The number of former residents returning to Portugal continued to rise in 2018, while the number of Portuguese leaving the country retreated for the fifth consecutive year, according to recently released INE (Statistics Portugal) demographics data.
In 2018, a total of 43,170 people entered to reside for one year or more in Portugal, 17.8% more than in 2017.
INE highlights some data on these permanent immigrants: 53% were women; 47% had Portuguese nationality; 34% were born in Portugal; 43% previously lived in a European Union country; and 83% were working-age people (15-64 years).
Regarding the emigration, in 2018 emigrants left Portugal to live abroad for one year or more, a total of 31,600 people, 0.5% less than in 2017.
Between inflows and outflows, the migration balance was positive for the second consecutive year.
The main reasons for the return of former residents to Portugal are the positive economic and social situation experienced in Portugal last year, as well as the set of tax incentives that Portugal currently offers to former residents (Regressar Program) and to those who have not been considered resident in Portugal in the last 5 years (Non-Habitual Resident Status).º
Source: INE
