arbiter
JournalsAccount

Geoarbitrage at the Meso Level: How Intermediaries Shape Chinese Migration to Portugal

Olga Cojocaru & Sofía Gaspar

International Migration2026https://doi.org/10.1111/imig.70143article
ABDC A
Weight
0.50

Abstract

This paper examines the practice of geoarbitrage, as carried out by middle‐level private actors when engaging with Chinese migrants aspiring to access the Golden Visa programme in Portugal. Based on interviews with experts and Chinese migrants, content analysis of migration policies as well as of online promotional materials produced by migration consultants, we investigate the role of intermediaries in the (re)production of Portugal's desirability as a mobility destination for relatively wealthy Chinese migrants. While the concept of geoarbitrage has been mainly used regarding the micro‐level of mobility decision‐making, we hereby extend it to shed light on how intermediaries act as geoarbiters between legal frameworks and migrants' aspirations and resources. By examining the role of the meso‐level actors involved in the geoarbitrage between Portugal and China, we aim to edify the enduring appeal of Portugal as a desirable destination for wealthy Asian migrants and to discuss key policy implications.

Open via your library →

Cite this paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/imig.70143

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{olga2026,
  title        = {{Geoarbitrage at the Meso Level: How Intermediaries Shape Chinese Migration to Portugal}},
  author       = {Olga Cojocaru & Sofía Gaspar},
  journal      = {International Migration},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/imig.70143},
}

Paste directly into BibTeX, Zotero, or your reference manager.

Flag this paper

Geoarbitrage at the Meso Level: How Intermediaries Shape Chinese Migration to Portugal

Flags are reviewed by the Arbiter methodology team within 5 business days.

Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.