Portuguese authorities reported a significant rise in foreign residents in 2024, prompting government measures to curb immigration.
According to Wednesday’s report from the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), Portugal now hosts 1.55 million foreign nationals – nearly 15% of its population and four times the 2017 figure. Revised data also shows the 2023 immigrant population reached 1.3 million, surpassing earlier estimates of one million.
In June 2024, the centre-right government rolled back one of Europe’s most liberal migration regimes, eliminating a 2018 provision that allowed undocumented migrants to regularise their status by proving one year of employment and social security contributions. AIMA reports this change has reduced new entries by 59%.
Under a recent compromise with employer groups, businesses may still recruit foreign workers if they provide contracts, training, and housing.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s minority government, elected in March 2024, fell after losing a confidence vote in March 2025. Voters will return to the polls on 18 May for the country’s third election in three years.
