Record growth of residence permits in Portugal in 2025: drivers, changes, and outlook
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Portugal issued a record number of residence permits in 2025. Explore the reasons, reforms, digitalization measures, and new rules. Full expert overview from Visa Dan.
In 2025, Portugal recorded an unprecedented surge in the number of residence permits (RPs) issued — approximately 60% more than during the same period last year. According to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), 386,463 new residence permits were issued by the end of October 2025. This increase reflects both the growing interest in immigration to Portugal and major reforms implemented in the migration system.
In this article, we examine why this spike occurred, what legislative changes took effect, how the procedures were simplified, and what foreign applicants can expect in the coming months.
In this article, we examine why this spike occurred, what legislative changes took effect, how the procedures were simplified, and what foreign applicants can expect in the coming months.
Key reasons for the surge in residence permits
1. Closure of the old “expression of interest” system
For many years, foreigners could enter Portugal as tourists and then submit an application for a residence permit from inside the country. In 2025, a large number of backlogged applications under this former system were finally approved, significantly contributing to the sharp rise in issued permits.
2. Transition to a more digital migration system
AIMA’s new online platform for renewals enabled tens of thousands of residents to extend their permits without an in-person appointment. This helped streamline the process and reduce the load on migration offices.
3. Migration law reform
The new Foreigners Act, signed on 16 October 2025, introduced stricter rules, limiting the submission of work-based visa applications to qualified professionals only. This reflects a shift toward attracting highly skilled labor.
4. Increased AIMA staffing and improved services
More than 770 employees now work at AIMA — a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
This expansion allowed the agency to process up to 300,000 calls and requests, despite high demand.
For many years, foreigners could enter Portugal as tourists and then submit an application for a residence permit from inside the country. In 2025, a large number of backlogged applications under this former system were finally approved, significantly contributing to the sharp rise in issued permits.
2. Transition to a more digital migration system
AIMA’s new online platform for renewals enabled tens of thousands of residents to extend their permits without an in-person appointment. This helped streamline the process and reduce the load on migration offices.
3. Migration law reform
The new Foreigners Act, signed on 16 October 2025, introduced stricter rules, limiting the submission of work-based visa applications to qualified professionals only. This reflects a shift toward attracting highly skilled labor.
4. Increased AIMA staffing and improved services
More than 770 employees now work at AIMA — a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
This expansion allowed the agency to process up to 300,000 calls and requests, despite high demand.
Documents required for a residence permit
Applicants typically need to provide:
- A valid passport
- Proof of legal entry into Portugal
- Evidence of eligibility (employment contract, business registration, property documents, etc.)
- Financial proof (income or savings)
- Health insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- Confirmed address in Portugal
- Completed application forms and photos
Processing times and fees
Processing times in 2025 vary widely depending on the basis of the application and the workload of the specific AIMA office:
- Processing: 3–12 months
- Online renewals: significantly faster
- Application submission: €90–150
- Issuance of residence permit: €80–200
- Renewal: from €70
Additional advantages of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal
- Right to live, study, and access healthcare
- Free movement within the Schengen Area
- Eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years
- Eligibility for citizenship after 5–6 years
- Family reunification
- Access to public and private pension systems
- High quality of life, mild climate, and a favorable tax environment
Conclusion
Portugal continues to strengthen its position as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for residency. The record increase in permits issued in 2025 is due both to administrative efforts to clear backlogs and to the country’s genuine appeal to foreign nationals. The updated legal framework and digitalization of procedures make the path to legal residence in Portugal more transparent, efficient, and accessible.
If you’re considering moving to Portugal, Visa Dan can help you choose the optimal path, prepare your documents, and navigate the entire process with confidence.
If you’re considering moving to Portugal, Visa Dan can help you choose the optimal path, prepare your documents, and navigate the entire process with confidence.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!