Latest news and stories about migration trends in Portugal for expats and residents.
Net migration of foreign nationals in Portugal fell by half in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data from the BdP. The central bank reports that monthly net entries dropped from 13,200 in 2024 to 6,200 in 2025, driven by a combination of fewer arrivals and an increase in departures. The bank warns that this trend may impact employment growth and labor market availability.
Employment, family, and education were the primary reasons for the issuance of new permits. Brazilian citizens rank fourth in European residence permits, following Indians, Moroccans, and Ukrainians.
Requests for voluntary return from Brazilians in Portugal increased by 52% in 2026 compared to the monthly average of the previous year. By July, 470 Brazilian citizens had enrolled in the International Organization for Migration (IOM) programme, according to official data obtained by DN Brasil. The number of Brazilians who actually returned reached 210 by July 2026, compared to 289 for the whole of 2025. The IOM programme provides psychosocial counselling, flight arrangements, and a small cash allowance for migrants wishing to return to their home countries.
The Migration Commission of the Lisbon Geographical Society held an event to discuss the evolving trends and patterns of immigration from Brazil to Portugal.
An analysis of the origins and geographical distribution of the foreign population residing in Portugal.
New data indicates that Portugal's total resident population has grown to 11.4 million, with foreign nationals accounting for 1.6 million of that total.
The Bank of Portugal estimates that net migration (exits vs. entries) was 13,200 people per month in 2024. In 2025, that figure fell to less than half: 6,200 per month. Learn more via the link in the comments. (Photo: Diogo Faria Reis)
Brits are increasingly relocating to Portugal, with UK resident numbers tripling over the past decade. The Portuguese immigration authority (AIMA) reported 16,559 UK nationals living in Portugal in 2014, reflecting a significant migration trend driven by the appeal of Portugal’s sunny climate and lifestyle. This shift is part of a broader trend of British expatriates moving across Southern Europe, especially to Spain and Portugal, seeking better weather and quality of life.
The number of illegal immigrants returning voluntarily rose fourfold during 2025.
