In 2022, Portugal received 121 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), 29% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 25% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 44% labour migrants, 25% family members (including accompanying family) and 0.6% humanitarian migrants. Around 9 700 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students. In addition, 57 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 57% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Brazil, India and Italy were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Brazil registered the strongest increase (8 900) and France the largest decrease (‑63) in flows to Portugal compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 31%, to reach around 2 600. The majority of applicants came from the Gambia (300), Afghanistan (300) and Colombia (300). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Colombia (200) and the largest decrease nationals of India (‑100). Of the 440 decisions taken in 2023, 71% were positive.
Emigration of Portuguese citizens to OECD countries increased by 15% in 2022, to 59 000. Approximately 19% of this group migrated to Spain, 17% to France and 16% to Switzerland.
A new Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) was created in 2023. The Agency, with the mandate of implementing public policies on migration and asylum while ensuring human rights protection, succeeds the High Commission for Migration (ACM), and the Immigration and Border Service (SEF), whose police functions were dispersed among other security forces and services.
Following the creation of the new Agency, efforts to increase the digitalisation of processes were stepped up. Applications for family reunification residence permits for families with school aged children may be submitted digitally via the AIMA’s online portal since as of 2024. More applications will be eligible for online applications in the future.
Changes to the rules on the residence by investment programme (“Golden Visa”) came into effect in October 2023, abolishing the possibility for foreigners to obtain a residence permit by purchasing real estate worth at least EUR 500 000 (or 350 000 if built at least 30 years prior or located in an urban rehabilitation area), or transferred EUR 1.5 million to a Portuguese bank account. The other pathways of the residence by investment programme (for example, investments that create ten jobs or more or investment into research activities) remain unchanged. The new Action Plan for Migration foresees, within the scope of this investment programme, residence permits granted for social investment – in reception infrastructure and equipment, integration projects and support to immigrants in vulnerable conditions.
Following the implementation of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) Mobility Agreement signed in 2021, CPLP citizens are eligible for a residence permit that allows an initial stay of up to one year, renewable for consecutive two‑year periods. The application process was streamlined in 2023. CPLP citizens may apply for the residence permit online through a dedicated website and permits are issued within 72 hours. Eligible applicants include the estimated 150 000 CPLP citizens living in Portugal who hold a visa or who applied for other residence permits but whose requests are pending due to processing backlogs. The permit does not grant free movement in the Schengen Area but the government plans efforts to address this issue.
A Strategic Plan for Learning Portuguese as a Foreign Language was presented by AIMA, for the period 2024‑27. The plan contains 5 strategic axes, 39 measures and 68 activities, and integrates two 2‑year operational plans. It was created through public consultation and contributions from public and private entities.
The new government formed in April 2024 launched an Action Plan for Migration approved by the Council of Ministers in June 2024. The plan contains 41 measures in four main areas: regulating migration; attracting foreign talent; integration; and institutional reorganisation. Among the main measures are the repeal of the “expression of interest” mechanism through which third-country nationals could apply for a residence permit to work or self-employment in Portugal. A second measure aims to reduce the backlog of an estimated 400 000 residence permit applications and renewals. In the meantime, residence permits due to expire in 2023 are considered valid until 30 June 2025.
For further information: www.aima.gov.pt
