Portugal records 60% surge in residency permits in 2025

Portugal recorded a 60% rise in residency permits issued this year, marking one of the highest increases in recent years, according to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA), as reported by The Portugal News. By the end of October 2025, AIMA had granted 386,463 residency permits, compared to 236,030 during the same period last year.

AIMA President Pedro Portugal Gaspar said, “As of October 22, we had 386,463 residency cards actually issued, new authorisations throughout 2025, already with the final card title, because that’s the final element. In the same period in 2024, we had 236,030, so we have an increase of 60–61%, around that.”

Transition from old pathway eases pressure

A large portion of this year’s approvals stemmed from pending applications under the now-abolished “expression of interest” system, which had allowed foreign nationals to apply for residency after entering Portugal as tourists. Authorities believe that phasing out this route will reduce AIMA’s administrative burden and speed up future processing.


Gaspar noted that new residency applications have already fallen by about half this year, a trend expected to continue as Portugal’s new Foreigners Law comes into effect. The law, signed on October 16, limits work visas to applicants engaged in “qualified work,” signalling a shift toward a more skilled immigration framework.

Digital renewals improve efficiency

AIMA’s online renewal platform has also helped streamline the process, enabling around 32,000 to 33,000 residents to update their permits digitally. This has reduced in-person visits and eased congestion at service centres.Despite improvements, AIMA continues to manage high demand. Gaspar said the agency handled around 300,000 calls in the early months of 2025, though about 20% went unanswered. He added that while some applicants have filed legal complaints over scheduling delays, “AIMA has never been condemned, because it has always responded positively to the legal action.”

The agency currently employs over 770 staff members, following a 10% workforce expansion last year. Gaspar emphasised that further recruitment will be key to sustaining efficiency as Portugal continues to attract foreign residents through work, investment, and lifestyle-based visa programmes.