Large families in Portugal are responsible for 14 out of every 100 children in the country
The Portuguese Large Families Association (APFN) is updating its series of documents, entitled APFN Notebooks, in 2026. The publications bring together studies, demographic data, and analyses of family policies in Portugal.
Notebook 1 portrays large families as an essential engine for generational renewal. The report highlights that these families are highly integrated into the labour market but are facing increasing vulnerability in the housing market due to the significant financial effort required to support larger households.
According to 2021 data from Portugal’s National Statistics Institute (INE), presented in the APFN study, large families account for 4% of all families residing in Portugal, representing 131,520 family units. Despite their relatively small share of the population, their contribution to the country’s birth rate is disproportionate, as they are responsible for 14 out of every 100 children in Portugal.
The study also notes that the national average number of children per family is below one child per household (0.95), while large families have an average of 3.2 children.
The report further examines the decline in the number of large families. This family group recorded the largest reduction over the last decade, decreasing by 15%, continuing a downward trend that has been observed since 2001.
One of APFN’s main objectives is to secure greater social and economic recognition for large families in light of their contribution to society. The association advocates for the removal of the multiple disadvantages faced by these families and for the creation of conditions that support generational renewal.
Through the APFN Notebooks series, the association aims to shed light on the reality of large families, challenge misconceptions and prejudices associated with them, and raise awareness of the various constraints they face.
For more information, you can read more here: https://www.apfn.com.pt/