Portugal's birth rate hits a 10-year high in 2025 with 89,000 newborns
Portugal has seen a steady rise in births over the past year, reaching numbers not recorded in a decade. In 2025, the country registered over 89,000 newborns—the highest total since 2015. Early figures for 2026 suggest this upward trend will continue, with even more births expected by year’s end. The first three months of 2026 alone saw 21,813 newborns undergo the heel-prick test, a standard screening procedure. This surge in births has been most pronounced in four key districts: Lisbon, Porto, Setúbal, and Braga. These regions reported the highest birth figures in the past ten years.
Among public hospitals, Alfredo da Costa in Lisbon led with 3,920 deliveries in 2025. The facility also stands out as the top choice for twin births in the country. Meanwhile, private institutions like Hospital dos Lusíadas have maintained high delivery rates, averaging over 300 births per month. The increase in births aligns with a growing number of mothers across Portugal. Experts note that this trend reflects broader demographic shifts, with more women choosing to have children compared to previous years.
With 2026 projections indicating another rise in births, Portugal’s healthcare system is preparing for sustained demand. The concentration of deliveries in major urban districts highlights regional patterns in population growth. Hospitals in Lisbon, Porto, and other high-birth areas remain key to supporting this ongoing trend.
