The Nepali Community in Portugal: History, Growth and Nepal–Portugal Relations

Mr Som Nath Sapkota

Nepal and the Portuguese Republic established diplomatic relations on 1 September 1976. Since then, the two countries have maintained warm, friendly, and cooperative relations based on mutual respect, goodwill, and shared interests. Over the years, Nepal–Portugal relations have expanded into various areas, including diplomacy, trade, tourism, labour mobility, education, and cultural exchange.

A significant milestone in bilateral relations was achieved in March 2025, when the Government of Nepal established its first resident Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. This important step reflects the growing significance of Portugal as a home for one of the largest Nepali communities in continental Europe. Before the establishment of the resident Embassy, Nepal’s Embassy in Paris was concurrently accredited to Portugal. Portugal maintains its Honorary Consulate in Kathmandu, while its Embassy in New Delhi is concurrently accredited to Nepal.

The establishment of the Embassy of Nepal in Lisbon has greatly strengthened services for Nepali nationals living in Portugal by improving access to passport services, document attestation, visa-related matters, citizenship issues, and the protection and promotion of the rights and interests of Nepali citizens.

High-Level Visits and Growing Cooperation

Nepal–Portugal relations have continued to develop through high-level exchanges and diplomatic engagements. In July 2018, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, paid an official visit to Portugal, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Similarly, in February 2026, Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai led a high-level delegation to Lisbon to participate in the First Nepal–Portugal Bilateral Consultation Mechanism. During this historic consultation, both governments discussed areas of mutual interest, including labour mobility, economic cooperation, tourism, and people-to-people relations. The newly established Embassy of Nepal in Lisbon was also officially inaugurated during this visit.

These developments demonstrate the growing importance of Nepal–Portugal relations and the valuable role played by the Nepali diaspora in building stronger connections between the two countries.

The Beginning and Growth of the Nepali Community in Portugal

The history of the Nepali community in Portugal began in the late 1990s, when the first Nepalese migrants arrived in search of employment opportunities and a better future in Europe. Many of the early migrants worked mainly in hospitality, agriculture, construction, and service sectors. At that time, the Nepali community was very small, consisting of only a few individuals mainly living in Lisbon and surrounding areas.

As Portugal experienced economic growth and increasing demand for workers, the number of Nepalese migrants gradually increased. Portugal’s immigration regularisation policies, opportunities for long-term residence, and family reunification processes encouraged more Nepalese to settle in the country.

Between 2015 and 2022, the Nepali population grew rapidly due to increased opportunities in tourism, hotels, restaurants, agriculture, construction, logistics, retail, and other service sectors. Community networks and family reunification also played a significant role in expanding the Nepali presence in Portugal.

Today, the Nepali community has become one of the fastest-growing and most respected migrant communities in Portugal, making valuable contributions to Portuguese society and the economy.

Size and Profile of the Nepali Community

According to community estimates, approximately 70,000 Nepalese currently live in Portugal. Around 16,000–18,000 continue to hold Nepali passports, while more than 30 percent of Nepali passport holders are waiting to obtain Portuguese citizenship and Portuguese passports.

More than 15,000 people of Nepali origin who acquired Portuguese citizenship have moved to other European countries, including the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Germany, and other nations, benefiting from European mobility opportunities.

The Nepali community continues to grow and evolve through migration, naturalisation, entrepreneurship, and the establishment of new generations in Europe.

Economic and Social Contribution

The Nepali community in Portugal has earned a positive reputation for being hardworking, honest, and committed members of society. Nepalese contribute significantly to Portugal’s economy through their involvement in hospitality, tourism, hotels, restaurants, agriculture, construction, logistics, transportation, cleaning services, retail, information technology, and entrepreneurship.

Many Nepalese have established successful businesses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to local communities. Their dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have helped strengthen the economic and social fabric of Portugal.

Beyond economic contribution, Nepalese in Portugal have played an important role in preserving and promoting Nepali culture. Festivals such as Dashain, Tihar, Buddha Jayanti, and Teej are celebrated with great enthusiasm, helping maintain cultural identity among younger generations.

Nepali organisations and community groups have supported new migrants, promoted integration, organised cultural programmes, and strengthened friendship between Nepal and Portugal.

The Nepali-Portuguese Community in the United Kingdom

The journey of the Nepali community in Portugal has also created a wider Nepali-Portuguese diaspora across Europe. After obtaining Portuguese citizenship, many Nepalese have moved to other European countries. It is estimated that more than 3,000 people of Nepali origin holding Portuguese citizenship now reside in the United Kingdom, while many others have settled in Denmark, Norway, Belgium, Germany, and other European countries.

Despite living in different countries, the Nepali-Portuguese community has maintained strong cultural, emotional, and social connections with both Nepal and Portugal.

Nepalese Portuguese in UK Group and Annual Gathering

To preserve their shared identity and strengthen community relationships, members of the Nepalese Portuguese in UK Group have established an annual gathering bringing together families and friends from across Europe.

On Monday, 3 August 2026, the community is organising the 4th Annual Nepalese Portuguese Gathering in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom.

The gathering will bring together participants from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, and other European countries. The event reflects the unity, friendship, and growing strength of the Nepali diaspora across Europe.

Distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of Nepal to the United Kingdom, the Ambassador of Nepal to Portugal, and the Ambassador of Portugal to the United Kingdom, have been invited. Invitations have also been extended to the Mayor of Wolverhampton, local representatives, community leaders, and various Nepali organisations from across the United Kingdom.

The programme will celebrate Nepali identity and friendship through traditional Nepali food, cultural performances, sports activities, family entertainment, and community networking. It will also promote Nepali language, traditions, and values among younger generations.

Looking Ahead

After nearly five decades of diplomatic relations and almost three decades of Nepali migration to Portugal, the Nepal–Portugal partnership has reached a new level of friendship and cooperation.

The establishment of the Embassy of Nepal in Lisbon marks a new chapter in bilateral relations and recognises the important role of the Nepali diaspora. There are significant opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in tourism, trade, investment, education, labour mobility, innovation, and cultural diplomacy.

The Nepali community will continue to serve as a bridge between Nepal, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Europe. Through hard work, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and community spirit, Nepalese living abroad continue to represent Nepal positively and contribute to stronger friendship and cooperation among nations.

Author’s Note:

This article has been prepared to document the history, growth, and contribution of the Nepali community in Portugal and its role in strengthening Nepal–Portugal relations. It is based on official information where available, together with community records, historical developments, and the author’s personal experience as an early member of the Nepali diaspora in Portugal.

The author, Som Nath Sapkota, entered Portugal in 1999. According to his personal recollection and community records, 10 Nepalese had entered Portugal before him, making him the 11th Nepali to arrive and settle in the country.

Having witnessed the remarkable journey of the Nepali community—from a small group of early migrants to an estimated 70,000 Nepalese living in Portugal today—he has sought to present this historical overview to honour the resilience, dedication, achievements, and contribution of Nepalese in Portugal and across Europe.

This article is dedicated to all Nepalese who have contributed to building a positive image of Nepal through their hard work, integrity, entrepreneurship, and commitment to preserving Nepali culture and heritage while strengthening friendship between Nepal, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the wider European community.

Written by:

Som Nath Sapkota
Entered Portugal in 1999
(Among the First 11 Nepalese to Arrive in Portugal)

Spokesperson, Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) International Coordination Council (ICC)
Chair, Tourism Promotion Committee, NRNA ICC