Portugal — The Embassy of Nepal in Lisbon marked a historic moment with the official inauguration of its chancery building during a special ceremony jointly inaugurated by Foreign Secretary of Nepal Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Portuguese Republic H.E. Dr. Ana Isabel Xavier.
On the occasion, Foreign Secretary Mr. Rai expressed sincere gratitude to the Government of Portugal for its continued support and cooperation in successfully establishing the Embassy. Secretary of State Dr. Ana Isabel Xavier welcomed the Embassy of Nepal to Portugal and reaffirmed the Portuguese Government’s commitment to supporting the smooth functioning of the mission and strengthening friendly relations between the two nations.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Most Reverend Andres Carrascosa Coso, Apostolic Nuncio, warmly welcomed Nepal as a new member of the diplomatic community in Lisbon. H.E. Mr. Prakash Mani Paudel, the current Ambassador of Nepal to Portugal, welcomed the distinguished guests and stated that the Embassy will serve as an important bridge to further deepen bilateral cooperation, friendship, and mutual understanding between Nepal and Portugal.
High-ranking officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, including Secretary General Ambassador Mr. Francisco Ribeiro Telles, representatives of Portuguese government agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, and media representatives attended the ceremony. The Embassy had officially started its operation on 16 April 2025, marking a significant diplomatic milestone.
Historical Background of Nepal–Portugal Relations
Nepal and Portugal officially established diplomatic relations on 1 September 1976. Since then, relations between the two countries have steadily expanded based on friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect. Portugal maintains an Honorary Consulate in Kathmandu, while its Embassy in New Delhi, India, is accredited to Nepal.
Before the decision to open a full-fledged Embassy, Nepal maintained a Consulate office in Lisbon to serve the growing Nepali community and facilitate bilateral engagement. Recognizing the importance of deeper diplomatic representation, the Government of Nepal decided in October 2023 to establish a resident Embassy in Lisbon.
In 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and Portugal to establish a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism, creating a formal platform to enhance cooperation, dialogue, and coordination on matters of mutual interest.
Growth of the Nepali Community in Portugal
The establishment of the Embassy also reflects the remarkable journey of the Nepali diaspora in Portugal. Nepalis have been residing in Portugal since the early 1990s. Early pioneers, including Kumar Shrestha and a few other Nepali nationals, were among the first settlers in Lisbon.
On July 17, 1999, I personally arrived in Lisbon as one of the earliest migrants — approximately the 11th Nepali to enter Portugal at that time, when only around ten Nepalis were living in the city. The Nepali population began to grow significantly after 1999 and has increased steadily ever since.
Today, more than 50,000 Nepalis are estimated to be living across Portugal. Over 9,000 Nepalis have already obtained Portuguese citizenship, while many others remain in various stages of legalization, holding Temporary Residence (TR) or Permanent Residence (PR), or awaiting completion of immigration procedures. Many Nepalis who have obtained Portuguese passports have also migrated to other European countries such as Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom in pursuit of better economic opportunities and improved living standards.
Portugal has long been recognized as an open and welcoming country with friendly people and strong opportunities for integration. Nepalis are now active not only in employment but also in entrepreneurship, contributing to agriculture, hospitality, business, and other professional sectors. Although Portugal has recently revised its immigration policies, making legalization procedures longer, the Nepali community continues to grow and contribute positively to Portuguese society.
People-to-People Relations Strengthening Cooperation
Relations between Nepal and Portugal have been strongly reinforced through people-to-people contact. The presence of a vibrant Nepali community in Portugal has played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral understanding. At the same time, the increasing number of Portuguese tourists visiting Nepal each year has further enhanced cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between the two countries.
The growing exchanges, expanding expertise, and social connections between citizens of both nations continue to foster closer ties beyond formal diplomacy.
Nepal’s Global Diplomatic Network
Nepal has established diplomatic relations with 183 countries. The first nation to establish formal relations with Nepal was the United Kingdom in 1816. Nepal currently maintains a diplomatic network of approximately 32 embassies, 9 consulates general, and 2 permanent missions worldwide, primarily focusing on enhancing bilateral ties, promoting trade, and supporting Nepali citizens abroad. In addition, Nepal has several honorary consulates spread across various countries to facilitate diplomatic outreach and strengthen bilateral cooperation. The opening of the Embassy in Lisbon adds another important chapter to this growing diplomatic network.
A New Chapter in Nepal–Portugal Relations
The official inauguration of the Embassy of Nepal in Lisbon stands as a historic milestone symbolizing deepening friendship and cooperation between the two countries. It represents not only diplomatic progress but also recognition of decades of community contribution and shared partnership.
With a significant number of Portuguese citizens of Nepali origin and strong bilateral engagement, it is also an appropriate time to consider the establishment of an Embassy of Portugal in Nepal. Such a step would further strengthen diplomatic cooperation and better serve the growing connections between the two nations.
The opening of Nepal’s Embassy in Lisbon marks the beginning of a new era — one defined by partnership, mutual respect, and enduring friendship between Nepal and Portugal.
About the Writer
Som Nath Sapkota is the former Founder and General Secretary of the Nepal–Portugal Friendship Association. He was the 11th Nepali citizen to arrive in Portugal on July 17, 1999 and lived in Lisbon until 2007. During this time, he actively contributed to NRN organizations and various social initiatives supporting the Nepali community. Currently residing in the United Kingdom, he continues to promote Nepalese culture, diaspora engagement, and international relations.
