Foreign Residents in Portugal Double in 4 Years, Straining Health System
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Foreign nationals grew from 748,000 in 2021 to 1.6 million in 2025.
- Total resident population increased by 825,000, with immigration driving a substantial part of this growth.
- Minister emphasizes the need for adaptation in primary care, diagnostics, and hospital capacity.
Portuguese Health Minister Ana Paula Martins stated on Friday that the significant population growth observed in recent years is placing "additional demands" on the National Health Service (SNS). Speaking during a parliamentary hearing regarding the 2027 State Budget, the minister highlighted the expressive nature of the demographic changes in the country.
Demographic Shift Driven by Immigration
According to the minister, the resident population grew by approximately 825,000 people between 2021 and 2025, with a substantial portion of this increase resulting from immigration. The number of foreign nationals residing in Portugal more than doubled in just four years, rising from approximately 748,000 in 2021 to 1.6 million in 2025. This means that foreign residents now account for 14% of the total resident population in Portugal.
Challenges for Health Service Adaptation
Minister Martins explained that a larger population implies a broader potential base of people requiring healthcare. Furthermore, the growth and diversification of the demographic structure require the health services to adapt, particularly in primary healthcare, complementary diagnostic and therapeutic means, hospitals, and public health. The minister noted that the challenge is not merely about spending more or less, but about ensuring the system can effectively accommodate these new demographic realities.
Sources
Aumento da população imigrante em Portugal “coloca exigências adicionais ao SNS”, diz ministra