Tag: Portugal

In 2025, 60 countries saw their civil and political rights decline, but Portugal remains among the freest in the world. For the 19th consecutive year, freedom has been deteriorating in various parts of the world. The international organization Freedom House, which defends human rights, annually publishes a ranking of global freedoms, analyzing 195 countries and […]

August 8, 2025 – Lisbon – Portugal’s Constitutional Court has ruled unconstitutional five out of seven recent amendments to the Immigration Law (Law No. 23/2007) after a preventive review requested by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The most significant change rejected was the two-year minimum residency requirement for permanent residents before applying for family reunification. […]

In recent years, more than 21,000 Americans have settled in this Iberian gem, followed closely by newcomers from China. Today, around 15% of Portugal’s 10.6 million residents were born abroad, reflecting its growing international appeal. Why Portugal? Mercan Group is proud to be among the top three hotel developers in Portugal, with over 12 properties […]

Located in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, the newly opened Origine Porto Gaia, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott is a five-star luxury hotel that invites guests to begin their own story in one of Portugal’s most iconic destinations. Overlooking the Douro River and surrounded by the city’s historic charm, the property marks […]

According to the latest update of the Henley Passport Index, the Portuguese passport ranks fourth, along with countries such as Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, allowing visa-free access to 188 destinations. According to the latest update of the Passport Index, the Portuguese passport allows visa-free access to 188 destinations, a ranking that, […]

The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, questioned the differences between the government’s immigrant figures and those of the National Institute of Statistics (INE). INE reveals, according to ECO, that the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has not yet sent data on the “foreign population with a valid residence permit on […]

As demand continues to outstrip supply in the property market, prices have seen historic rises, reaching an all time high increase of 18.7% last year. However, this activity is not accompanied by a similar increase in residential supply, which is why the prices of houses sold rose 18.7% last year, a new all-time high. The […]

In a landmark move to modernize immigration services, Portugal’s Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) has announced the creation of a Multidisciplinary Data Management Team (DATA). The initiative, formally signed by AIMA President Pedro Gaspar Portugal, aims to streamline internal data processes, strengthen governance, and support anti-corruption efforts through enhanced data analytics and monitoring. […]

Almost a quarter of Europeans are now considering to shift their summer holidays to September, when there is less heat and crowding and perhaps better prices in destinations such as Greece. July and August remain, according to the European Tourism Commission’s research, the most popular months for summer holidays. ‘However, September is emerging as a […]

According to the latest Local Housing Price Statistics Report released by Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE), the country’s real estate market continued its upward momentum in the first quarter of 2025. National Median Housing Price Reaches €1,951/m² – Up 18.7% Year-over-Year The median price of family housing in Portugal rose to €1,951 per square meter […]

With its year-round sunshine, stunning beaches, distinctive cuisine, and affordable lifestyle, Portugal continues to rank among Europe’s most popular travel destinations. According to The Portugal News, Albufeira — often called the “Jewel of the Algarve” — emerged as the second most searched destination by international tourists for summer 2025. From its golden sandy beaches and […]

According to the latest data from Eurostat, Portugal recorded the highest year-on-year house price increase in the EU for Q1 2025, with property prices surging 16.3% — far surpassing the Eurozone average of 5.4% and the EU average of 5.7%. Portugal Also Among Top Performers in Quarterly Growth Compared to Q4 2024, Portugal’s house prices […]

In the post-Brexit era, a growing number of British citizens are turning to Golden Visa programs to regain access to the European continent. Data shows a sharp rise in applications from UK nationals for investment residency in Greece and Portugal—driven not only by asset preservation goals, but also by tax optimization, lifestyle upgrades, and identity […]

Nestled on the tranquil shores of the Santo André Lagoon along Portugal’s scenic Alentejo coast, the newly unveiled Amarello Hotel Praia Santo Andre, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is now officially open. This marks Mercan Group’s first project in the region and its fourth partnership with Hilton, representing a new milestone in the Group’s expanding portfolio […]

Sunshine, warmth, an active outdoor lifestyle, and affordable, high-quality food and wine are what many of us seek when it comes to retirement. Increasingly, according to the organisers of the Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars, Irish retirees are turning to Portugal to provide all of these elements during their retirement. Financial considerations are also […]