Portugal remains a favorite destination for those seeking a peaceful, culturally rich life with a welcoming atmosphere. However, immigrating to Portugal in 2025 has its pros and cons, as with any relocation process. Below, we’ll take an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of immigrating to Portugal in 2025 to help you assess whether this decision fits your expectations and goals.

Advantages of emigrating to Portugal in 2025

Portugal offers a number of advantages for those seeking a new life in Europe. From job opportunities to an increase in the minimum wage, let’s take a look at some of the most notable benefits.

Quality of life and pleasant climate

Portugal is well known for its high quality of life. Portuguese cities generally offer a safe environment, a mild climate for most of the year, and a rich cultural offering. Furthermore, Portugal boasts excellent cuisine and a relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Security and peace of mind

Portugal is recognized as the 7th safest country in the world, according to the Global Peace Index 2024 , a major advantage for those considering emigration. With low crime rates, residents enjoy a peaceful and safe environment. It’s an ideal destination for families, retirees, and anyone who values stability. This characteristic contributes to the high quality of life in Portugal, allowing immigrants to integrate and live peacefully in its cities and communities.

Affordable cost of living

One of the advantages of immigrating to Portugal is that, despite the rising cost of living , it’s still more affordable than other European countries. Compared to cities like Paris, London, or Berlin, housing, food, and transportation prices in Portugal are significantly lower. This allows residents to enjoy a good quality of life without breaking the bank. This advantage is especially attractive for those looking to live in Europe without the high costs associated with other European capitals.

Increase in the minimum wage

One of the new measures for 2025 is the increase in the minimum wage in Portugal, which will benefit both locals and foreigners working in the country. The minimum wage is currently 820 euros, and in 2025 it will rise to 870 euros. While this increase is not very significant, it contributes to improving the quality of life.

Potential improvements to the immigration system

Following the creation of the Agency for Immigration and Asylum Mobility (AIMA) , Portugal has begun implementing new policies to streamline immigration processes. Although AIMA is currently focused on processing backlogs of expressions of interest, the system is expected to be more efficient by 2025, reducing wait times and facilitating access to residency for new immigrants. This could represent a significant advantage for those wishing to settle in Portugal more quickly and in an organized manner.

Access to Portuguese nationality

Another important advantage of immigrating to Portugal is the possibility of obtaining Portuguese nationality after five years of legal residence. Portuguese nationality not only allows you to reside in Portugal, but also opens the door to working, studying, and living in any country in the European Union. For more details, see our guide on how to obtain residency in Portugal , which is the first step towards nationality.

Disadvantages of emigrating to Portugal in 2025

While Portugal has much to offer, it’s also important to consider the challenges that may arise when emigrating in 2025. Below, we share some of the main disadvantages immigrants face in the country.

More expensive rents

One of the most significant disadvantages of immigrating to Portugal in 2025 is the rise in rental prices. Major cities, such as Lisbon and Porto, have experienced a growth in housing demand, leading to an increase in rental prices. This increase can make it difficult to access affordable housing, especially for those arriving without a stable income. Smaller cities, such as Braga or Coimbra, still offer more affordable rents, but prices have generally risen across the country. Read our article on the best cities to live in Portugal.

Difficulties in obtaining appointments to apply for a visa

In the past, immigrants already in Portugal could regularize their status through the Expression of Interest (Manifesación de Interés) . However, this process has been eliminated, and in 2025, obtaining residency requires applying for a visa from one’s country of origin. This represents an additional difficulty, as appointments at embassies and consulates are limited, and waiting lists are common. The lack of appointment availability is a significant barrier for those seeking to immigrate to Portugal, primarily from Latin America, where there is greater demand for appointments and therefore less availability. There is a government program to strengthen consular posts, but improvements have not yet been seen.

Language barriers for non-Portuguese speakers

Although many Portuguese people speak English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas, the language barrier can be a challenge if you’re not fluent in Portuguese. In everyday life, especially in situations such as the healthcare system, bureaucratic procedures, and interactions with older adults, language skills are essential. For those who don’t speak Portuguese, it can be difficult to adapt at first and fully participate in the community.

Conclusion

Evaluating the pros and cons of immigrating to Portugal in 2025 is essential to making an informed decision. Portugal offers a high quality of life, a pleasant climate, and improvements to the immigration system that could make integration easier in the country in the near future. However, rising rents and difficulties obtaining a visa are challenges that should be taken into account when planning your move.

If you’re considering immigrating to Portugal, we recommend reading our step-by-step guide on how to immigrate to Portugal to understand the visa options and procedures required to plan your move to this country.