The Nepali population in Portugal reached 56,866 by 2025, making them the fifth-largest immigrant group among immigrants in the country, according to data from Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE). This significant increase comes as the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) National Coordination Council Portugal prepares to inaugurate its office in Lisbon on October 4, 2026.
The INE data indicates a 136.8 percent growth in the Nepali population in Portugal over four years, from 24,013 in 2021 to 56,866 in 2025. Of the total Nepali citizens, 38,335 are men and 18,531 are women. This figure does not include Nepalis who have acquired Portuguese citizenship. Nepalis constitute 3.55 percent of Portugal’s total immigrant population, which stood at 1,597,539 in 2025.
Diplomatic Engagements and Community Support
The growing Nepali presence has led to increased diplomatic and community engagement. Nepal established its residential embassy in Lisbon in March 2025, a move that followed a request for agreement from the Nepal government in 2080 BS and approval from Portugal in November of the same year. Previously, the Nepali Embassy in Paris also covered Portugal.
On September 21, 2026, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal met with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel in New York to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. This followed a visit by a Nepali delegation led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai to Portugal in February 2026 for the first meeting of the bilateral consultation mechanism. Earlier, on April 1, 2026, Minister Khanal and Minister Rangel held a telephone conversation regarding over 2,000 Nepalis facing legal difficulties in Portugal due to ‘fake stamp’ issues.
The NRNA, a global organization for Nepalis living abroad, aims to mobilize the knowledge, skills, technology, and capital of its members for Nepal’s development. Sujan Lama Moktan, president of the NRNA National Coordination Council Portugal, stated that the new office in Lisbon will work to reduce fraud and exploitation faced by Nepali workers in the agricultural and restaurant sectors, providing necessary support and coordination.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The increase in Nepali migration to Portugal is attributed to factors such as easier access to residency permits, citizenship, and European passports (Schengen access), as well as Portugal’s declining population and demand for young workers. However, the community faces new challenges. Portugal passed a new immigration law in October 2025, which is expected to tighten family reunification processes and prioritize work visas for highly skilled individuals. Additionally, a new police unit has been established in Portugal to combat irregular migration, with powers including the deportation of immigrants without residence permits. The Portuguese government’s decision to expel 18,000 illegal immigrants has heightened concerns within the Nepali community.
Nepal has appealed to Portugal to offer a one-time opportunity to hundreds of Nepalis affected by the ‘fake stamp’ issue, requesting that they be allowed to obtain new official documents if necessary. The NRNA Portugal has welcomed the decision to establish a Portuguese consular office in Kathmandu and plans to organize the fourth Global Knowledge Conference in 2027, seeking cooperation from the Nepal government.
Uncertainties Remain
The exact date when Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE) published the 2025 data is not yet available. Furthermore, it is not yet confirmed whether the NRNA Portugal office has already been inaugurated on October 4, 2026. The full impact of Portugal’s new immigration law on the Nepali community and the detailed implementation plans are still unclear, as is the final number and legal status of Nepalis affected by the ‘fake stamp’ incident.
