Portugal Immigration Updates: Key Insights from AIMA’s 2024 Report

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The 2024 Migration and Asylum Report, recently released by Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), provides the latest Portugal immigration updates and paints a vivid picture of a country that has become a magnet for global talent and investors. This comprehensive report not only highlights key changes to the Portugal Golden Visa program but also shares detailed Portugal immigration statistics that offer valuable insights for anyone considering a move—whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, digital nomad, or retiree.

Portugal Immigration Statistics: Three Numbers That Define the Boom

Before diving into specific visa programs, let’s look at the macro trends revealed by the latest Portugal immigration updates and Portugal immigration statistics from AIMA’s report:

1,543,697: Record-Breaking Foreign Resident Population

As of the end of 2024, Portugal’s foreign resident population reached 1,543,697. This figure represents nearly quadruple growth compared to 421,802 in 2017. In 2024 alone, the foreign resident population grew by 18.3%, demonstrating that Portugal’s appeal is not diminishing but actually accelerating.

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85.5%: Shattering the “Retirement Haven” Stereotype

The data shows that 85.5% of foreign residents are of potential working age (18 to 64 years old), with the 18 to 34 age group being the largest demographic. This statistic completely debunks the stereotype that Portugal is just a retirement haven. In fact, Portugal is attracting large numbers of young professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.

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71%: The Coastal Concentration Effect

Over 71% of foreign residents are concentrated in the four coastal districts of Lisbon, Faro, Setúbal, and Porto. This trend provides crucial reference points for investors and entrepreneurs choosing where to invest and settle.

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Portugal Golden Visa Statistics – Core Data Analysis

As Portugal’s most prestigious investment immigration program, the Golden Visa (ARI) continues to demonstrate strong global appeal. According to the latest Portugal immigration updates, here are the key figures from 2024:

Core Statistics at a Glance

  • Main Applicants Approved: 2,081
  • Family Members Approved: 2,909
  • Total New Residents: Nearly 5,000

Top 5 countries for Golden Visa approvals in 2024:

  1. United States: 406
  2. China: 296
  3. Russia: 248
  4. United Kingdom: 147
  5. India: 140
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Insights Behind the Data:

American investors lead the rankings, reflecting strong demand among U.S. high-net-worth individuals for a second residency and confidence in Portugal’s political stability, investment environment, and quality of life. These Portugal Golden Visa statistics highlight the program’s continued relevance for global investors seeking European residency.

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Golden Visa Family Rights Fully Protected

On October 16, 2025, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa ratified the amendments to Portugal’s Law on Foreigners (Lei de Entrada e Saída de Estrangeiros), confirming the reforms previously approved by Parliament in September.

The final version of the law explicitly excludes Golden Visa holders from the new restrictions on family reunification, ensuring that their rights remain fully protected. Investors can therefore continue to reunite with spouses, dependent children, and in many cases dependent parents without being subject to the new two-year waiting period applicable to other residence categories.

This exemption reflects the Portuguese Government’s acknowledgment of the Golden Visa’s importance as a stable and predictable investment pathway for international families. It confirms that the program’s integrity and long-term security remain intact, reinforcing Portugal’s position as one of the most attractive destinations for investment-based residency.

Beyond Investment: The Rise of Entrepreneurs (D2) and Digital Nomads (D8)

The latest Portugal immigration updates from AIMA highlight a surge in professional and business-oriented immigration. In 2024, “Professional Activity” was the leading reason for new residence permits, with 63,527 grants issued.

A Booming Trend

In 2024, 5,259 new residence permits were granted for Independent Professional Activity. This confirms Portugal’s growing appeal to those seeking to start a business under the D2 Visa or work remotely as digital nomads under the D8 Visa.

A Large, Established Community

The total number of residents in Portugal under these categories has reached 30,375, showcasing a robust and expanding ecosystem of entrepreneurs and independent professionals.

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While the report does not provide separate statistics for the D7 Visa (Passive Income), the steady growth of residents from traditional D7 applicant countries like the U.S. and U.K. suggests this pathway remains popular for retirees and financially independent individuals.

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Key Takeaways for Future Residents of Portugal

The Portugal immigration statistics send a clear message:

  1. Portugal’s Appeal is All-Encompassing: Whether through investment, entrepreneurship, or lifestyle choices, Portugal welcomes people from diverse backgrounds.
  2. The Investment Path is Solid: The Portugal Golden Visa program continues to attract high-net-worth individuals globally, especially from the United States.
  3. Entrepreneurial and Professional Paths are Thriving: Official data confirms that visas for entrepreneurs (D2) and digital nomads (D8) are not niche, they are a major and growing component of immigration to Portugal.

Your Window of Opportunity

These aren’t just abstract statistics; they represent real, accessible pathways available today. With approval rates at historic highs across all visa categories, the latest Portugal immigration statistics confirm that the country’s immigration system is efficient and welcoming to qualified applicants.

At The Golden Portugal, we continuously monitor the latest Portugal immigration updates and track Portugal Golden Visa statistics 2025 and beyond to keep our clients informed and prepared.

Ready to start your Portugal journey? Book a free consultation now and discover which visa pathway—Golden Visa, D2, D8, or D7—best aligns with your goals.

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We are also the pioneer firm to help clients to invest through funds back from 2020 until now. Come talk with us.

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