Brazilians in Portugal vs. Portuguese in Brazil: A Deep Dive into Migration Trends

Brazilians in Portugal vs. Portuguese in Brazil

Recent data reveals that 513,000 Brazilians currently reside in Portugal, while 708,000 Portuguese or people of Portuguese descent live in Brazil, according to the Itamaraty and Portugal's Diplomatic Portal. These figures, updated for 2023, highlight the strong migratory ties between the two countries.

Recent Changes in Immigration Policies

The Portuguese government recently announced that thousands of immigrants whose legalization requests were denied will be notified to leave the country. This includes 5,386 Brazilians who are now given a 20-day deadline to depart or face expulsion.

Path to Portuguese Citizenship

Currently, obtaining Portuguese citizenship requires five years of residency. However, the government is considering doubling this period, which could significantly impact future immigration trends.

Who Are the Affected Brazilians?

The individuals targeted for removal are those who already had their visa applications denied and are living in Portugal irregularly. Notably, Brazil is the second-highest country affected by these orders, following India with 13,466 removal requests.

Brazilian Immigration in Portugal

Portugal hosts the second-largest Brazilian community globally, trailing only the United States. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of Brazilians in Portugal surged by over 150,000. Here’s a quick look at the numbers:

• 2023: 513,000
• 2022: 360,000
• 2021: 275,000
• 2020: 276,200

Comparing with Other Countries

The United Kingdom is the second European destination for Brazilians, with 230,000 residents, less than half of Portugal’s figure. Meanwhile, Japan, home to the largest Brazilian community in Asia, hosts 210,000 Brazilians.

Source: Itamaraty