According to a report by the Daily News, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service recently announced that in 2017, Portugal issued 29,055 residence permits to non-EU third-country nationals, with the highest numbers coming from Brazilian and Asian immigrants. The overall number represents an increase of nearly 19% compared to the same period in 2016, marking the highest growth rate in the past five years, approaching pre-economic crisis levels.
Over the past six years, Portugal has issued nearly 150,000 immigration residence permits, allowing them to legally enter the Schengen Area. The main reasons these foreigners live in Portugal include work, family reunification, investment, study, and research. After the economic crisis, the number of foreign citizens applying for Portuguese residence permits began to rise again. In 2012, 28,681 residence permits were issued, which dropped to 22,600 in 2013, until it resumed growth in 2016 with an increase of 9.3%. The year 2017 saw the fastest growth rate in the past five years, reaching 18.8%.
Since October 2017, Portugal has repeatedly become one of the most favored investment locations for foreign property investors. For many overseas investors, purchasing property in Portugal for €500,000 allows three generations of the family to obtain a "Golden Residence Permit" visa, creating a second home abroad and enjoying high welfare benefits in Europe. For inquiries, please contact the Immigration Hotline: 400-138-2929.
