Portugal Sees 130% Surge in Immigration 2025, 319,000 Arrivals
Portugal experienced a dramatic rise in immigration last year, with the OECD estimating 319,000 newcomers – a 130% increase over 2024 – sparking debate over the true scale of the influx.
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- OECD: 319,000 long‑term immigrants in 2025
- Represents a 130% growth from 2024
- INE reports 254,000, showing a stark discrepancy
OECD Figures and Immigration Spike
The OECD announced that 319 000 long‑term immigrants arrived in Portugal in 2025, marking a 130% increase compared with the previous year. This surge raises questions about the impact on housing, labour markets and public services.
INE's Conflicting Numbers
Portugal's National Statistics Institute (INE) reported only 254 000 immigrants for the same period. The divergence between OECD and INE may stem from different data‑collection methods and definitions.
- OECD: 319 000 immigrants, 130% rise
- INE: 254 000 immigrants
- Data mismatch challenges policymakers
Sources
Imigração em Portugal cresceu 130% em 2025: 319 mil imigrantes chegaram ao País