High rents, a rising cost of living, and reports of discrimination are influencing the decisions of Brazilians living in Portugal, according to public data, international comparisons, and recurring testimonies, in a scenario marked by housing difficulties, financial pressure, and challenges to social integration.
Rising rents, increased cost of living, and reports of hostile behavior against immigrants have led some Brazilians living in Portugal to reconsider their plans and, in some cases, return to Brazil.
Testimonials published on social media, migrant support groups, and recent news reports indicate that the difference between expectations created before the move and the daily experience in the country has weighed heavily on the decision to stay or not.
Among the most frequently cited factors is… difficulty accessing housing.
— ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW —
In Lisbon, advertisements for small apartments with monthly rents between 1.200 and 1.250 euros They have become frequent, according to surveys of the real estate market and rental platforms.
The Portuguese capital appears, repeatedly, as the city with the highest prices in the country for residential rentals.
Cost of living comparisons that include housing expenses also reveal significant differences compared to major Brazilian cities.
In widely used collaborative databases, Lisbon emerges with Total cost is higher than in São Paulo when rent is included in the calculation.This helps explain why some immigrants say they face difficulties in keeping their budget balanced, especially during the first months of adaptation.
Rent pressure in Lisbon and Porto
Finding housing is often one of the main challenges reported by newly arrived Brazilians.
Many arrive expecting Portugal to offer lower costs compared to other European capitals, only to find a different scenario in the most sought-after urban areas.
Estimates published by specialized guides indicate that the The average price of a one-bedroom apartment in central Lisbon neighborhoods exceeds 1.000 euros per month., varying according to the location and condition of the property.
O price per square meter in the capital It also ranks among the highest in the country, according to industry indicators.
A similar situation is observed in Porto.
Rental prices remain below those in Lisbon, but are still among the… highest in Portugal.
As a result, some immigrants have sought housing in outlying areas or nearby cities.
This choice implies additional costs associated with transportation and longer daily commute times..
Wages, inflation, and basic expenses
Price increases following the pandemic frequently appear in reports from Brazilians.
The perception that Essential items, such as food and services, have become more expensive. This is a recurring theme in interviews and publications about the immigrant community.
Public indicators help to contextualize this sentiment.
European rankings that assess the relationship between rent and net salary place Lisbon among the cities with… greater commitment of income to housing.
This data suggests smaller financial margin for other expenses, such as leisure, savings or personal investments.
In international comparisons, the Portuguese capital is at a disadvantage when the goal is to reconcile housing costs and purchasing power.
Cost of living databases also show that, in several categories, Lisbon has higher values than São Paulo.
The difference becomes more evident when the Residential rent is included in the calculation..
These numbers are often cited by Brazilians who claim to have migrated in search of financial stability and they find it difficult to save or maintain consumption patterns similar to those they had in Brazil.
Reports of xenophobia and discrimination in everyday life.
In addition to economic issues, Brazilians report facing social difficulties.
There are records of episodes of discrimination in the labor market and in access to housing, including complaints of rental refusal after the applicant’s nationality has been identified.
Reports from European organizations that monitor racism and intolerance have indicated concern about the rise in xenophobic speech in Portugal, especially targeted at migrant populations.
The topic has also been covered by international media outlets.
The reports link cases of hostility to Strengthening of anti-immigration agendas in recent political debate..
Experts in migration and social integration observe that, even when they do not result in physical violence, Recurring episodes of discrimination can lead to emotional distress and feelings of insecurity..
These factors often influence decisions about remaining in or returning to the country of origin.
Brazilians lead immigration, but return migration is not reflected in the numbers.
The debate takes place in a context of increasing foreign population residing in Portugal.
In this scenario, Brazilians form the main group among immigrants, according to official data from immigration authorities.
The numbers confirm the importance of this community.
On the other hand, they They do not allow us to accurately measure how many chose to return to Brazil. in the last years.
The accounts from Brazilians themselves acknowledge the lack of consolidated statistics on voluntary return.
The publicly available data generally deals with administrative immigration processes.
These records do not distinguish between decisions motivated by economic, social, or personal factors.
Still, the difference between the image promoted by digital influencers and the routine marked by bureaucracy, high costs and integration challenges It comes up frequently in interviews.
For some Brazilians, the decision to return is linked to The search for financial predictability, proximity to family, and already established support networks in Brazil..
With migration patterns increasingly conditioned by income level, chosen city, and capacity for social adaptation, what information and criteria still need to be considered by those evaluating a move to Portugal?
