Portugal Net Migration
Net migration SM.POP.NETM
Portugal's net migration was 16,472 in 2025, ranked 180th globally. This represents a 20.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Portugal's net migration stood at 16,472 in 2025, a decline of +4,176 from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach -5,390 by 2026. Portugal ranked 180th globally.
Portugal's net migration has experienced a significant shift over the past six decades, transforming from a country with a substantial negative net migration rate in 1970, at -191,862 people, to a relatively stable positive rate in 2021, reaching a peak of 69,606 individuals. This transition reflects the country's evolving economic landscape and demographic dynamics. Currently, Portugal's net migration stands at 16,472 people, ranking 180 globally. Comparative analysis with peer countries, such as Greece, which also exhibits a positive net migration rate of 16,636 people, highlights Portugal's relatively stable position within the European context. The steady increase in net migration over the years is a testament to the country's attractiveness to foreign workers and its growing economy. However, this trend may be disrupted if Portugal's economic growth slows down or if other countries offer more competitive opportunities, potentially altering the trajectory of net migration in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Net Migration | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | -36,253 | - | - |
| 2027* trend | -20,822 | - | - |
| 2026* trend | -5,390 | - | - |
| 2025 | 16,472 | −4,176 | #180 |
| 2024 | 20,648 | −8,454 | #180 |
| 2023 | 29,102 | −39,594 | #179 |
| 2022 | 68,696 | −910 | #181 |
| 2021 | 69,606 | +15,530 | #197 |
| 2020 | 54,076 | −8,955 | #193 |
| 2019 | 63,031 | +40,536 | #192 |
| 2018 | 22,495 | +8,516 | #173 |
| 2017 | 13,979 | +14,754 | #163 |
| 2016 | -775 | +2,434 | #100 |
| 2015 | -3,209 | +23,238 | #87 |
| 2014 | -26,447 | +9,895 | #45 |
| 2013 | -36,342 | +741 | #34 |
| 2012 | -37,083 | −5,570 | #37 |
| 2011 | -31,513 | −25,886 | #43 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Portugal matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw net migration improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Portugal's net migration was 16,472 in 2025. Ranked 180th globally. This represents a 20.2% decrease from the previous year.
Portugal's net migration peaked at 69,606 in 2021.
The lowest net migration in Portugal was -191,862 in 1970.
Portugal ranks 180th globally in net migration as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SM.POP.NETM. Data sourced from World Bank.
Portugal's net migration is projected to reach -5,390 by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The net migration of Portugal in 2025 was 16,472. This ranks 180th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_portugal_net-migration,
title = {Portugal Net Migration},
url = {https://historysaid.com/portugal/net-migration/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}