Portugal records rise in foreign Social Security contributions as new population data unveiled

Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE) revised its resident population estimate for 2024, raising the total to 11.387 million – an increase of 637 thousand people and confirming that foreign‑born residents now comprise about 14 % of the population. The updated figures showed that foreign workers contributed €1.418 billion to the Social Security system in the first four months of 2026, a 12.85 % rise over the same period a year earlier. Payouts to foreign beneficiaries also grew, reaching €292.32 million, leaving a net surplus of more than €1.126 billion for the state.

The data also revealed a slight dip in the number of foreign contributors for the first time in a year, with 871 057 foreign workers paying contributions in April 2026, down 3 471 from April 2025. At the same time, the population revision lowered Portugal’s per‑capita GDP relative to the EU average from 81 % to roughly 76.2 %, pushing the country down to 22nd place among EU members. Analysts say the new statistics highlight structural challenges such as low productivity and an economy still reliant on lower‑value‑added sectors, prompting calls for policies that attract higher‑value investment and retain talent.