American Expats Plan Major Anti-Corruption Protest in Portugal on March 28

American expats and immigrants in Portugal are planning a significant demonstration on Saturday, March 28, 2026, organized by the AMPT UP collective — a group representing US citizens living in Portugal.

What's Happening?

The protest, which will take place in multiple cities including Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, aims to draw attention to what organizers call systemic corruption and bureaucratic failures affecting foreign residents in Portugal.

According to statements from AMPT UP leadership, the mobilization will focus on:

• AIMA delays: Chronic backlogs at the immigration agency (AIMA) that leave visa holders in limbo for months or years
• SEF abolition fallout: The chaotic transition after Portugal dissolved its immigration service (SEF) in 2023
• Corruption allegations: Reports of bribery and "under the table" payments to expedite paperwork
• Tax confusion: Inconsistent guidance on NHR/IFICI status and foreign income reporting
• Property fraud: Cases of expats being scammed in real estate transactions

The group is calling for transparency reforms, faster processing times, and accountability for public officials involved in immigration and tax administration.

Why American Expats?

Americans represent one of the largest and fastest-growing expat communities in Portugal. Estimates suggest there are now over 10,000 US citizens living permanently in Portugal, with thousands more on temporary visas.

Many arrived during the pandemic, drawn by Portugal's D7 visa, Golden Visa (now mostly closed), and later the D8 digital nomad visa. But the rapid influx has overwhelmed immigration infrastructure, creating bottlenecks and frustration.

AMPT UP formed in late 2025 as an advocacy network after several high-profile cases of Americans waiting 18+ months for residence card renewals despite having valid visas.

What Protesters Are Demanding

The March 28 mobilization will include marches, rallies, and a petition delivery to government offices. Key demands include:

1. AIMA reform: Adequate staffing, digitalization of processes, and clear timelines for visa approvals
2. Anti-corruption enforcement: Independent oversight of immigration officials and prosecution of bribery cases
3. Tax clarity: Official English-language guidance on IFICI, NHR successor rules, and foreign income reporting
4. Legal protections: Stronger consumer rights for expats in property transactions and rental agreements
5. Expat representation: A formal advisory council for foreign residents to provide input on policies affecting them

What This Means for Other Expats

While AMPT UP is American-led, the issues they're highlighting affect expats from all countries. British, German, French, and Brazilian residents have reported similar frustrations with AIMA backlogs and bureaucratic opacity.

If the protest gains traction, it could push the new Seguro administration to prioritize immigration reform. President Seguro campaigned on transparency and good governance — this will be an early test of whether those promises translate into action.

How to Participate

AMPT UP is coordinating details via social media and expat forums. If you're interested in attending or supporting the protest:

• Lisbon march: Gathering at Praça do Comércio, 10:00 AM
• Porto march: Starting at Avenida dos Aliados, 10:30 AM
• Algarve: Multiple smaller gatherings in Faro, Lagos, and Albufeira (check local expat groups for details)

The organizers emphasize this is a peaceful demonstration focused on systemic reform, not anti-Portugal sentiment. Many participants are long-term residents who love living in Portugal but want to see its institutions work better.

Government Response?

So far, there has been no official comment from the Seguro administration or AIMA. But with less than two weeks until the protest, pressure is building for some kind of acknowledgment.

We'll be covering this story as it develops — including any government response and on-the-ground reporting from the March 28 demonstrations.