Portugal Sees 37% Drop in Asylum Applications in 2025: Sharp Decline Reflects Broader European Trend Amid Growing Backlogs

Portugal asylum applications dropped 37% in 2025

Lisbon, June 10, 2026 — Portugal recorded a significant 37% decrease in new asylum applications in 2025, according to the latest data released by the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA). The country received 1,763 asylum claims last year, down from 2,797 in 2024, making it one of the quieter asylum destinations in Europe.

This marks the second consecutive year of declining asylum applications across the EU+, continuing a cooling trend after the high numbers seen in previous years.

Key Statistics from 2025

• Total Applications: 1,763 (down 37% from 2024)

• Share of EU+ Total: Only 0.2% of all asylum applications lodged in the EU+ countries (EU member states plus Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein)

• First-Instance Approval Rate: Dropped by 24% compared to the previous year

• Pending Cases: Rose sharply to 8,730 by December 2025 (from 4,510 the year before), indicating a growing backlog

• Granted Protection: Asylum status was granted in 288 cases in 2025, a significant increase from just 7 cases in 2024

Top Countries of Origin

The three main nationalities applying for asylum in Portugal in 2025 were:

• Colombia (14%)

• China (10%)

• Angola (9%)

However, the highest approval rates were recorded for applicants from:

• Afghanistan (42%)

• Syria (13%)

• Eritrea (5%)

This pattern reflects both regional migration flows and the varying success rates based on individual circumstances and country conditions.

Broader European Context

Across the EU+, asylum applications fell to around 800,000 in 2025, down from over one million the previous year. The EUAA attributes this decline to several factors, including improved political stability in key countries of origin such as Syria, as well as stricter border controls and faster processing in several member states.

Portugal’s drop aligns with this continent-wide trend, though the country still maintains a relatively low overall share of asylum claims compared to larger recipients like Germany, France, and Spain.

Growing Backlog Raises Concerns

Although there are fewer new applications, the backlog of pending cases has almost doubled within a year. This increasing workload is straining Portugal's asylum system and may result in longer waiting times for decisions.

Immigration experts note that while fewer applications are positive for processing capacity, the increasing backlog highlights the need for more efficient procedures and additional resources.

Implications for Portugal’s Immigration Policy

The sharp decline comes as Portugal continues to refine its approach to migration. The country has maintained relatively open policies for certain categories (such as the D7 visa and Golden Visa) while showing more caution on asylum claims. The drop in applications may ease some pressure on public services but also raises questions about Portugal’s attractiveness and processing efficiency compared to other EU nations.

For asylum seekers, the lower approval rates at first instance suggest a more rigorous evaluation process, particularly for certain nationalities.

What This Means for Future Applicants

• Faster Processing Possible: A reduction in applications might eventually result in shorter waiting times once the backlog is addressed.

• Higher Scrutiny: Applicants should expect thorough documentation and evidence requirements.

• Country-Specific Trends: Success rates vary significantly by nationality, with some groups (e.g., Afghans) faring better than others.

As the EU’s new Migration Pact continues to roll out, Portugal and other member states are expected to further harmonize their asylum procedures in the coming years.

For the latest updates, detailed guides, and analysis on Portugal asylum procedures, residence permits, D7 Visa, Golden Visa, and 2026 immigration trends, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/portugal