Why are so many people moving to Portugal?

2017 closed with a surge in applications to live in Portugal. This was due to a change in the country's immigration law. In August 2017 a new rule came into force stating that anyone wishing to live in Portugal needed only a document proving a promise of an employment contract, plus registration with Social Security.

The change pleased those interested, especially in Europe. Before the ruling, in addition to the contributions record, the basic requirement to migrate to Portugal was a contract between a company and the foreign citizen proving that the employment relationship was already in place.

In September 2017, around 300 residence applications a week were reaching the responsible department. According to the news portal Diário de News, applications rose by around 1300%. But the opening in the legislation may not be the only reason for this increase.

In this context, it must be borne in mind that Europe was facing a migration crisis due to the constant arrival of refugees from Eastern Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This new door opens so that refugees and other immigrants can enter the country legally and in accordance with Portuguese law.

In addition, the Portuguese economy is performing well compared with other European countries still facing economic crisis. The National Statistics Institute and the Bank of Portugal forecast positive results for the Portuguese economy in 2018 and 2019. Exports will keep rising, unemployment will fall and GDP will stay between 1.6 and 1.7 over this period.

It is likely that in 2018 more and more immigrants will arrive in Portugal and that within a few years Lisbon will start showing signs of becoming as cosmopolitan as Tokyo, London or Miami. Statistics like these stir the desire of citizens all over the world for a better life.

Juliana Vergara

International Account Executive