15 Reasons not to emigrate to Portugal in 2025
Top 15 Reasons NOT to Emigrate to Portugal in 2025
(Still, the sun’s shining though…)
15️⃣ Brazilian & ex-Commonwealth Shortcut Gone
The prior “manifestação de interesse” route for Brazilians and other Portuguese‑speaking nationals—enter on short-stay and convert to work visa—has been officially removed. The fast lane via tourist entry now leads to dead ends.
14️⃣ D2 Visa (Entrepreneurs) – What Really Matters
The D2 route isn't just about having an idea—it’s about execution:
Company must be legally registered and operating before applying (including NIF, Social Security, articles of association) (Viv Europe).
Detailed, Portuguese-language business plan evaluating social, economic, cultural impact, market analysis, financial forecasts, and job creation (Citizen Remote).
Minimum share capital of €5,000–€10,000 plus evidence of sustaining funds (at least one year’s minimum wage—≈€10,640 for solo, higher with dependents) (Madeira Corporate Services).
Appoint a Portuguese tax representative, open a Portuguese corporate bank account, and prove regular business activity or contracts (Citizen Remote).
Comprehensive proof of financial self-sufficiency in personal and business terms is essential (Citizen Remote).
Bottom line: you must have the company set up, funded, and ready to operate before applying—D2 is now a proof-of-setup visa, not a startup promise.
13️⃣ D7 Visa's "Passive Income" Assumption Burst
Financial scrutiny increased significantly: no more minimal transfers or Airbnb-based stays. Authorities require long-term bank deposits, rental contracts, clean NIF usage, and substantial private health insurance.
12️⃣ Golden Visa Pivot: Funds over Real Estate
Property no longer qualifies. Instead, three top property-fund options are:
Azora European Residential
Square AM Portugal Real Estate Fund
Meridia Portugal Residential Fund
While these meet investment thresholds, they bring high fees, lock-ins, and unpredictable returns.
11️⃣ AIMA Holds the Power—and Your Wallet
AIMA’s statutory deadlines (90 days) routinely stretch to 3–4× longer—biometrics and renewals taking 6–12 months (Reddit). Many applicants use legal action to compel AIMA to act, adding lawyer fees and stress as extra costs (Reddit).
🔟 New Government, New Rules
As of May 2025, PSD and Chega coalition forced several changes:
Citizenship eligibility extended from 5 to 10 years, though CPLP nationals still need 7 years (Reddit, Wikipedia).
Tightening of family reunification, requiring at least 2 years of legal residency plus minors-only structures.
Ambitious plan to expel ~70,000 undocumented migrants.
Official shift: only highly skilled immigrants who satisfy domestic labor needs will be encouraged.
9️⃣ Family Reunification Harder
Upcoming rules will restrict "reagrupamento familiar" to smaller family units, requiring 2 years of legal residency and qualifying dependents only—more restrictive than before.
8️⃣ Visa Delays Vary by Nationality
Significant delays reported from applicants from Mozambique, Angola, India, whereas comparatively no strong evidence indicates Israeli, Saudi Arabian, or Israeli candidates face longer queues. The main bottleneck is the overall massive backlog (≈400,000–900,000 cases) .
7️⃣ Digital Nomad Visa Is a Mirror Image of D2
Minimum monthly income at €3,280, formal employment proof, interviews, and 4+ months processing delays—not the frictionless route promised.
6️⃣ Healthcare: Public System at Capacity
Local SNS offices are backlogged. Family doctors and registration can take months; private insurance is not optional and continues to increase in cost.
5️⃣ Banking & NIF Are No Longer Easy
Strict anti-money laundering compliance means fuller documentation is required. Many banks refuse applications from non-residents or require paid legal/tax reps.
4️⃣ Housing Market: A Price Squeeze
Nationwide housing prices rose ~7.4% YoY; some areas soared: Beja +21%, Setúbal +16.9%, Vila Real +16.6%, Algarve +9.2%, Norte +7.3% .
Rental prices increased ~3.5%: Lisbon +3.1%, Porto +2.7%, Setúbal +11%, Faro +12% .
Typical two-bedroom rents now average:
Lisbon: ~€1,900
Cascais: ~€2,200
Porto: ~€1,400
Algarve (Faro/Lagos): ~€1,500
Setúbal: ~€1,100
Braga: ~€1,000
3️⃣ NHR Regime Gone, Defence Budget Rising
The Non-Habitual Resident tax scheme closed in 2024. Portugal's defence budget is rising to ~3% of GDP—less than the ~5% seen elsewhere, but still a tax component tied to EU security dynamics.
2️⃣ Bureaucracy: It's a Full-Time Job
Visas, renewals, banking, health, housing, citizenship—every process seems tied to appointments, lawyers, translations, franchising, and endless follow-ups.
1️⃣ You’re Playing Serious Immigration Roulette
Portugal now seeks real economic integration: entrepreneurs with scale, remote professionals earning strong incomes, and skilled recruits. The sweet-and-easy paths of 2019 no longer apply—visa rules are stricter, timelines are unpredictable, and cost overruns are common.
"However, if you really are looking for a lifestyle change and truly appreciate what Portugal has to offer, then contact us to help you start enjoying the quality of life you need now!" - Facilitators Portugal
There are 1400 Millionaires who want to join you in this move to Portugal for 2025 - according to Henley & Partners
🌞 Portugal’s Everlasting Positives
Despite the harder entry conditions, some things remain timeless:
Sun-drenched beaches, Atlantic air, coastal joys.
Mouth-watering cuisine—seafood, vinho verde, pastries.
Top-tier safety—Portugal remains a global safe haven.
Rich culture & nature—surf, Fado, festivals, trails.
Multilingual & warm communities—English widely spoken, locals welcoming.
✅ Bottom Line:
If you're considering emigration in 2025, know this: D2 is a fully operational enterprise the moment you apply. Expect extensive bureaucracy, legal involvement, and long waits—especially for renewals or family entry. The easiest pathways—D7, Golden Visa, Digital Nomad—are now laden with new barriers and longer timelines.
But if you're equipped with capital, patience, legal advisors, and determination—Portugal still offers beauty, tranquility, and quality of life. Just don’t expect a 2019-style golden carpet.
