operational creation of the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). The Agency aims to bring together responsibilities for migration management, integration and asylum under a single institution.
In June 2024 the Portuguese Government launched the Migration Action Plan, a reform representing a significant shift towards a more regulated, orderly and human-centred migration governance model.
Throughout 2025, AIMA addressed the legacy backlog of pending procedures while simultaneously modernising administrative processes and improving response capacity. With this regard, more than 770 000 appointments were made resulting in the issuance of more than 500 000 residence cards.
As part of this effort, new procedural standards were introduced to ensure that residence applications are submitted with complete documentation, promoting greater legal certainty, administrative efficiency and predictability for both applicants and public authorities.
A major step in the reform of Portugal’s migration framework was the adoption of Law No. 61/2025, which entered into force in October 2025. The reform reinforced the principle that migration pathways should be based on prior legal entry and transparent procedures, strengthening the integrity, sustainability and credibility of the migration system.
Family reunification provisions were updated to ensure a balanced approach that safeguards family unity while promoting effective integration, including through stable accommodation, financial self-sufficiency and participation in integration measures.
The new legal framework also streamlined access channels for nationals of the Community of Portuguese‑Speaking Countries (CPLP), reinforcing the use of regular visa procedures through Portuguese consular networks while maintaining Portugal’s commitment to mobility and co‑operation within the CPLP community.
At the same time, Portugal further aligned labour migration policies with national economic priorities. The job-seeker visa was refocussed on highly qualified professionals, supporting the attraction of talent and specialised skills that contribute to innovation, productivity and economic competitiveness.
The implementation of a national Co‑operation Protocol for Regulated Labour Migration sets a public partnership between public authorities and employers’ associations, establishing a structured legal fast-track for international recruitment. The model promotes ethical recruitment, strengthens employer accountability regarding working and living conditions, and responds to current and emerging labour market needs while reducing incentives for irregular migration.
Portugal also strengthened its institutional architecture through the creation of the National Unit for Foreigners and Borders within the Public Security Police reinforcing operational capacity in border management and return procedures.
Integration remains a central pillar of Portugal’s migration strategy. Programmes aimed at strengthening Portuguese learning, skills recognition, employability and social participation through civil society engagement were expanded, an example is the partnership with the Ministry of Education to place linguistic and cultural mediators in all public schools to work with migrant children and families to improve language learning and school success.
These efforts continue to be supported through strong partnerships between central government, municipalities, social partners and civil society organisations. Alongside AMIF, AIMA maintains national funding programmes dedicated to migrant support, capacity-building initiatives and digital migration services.
For further information: www.aima.gov.pt
