Foreign-born population – 2023 | 11.7% of the population | Main countries of birth (2021): |
1.2 million, 53% women | Evolution since 2014: +30% | Brazil (25%), Angola (14%), France (9%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Portugal received 138 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑1.9% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 28% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 44% labour migrants and 14% family members (including accompanying family). Around 9 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students. In addition, 73 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 29% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Brazil, Angola and Cape Verde were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Brazil registered the strongest increase (99 000) in flows to Portugal compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 2.9%, to reach around 2 700. The majority of applicants came from Senegal (400), the Gambia (300) and Colombia (300). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of Senegal (200) and the largest decrease nationals of Afghanistan (‑100). Of the 1 010 decisions taken in 2024, 1% were positive.
Emigration of Portuguese citizens to OECD countries increased by 4% in 2023, to 61 000. Approximately 21% of this group migrated to Switzerland, 19% to Spain and 12% to France.
The Portuguese Council of Ministers approved a new Action Plan for Migration in June 2024 following a government change in April 2024. The plan contains 41 measures in four main areas: regulating migration, attracting foreign talent, integration and institutional reorganisation. Among the main measures is the repeal of the “expression of interest” mechanism through which third-country nationals, residing irregularly in Portugal, could apply for a residence permit to work or self-employment.
A priority of the Portuguese Government in 2024/25 has been to reduce the backlog of over 400 000 residence permit applications. To do so, it created a Task Force in AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum). In addition, in July 2024, the government announced the automatic extension of all immigration visas and residence permits until 30 June 2025.
In April 2025, the Portuguese Government signed an agreement for regulated labour migration with employers’ confederations and business associations. The aim is to speed up the process of hiring from abroad by imposing a 20‑day maximum visa processing time. The agreement also clarifies the employers’ obligations when hiring from abroad, in terms of labour contract, health and travel insurance, but also in ensuring training, language learning and appropriate accommodation for foreign employees.
A National Council for Migration and Asylum was created in July 2024. One of its main roles is to advise the government on national migration and asylum policy and to facilitate co‑operation among the different stakeholders involved in migration policy. It includes over 20 members, including two appointed members of parliament, immigrant associations, social partners, Non-Governmental Organisations, the National Association of Municipalities and employers’ associations, among others.
In the field of integration, Portugal launched a new integration programme, Programa Integrar, in the fall of 2024. This programme targets migrants who are looking for a first job, are unemployed or seeking to transition careers. Migrants need to be enrolled with the national Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). The programme offers training opportunities, support with recognition of qualifications, and personalised assistance with job placement.
In December 2024, an integration programme targeting the tourism sector, Programa Integrar para o Turismo, was also launched. The initial intake of the programme will be 1 000 migrants and beneficiaries of international protection already residing in Portugal. The programme offers three‑month technical training followed by an internship in companies in the tourism, hotel and catering sector.
For further information: www.aima.gov.pt.
