The Positive Impact that Immigration Has in Portugal

5 January 2024

Based on recent data, there has been a notable rise in the immigrant population in Portugal, showcasing both the influx of immigrant individuals and their significant contribution to Portuguese Social Security. In 2022, the Observatory for Migrations reported 782,000 immigrants in Portugal who contributed 1,861 million euros to social security while receiving 257 thousand euros in social support, resulting in a positive balance of 1,604 million euros.


Breaking down these figures into percentages, immigrants constitute 7.5% of the Portuguese population and contribute 13.5% to Portuguese Social Security. This indicates that immigration in Portugal is characterized by a working population, although with some variations. For example, immigrants from the European Union community mirror the older age demographic seen in the Portuguese population, a contrast to immigrants from outside the European Union who are characterized by a younger population.


UK nationals stand out as the second-largest immigrant community in Portugal, totalling 45,218 individuals.


A positive trend emerges as foreigners contribute to 16.7% of all births in Portugal, countering the long-standing issue of an ageing population in Portugal.


Geographically, the Algarve region possesses the highest percentage of immigrants, with Vila do Bispo leading at 42.2% of its total population being foreigners. Lisbon hosts the majority of immigrants in Portugal, with 41% residing in the capital.


However, political participation among the foreign population is notably low, with only 7.4% of them registered as voters.


In conclusion, a thorough analysis of the data supports that immigrants play a constructive role in society. They contribute to the economic growth of the host country, bring about population rejuvenation, and fill essential job roles that may be overlooked by natives. To harness the positive impact of this global trend in population movement, every country must establish effective policies and laws for immigration.


If you need help with this matter or any other related issue, please don't hesitate to ask for our assistance. We will be delighted to assist you.

by Beatriz Sousa 11 September 2026
Can asylum seekers be transferred to third countries? Explore the EU and ECHR legal limits, non-refoulement, safe third countries and judicial scrutiny.
by Javier Mateo 4 September 2026
How civil status, filiation, foreign marriages, divorces and deaths can affect Portuguese nationality applications in cross-border families.
by Francisca Abrantes 12 August 2026
Learn how Portuguese tax residence, Double Taxation Conventions and different income types can affect international individuals.
by Joana Loureiro Veríssimo 7 August 2026
Working remotely does not automatically grant residence in Portugal. Understand the legal requirements and residence routes available to digital nomads.
by Jéssica Dos Nunes 5 August 2026
Discover the legal options for recovering commercial debts in Portugal, including injunction procedures, enforcement actions and cross-border debt recovery.
by Danielle Avidago 3 August 2026
Learn the legal routes to Portuguese nationality by descent for children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren under Portugal's updated Nationality Law.
by António Pratas Nunes 29 July 2026
Explore how DAC8 changes crypto-asset reporting in Portugal, including automatic information exchange and tax compliance requirements.
by Joana Torres Fernandes & Madalena Mourão 28 July 2026
Hiring in Portugal involves more than an employment contract. Learn the labour, immigration, payroll, Social Security and compliance obligations every employer should address before onboarding employees.
by Jéssica Dos Nunes 24 July 2026
Buying a renovated property in Portugal? Learn the legal risks, required property checks and why legal due diligence protects your investment.
More posts