After almost a year without changes, the new values show increases of up to 33%, particularly affecting the most requested administrative acts, such as initial residence permit applications and their renewals.

This increase, based on the update to Decree No. 307/2023, is generating controversy among immigrant communities, even prompting the collection of testimonies for a complaint against the Portuguese State at the European Court of Human Rights for alleged non-compliance with the management of migration processes.

Despite these increases, Portugal continues to have administrative costs considered moderate when compared to the European Union average.

Currently, an initial residence permit in Portugal costs between €150 and €170, while the citizenship application costs €170.

This value places Portugal at an intermediate level of accessibility, exceeding the base cost in Spain, which is set at 100 euros (though it requires separately paid exams), but remaining significantly below that of other European powers.

In Germany, for example, the naturalisation process requires an investment of approximately 255 euros, a value very similar to that practised in Italy, where citizenship costs around 250 euros, plus high administrative fees.

The cost scenario peaks in the Netherlands, which stands out as the most expensive destination in Europe for those seeking citizenship. While in Portugal, the process remains at €170, in the Dutch market, immigrants have to spend around €970 to obtain nationality, in addition to fees of €350 for highly skilled work permits.

This comparative analysis demonstrates that, although the 33% increase in the cost of living puts pressure on immigrants' budgets in Portugal, the country remains far from the restrictive levels practised in central and northern Europe, positioning itself as the fourth most affordable destination among the main markets analysed.