I’ve been living in Portugal since 2017. I’m not the only one looking to make Portugal home. When I first got here, I noticed lots of French “expats” (immigrants or whatever you want to call us), Brits, and Nepalese. Now, I see people from all over, particularly Brazilians. Today, I’m going to break down the immigration trends in Portugal, where expats are coming from, and where they are moving to in Portugal. I’d love to hear your comments, so leave a note in the comments to tell me your thoughts…and just in case, here is everything you need to know
How Much Has Immigration to Portugal Increased?
Portugal has seen a ginormous increase in immigration in the past five years, with more than twice as many immigrants being granted residency in 2020 compared to 2022. This growth rate is only matched by Croatia and Slovenia, while immigration to wealthy countries like France and Germany has fallen significantly. The reason for this is that as EU citizens have the right to live and work in all member states. Because Portugal’s wages are so low, there is HUGE brain drain. Portugal’s skilled youth loses ands up immigrating to countries that offer higher wages in countries like France and Germany and relies on cheap labor from beyond the EU’s borders to keep its economy running. This has led to an immigration policy that is among the most welcoming in Europe.
What Countries Are Driving This Influx of Immigrants to Portugal?
Lately all the chatter and attention has been focused on Californian tech bros moving to Portugal (and yes, more and more Americans are moving to Portugal lately), but it is Brazilians and Indians that lead the way.
The Brazilian community is the largest immigrant population in Portugal, with over 230,000 people calling Portugal home. That’s a 13% increase from 2021 alone.
The Indian community has also seen a 13% surge, with around 34,000 residents.
Let’s take a look at the top countries moving to Portugal:
Portugal Immigration Statistics - What Are The Top 10 Immigrant Communities in Portugal?
- Brazil (233,138)
- United Kingdom (36,639)
- Cape Verde (35,744)
- India (34,232)
- Italy (33,707)
- Angola (30,417)
- France (27,614)
- Ukraine (26,898)
- Romania (23,967)
- Nepal (23,441)
Why Is Portugal So Attractive to Immigrants & Expats?
Flexible Immigration Policies:
It’s no secret that Portugal’s immigration policy is among the most welcoming in Europe. The country’s flexible immigration policy, relatively low wages and faster naturalization process make it an attractive destination for immigrants, particularly from South Asia.
Portuguese Visas
It’s no secret that Portugal’s immigration policy is among the most welcoming in Europe. The country’s flexible immigration policy, relatively low wages and faster naturalization process make it an attractive destination for immigrants, particularly from South Asia. I’ve broken down why it is so easy to move to Portugal here. These are a few of the visas that are made available to people who want to move to Portugal:
- Streamlined Process for People from Portuguese speaking countries (think Brazil, Cabo Verde, Goa.
- There is also the Portuguese Job Seeking Visa
- There is a student visa
- There is the D7 Visa
- Family Reunification
- Golden Visa
- Temporary Protection for People from The Ukraine
- AND the Digital Nomad Visa
Where Do Immigrants Live in Portugal?
The below statistics are from 2021. The 2022 stats from the SEF have not yet been released.
What nationalities move to Lisbon and Porto?
The top three nationalities moving to Lisbon are Brazilian Cape Verdean, and Bissau Guinean
The top three nationalities moving to Porto are Brazilian Italian, and Chinese
What nationalities move to The Azores and Aveiro?
The top three nationalities moving to Lisbon are Brazilian, German, and American
The top three nationalities moving to Aveiro are Brazilian Venezuelan, and Ukrainian
What nationalities move to Beja and Braga?
The top three nationalities moving to Beja are Indian, Nepalese, and Brazilian
The top three nationalities moving to Braga are Brazilian Italian, And Ukrainian
What nationalities move to Braganca and Castelo Branco?
The top three nationalities moving to Braganca are Brazilian, Cape Verdean, and Bulgarian.
The top three nationalities moving to Castelo Branco are Brazilian, from the United Kingdom, and Indian.
What nationalities move to Coimbra and Evora Branco?
The top three nationalities moving to Coimbra are Brazilian, United Kingdom, and Italian.
The top three nationalities moving to Evora are Brazilian, Romanian, and Chinese.
What nationalities move to Faro and Guarda?
The top three nationalities moving to Faro are from the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Romania.
The top three nationalities moving to Guarda are Brazilian, Ukrainian, and from The United Kingdom.
What nationalities move to Leiria and Madeira?
The top three nationalities moving to Leiria are from the Brazilian, Ukrainian, and from the United Kingdom.
The top three nationalities moving to Madeira are Venezuelan, from The United Kingdom, and Brazilian.
What nationalities move to Portalegre and Santarem?
The top three nationalities moving to Portalegre are Brazilian, Romanian, and Spanish.
The top three nationalities moving to Santarem are Brazilian, Indian, and Romanian.
What nationalities move to Setubal and Viana do Castelo?
The top three nationalities moving to Setubal are Brazilian, Cape Verdean, and Angolan.
The top three nationalities moving to Viana do Castelo are Brazilian, Spanish, and French.
What nationalities move to Vila Real and Viseu?
The top three nationalities moving to Vila Real are Brazilian, Spanish, and French.
The top three nationalities moving to Viseu are Brazilian, Ukrainian, and Chinese.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration to Portugal
What countries are driving the influx of immigrants to Portugal?
In 2021, there were 698,887 foreigners who moved to Portugal. In 2015, it was 338,731. The two countries that drove this growth were Brazil and India.
What is the largest immigrant population in Portugal?
The largest immigrant population in Portugal is Brazilian.
What are the top 10 immigrant communities in Portugal?
The top 10 immigrant communities in Portugal are: Brazil United Kingdom, Cape Verde, India, Italy, Angola, France, Ukraine, Romania, and Nepal.
Why is Portugal attractive to immigrants and expats?
Portugal is attractive to immigrants because it is safe, has great weather, offers plenty of visa options, and is often much less expensive than the country of origin.
What are some of the visas available for people moving to Portugal?
There are lots of visas that are offered included but not limited to the Job Seeking Visa, Student Visa, D7 Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa.
Where do immigrants live in Portugal?
Immigrants live all over Portugal, but most live in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
What are the top three nationalities moving to Lisbon?
Brazilian Cape Verdean, and Bissau Guinean.
What are the top three nationalities moving to Porto?
The top three nationalities moving to Porto are Brazilian Italian, and Chinese
What is the country that most immigrates to the Azores in Portugal?
The Acores is a popular place to immigrate for Brazil.
How many immigrants were granted residency in Portugal in 2020 compared to 2022?
In 2020, there were 662,095; in 2022, there were
What is the reason for the high increase in immigration to Portugal?
Two of the biggest reasons people move to Portugal are safety, getting an entryway to the EU, and cost. However, the past years have added new reasons such as the war between Russia and the Ukraine, as well as the discontent of Americans at their political system, healthcare system, and prices.
How does Portugal’s economy rely on immigrants?
Portugal is experiencing brain drain. It also has a low birth rate. Immigrants bring in new people who can work, have babies, and contribute to the countries economy.