RelyOn Relocation® News

Amendments to the citizenship law have been submitted to the new President, António José Seguro. In the coming weeks, it will become clear whether the changes will take effect or be reviewed by the Constitutional Court. Key updates include longer residency requirements and the removal of certain special regimes. Some provisions may be challenged, but the core reform is likely to remain. The President’s decision will be a key signal for Portugal’s future immigration policy.

The government released its 2025 internal security report showing a decline in serious and violent crime, but a slight increase in overall offenses. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro подчеркнул that Portugal remains one of the safest countries in Europe.
Authorities link the increase to more active policing and a higher number of inspections. Concerns include a rise in sexual offenses and illegal migration-related crimes. At the same time, efforts against drug trafficking are strengthening, while serious crime continues to decline.

A European Parliament delegation will visit Lisbon to discuss the housing affordability crisis. Meetings are planned with government officials, parliament members, and housing program participants.
The visit will also include projects backed by the European Investment Bank and a modular housing site in Amadora. According to EU estimates, housing prices in Portugal are about 25% overvalued — the highest in the EU.

The Bank of Portugal released a study on foreign workers based on Social Security data from 2010–2024. The report shows that immigrants are employed for an average of 86% of their time in the country. They also receive significantly fewer social benefits compared to Portuguese citizens of the same age group.
Governor Álvaro Santos Pereira highlighted the need to attract more highly skilled immigrants. The findings confirm the strong and consistent contribution of immigrants to the economy.

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation will dedicate €2.5 million in 2026–2027 to NGOs supporting migrant integration in Portugal. Projects include Portuguese language training, labour market access, education, healthcare, and professional skills development, with grants of €80,000–€100,000 awarded competitively.

Director Pedro Calado highlights migrants’ importance for the economy, demographic stability, and cultural diversity, noting that government measures often lag behind societal needs. Poor integration, he warns, can lead to social fragmentation and long-term costs for society. The foundation was created by Calouste Gulbenkian, an Armenian philanthropist who found refuge in Portugal in 1942.

Portugal is entering a new investment cycle in 2026, with growing confidence and liquidity supporting the office market, according to Idealista.

Office yields in Lisbon reach 4.75%, close to Madrid and higher than Milan, Paris, and London’s West End, based on Savills data (Q4 2025).

Strong rental demand and the trend of converting offices into residential spaces are further increasing investor interest.