NRNA Portugal to open Lisbon office and website on October 4

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) National Coordination Council Portugal will open its new office in Lisbon on October 4, aiming to provide direct services and information to the rapidly growing Nepali community in the country. The association has also launched an official website to enhance communication and support for Nepalis abroad. The new office, located at Avenida Defensores de Chaves No. 4, 1000–109 Lisbon, will serve as a central hub where Nepali residents can access essential information, services, support, and consultation. According to NRNA Portugal President Sujan Lama Moktan and Secretary Suraj Bhandari, the initiative seeks to improve access to services and information for the community. Portugal has seen a significant increase in its Nepali population. Data from Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE) indicates that the number of Nepali citizens in Portugal reached 56,866 in 2025, making them the fifth-largest immigrant group. This figure includes 38,335 men and 18,531 women. However, it does not account for Nepalis who have acquired Portuguese citizenship. Another study by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) and Nova University in 2025 reported 58,506 officially residing Nepalis. The Nepali population in Portugal has grown by 136.8 percent over the past four years, from 24,013 in 2021 to 56,866 in 2025. Nepalis constitute 3.55 percent of Portugal’s total immigrant population of 1,597,539 in 2025, up from 3.2 percent in 2021. Estimates from August 11, 2026, suggest the total number of Nepalis in Portugal now exceeds 70,000. Growing Diplomatic Ties. The increasing Nepali presence has also led to expanded institutional engagement from Nepali organizations and diplomatic activity from the Nepal government. Nepal decided to open a residential embassy in Portugal in October/November 2023. Portugal subsequently agreed to the establishment of the Nepali Embassy in Lisbon in Mansir 2080 BS. The embassy was formally inaugurated on February 20, 2025, following its establishment in 2081 BS. President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Prakashmani Paudel as Nepal’s Ambassador to Portugal on November 17, 2024. In a reciprocal move, Portugal is also advancing plans to expand its diplomatic presence in Nepal. The Nepal government’s Council of Ministers decided on August 11, 2026, to grant approval for Portugal to open a consular office in Kathmandu. Portugal has since requested permission to establish a higher-level Consulate-General. This office, if all procedures proceed as planned, is expected to become operational by late 2026 or early 2027. It is anticipated to streamline visa processing, document verification, and other consular services for Nepali citizens wishing to travel to Portugal. NRNA’s Role and Future Outlook. Established in 2006, NRNA Portugal has been actively working to support the Nepali diaspora. The launch of the new office and website is a direct response to the community’s rapid growth. The official website will provide access to NRNA’s official announcements, services, programs, and general information, also allowing members to submit inquiries and service requests online. NRNA Portugal launched a new membership and renewal application drive on July 12, 2026, and has appointed 16 membership coordinators to ensure the campaign’s effectiveness. The association expects that these new facilities will significantly improve service and information access for all Nepalis residing in Portugal. While official figures provide a snapshot of the Nepali community, the actual number of undocumented Nepalis in Portugal remains unknown, with estimates suggesting it could be considerably higher than official statistics. Furthermore, the exact location, specific operational date, and full range of services for Portugal’s upcoming consular office in Kathmandu are yet to be formally announced by the Portuguese government.