Doctors trained in Brazil are close to becoming the largest group of foreign doctors practicing in Portugal. Data from the Portuguese Medical Association shows this. 1.602 Brazilian professionals authorized to practice in the country, a number very close to that of the Spanish, who total 1.649 and have always led among immigrant clinicians.
In total, 4.808 foreign doctors practice their profession in Portugal on a regular basis, and Brazilians represent 33,3% of this contingent. Between January and November 2025, of the 434 professionals who received authorization, 138 (31,8%) came from Brazil, followed by Angolans (22), Italians (12) and Spaniards (11).
The president of the Order of Physicians, Carlos CortesHe linked the growth to the increase in immigration in the country. According to calculations by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA), there are 1,5 million immigrants living legally in Portuguese territory — Brazilians number more than 630.000.
Most work in the private sector.
Most foreign doctors work in the Portuguese private healthcare system, which is expanding due to the demand for health insurance. In November 2025, the National Health Service (SNS) had 969 foreign specialists and 333 residents in the specialization phase.
According to the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS), most of these professionals are in hospitals, with 595 specialists and 237 interns. Another 368 work in primary care and 96 are pursuing specialization in health centers.
Safety is a key factor in the choice.
Pulmonologist Letícia Kawano, 46, who has been in Portugal for three years, points to family protection as the main reason for the move. “Certainly, it’s not about the salary, because in Brazil, the remuneration is higher. What has weighed heavily in the decision of Brazilian medical professionals to exchange Brazil for Portugal is the issue of family security,” she emphasized.
She also cited Portugal as a gateway to the European market. After having her diploma and specialization recognized and practicing in the country for a period, the doctor can practice in other nations of the European Union.
Where foreigners work
Of the 4.808 foreign doctors regularly employed in Portugal, only 969 specialists and 333 interns were working in the National Health Service (SNS) in November 2025. The remainder are concentrated in the private sector, the fastest growing sector in the country. These figures are from the Portuguese Medical Association and the Central Administration of Health Services (ACSS). (With information from Público)
