Portugal has recently seen a surge in its appeal as a destination for skilled workers, particularly among younger professionals who are increasingly choosing southern Europe over traditional hubs such as the UK or the Gulf.
According to The Economist, “as populations age, there is growing competition worldwide for skilled young migrants, and countries such as Portugal are working hard to attract them”. Portugal's popularity among graduates has seen the highest growth of any country, with interest from potential migrants tripling since 2010, moving from position 24 to 13th place in a ranking led by Canada, Australia and the United States.
This is revealed by the 'footloose index', which ranks 74 countries according to their attractiveness to internationally mobile talent. If all migration restrictions were lifted, Portugal's graduate population could potentially increase by 120%, adding nearly 1.8 million skilled residents. Portugal's appeal is based on its favourable climate, advanced digital infrastructure and immigration policies that make it easy to move and stay.
Meanwhile, traditional destinations are facing challenges. Post-Brexit, the UK has seen its appeal diminish, while restrictive immigration policies in the US and Italy are hampering their ability to attract skilled workers. This shows how Portugal's proactive approach boosts economy and reshapes global talent flow.
