Rising Cost of Living Pushes Immigrants Away from Portugal
Portugal’s sharp increase in living costs is squeezing immigrants, making it harder to find affordable housing and stable work.
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Housing prices have jumped 30%, hitting low‑income migrants hardest
- Precarious, low‑pay jobs saw a 15% drop in migrant employment
- Residency permit processing now takes about 12 months longer
Escalating Housing Costs
In the past year, Portuguese housing prices have risen by roughly 30%, with rents in Lisbon and Porto approaching twice the average migrant income.
Employment and Job Security
The economic slowdown has reduced migrant employment in low‑pay, temporary positions by about 15%, forcing many to take multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Delays in Immigration Procedures
The Agência de Imigração e Asilo (AIMA) now processes residency applications on average 12 months longer than before, leaving migrants in legal limbo.
- Housing up 30%
- Employment down 15%
- Residency delays +12 months