Top 3 Destinations for Portugal Expats (2023 Data via 2025 OECD Report)
The report estimates that 61,000 Portuguese citizens left for other OECD countries in 2023, up 4% from the year before.
| Country of Origin | Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Switzerland | ~12,810 (21% of overall Portuguese outflow) |
| Portugal | Spain | ~11,590 (19% of overall Portuguese outflow) |
| Portugal | France | ~7,320 (12% of overall Portuguese outflow) |
The Portuguese have a long history of emigrating to Switzerland and France for work, and Spain is the obvious next-door neighbor. France's top 3 looks similar, with Switzerland and Spain plus Belgium.
Where are those destination countries sending their people?
Emigration of Swiss citizens (to OECD countries) was 9,700 in 2023. ~22% went to Spain, 20% to Germany, and 7% to the Netherlands.
Emigration of Spanish citizens (to OECD countries) was 80,000 in 2023. ~18% went to Germany, 13% to the Netherlands, and 12% to France.
Emigration of French citizens (to OECD countries) was 104,000 in 2023. ~19% went to Switzerland, 16% to Spain, and 11% to Belgium.
| Country of Origin | Top Destination Country | # of Migrants |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Spain | ~2,134 |
| Spain | Germany | ~14,400 |
| France | Switzerland | ~19,760 |