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Passenger traffic in Portugal increased across nearly all modes of transport in 2025, according to preliminary data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), with river crossings the only sector to decline. Rail was the standout performer: passenger numbers rose 9.7% to about 240 million trips. Intercity travel surged 58.1% following the launch of the Passe… Continue reading Public Transport Use Rises in Portugal
Category: News
Migration Service Raises Fees for Immigration Documents
The migration service updated its fee schedule earlier this month, increasing the cost of several administrative procedures by more than 25%. Residence permit renewals now range from €70 to €160, while applying for citizenship costs about €170. For applicants seeking residency through investment, fees can reach €8,418. Migrant advocacy groups criticized the move. Eugénia Quaresma,… Continue reading Migration Service Raises Fees for Immigration Documents
Lisbon’s Graça Funicular to Reopen in April After Safety Inspection
Lisbon’s Graça funicular is set to reopen in April following a technical inspection, municipal transport operator Carris said. The review confirmed the system is in good condition and meets safety requirements. Operations were suspended after the deadly accident involving the Glória lift on September 3 that killed 16 people and injured more than 20. In… Continue reading Lisbon’s Graça Funicular to Reopen in April After Safety Inspection
“Portugal has lost one of the finest voices of the 20th-century novel,” says João Céu e Silva
Portuguese novelist António Lobo Antunes died on March 5 at the age of 83, news that came as a surprise to many. Journalist and writer João Céu e Silva, who maintained a long friendship with the author and wrote the biography Uma Longa Viagem in 2024, described him as a “revolutionary writer” and one of… Continue reading “Portugal has lost one of the finest voices of the 20th-century novel,” says João Céu e Silva
AIMA Raises Immigration Fees by Up to 33%
From March 1, the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) will implement a new fee schedule, increasing the cost of several procedures by up to 33% — the first revision since the agency was established in October 2023, replacing the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF). Family reunification fees will rise from €99.80 to €133… Continue reading AIMA Raises Immigration Fees by Up to 33%
Portugal’s Tax Revenues Increase by 2% in January
In January, tax revenues in Portugal totaled €4.31 billion, up 2% year on year, according to the state budget execution report. The increase was largely driven by higher value-added tax (VAT) receipts. However, the overall gain was partly offset by a decline in corporate income tax revenues. As a result, the early-year growth in tax… Continue reading Portugal’s Tax Revenues Increase by 2% in January
Regulator to Examine IBAN Portability for Bank Switching
The regulator will assess whether customers can retain their existing IBAN when moving to another financial institution, a step that could significantly simplify bank switching. The requirement to change account numbers currently discourages many clients from moving to competitors, even when better terms are available. The Competition Authority has urged action on the issue, and… Continue reading Regulator to Examine IBAN Portability for Bank Switching
Portugal to Expand Student Intake at Public Universities
Portugal will increase the number of places in public higher education to 78,283 in the 2026/2027 academic year — 1,465 more than the previous year. The expansion covers both universities and polytechnic institutes, with a focus on training teachers and doctors. Undergraduate places in basic education will rise by 12% (147 additional seats), while medical… Continue reading Portugal to Expand Student Intake at Public Universities
Parliament Approves Fixed Payment Schedule for Vehicle Tax Starting in 2028
Parliament has approved a reform of the annual vehicle tax (IUC), introducing fixed calendar deadlines from 2028 and replacing the current system based on a vehicle’s registration month. The aim is to simplify payments and reduce fines caused by missed deadlines. Under the new model, taxes up to €100 must be paid by the end… Continue reading Parliament Approves Fixed Payment Schedule for Vehicle Tax Starting in 2028
Parliament supports the introduction of social media restrictions for teenagers
The bill previously reported on has been approved by a majority vote. Under the new law, access to social media and online platforms (such as Instagram, TikTok, Discord, and Facebook) for users under 16 will only be allowed with explicit and verified parental consent. The law also introduces mandatory age verification for all users through… Continue reading Parliament supports the introduction of social media restrictions for teenagers
