Portugal’s agricultural sector continues to thrive, presenting an opportunity for investors including those using the Golden Visa residency by investment option in Portugal.
Portugal is leveraging its natural resources, strategic location, rich history and new innovative agricultural practices to further grow its reputation in the sustainable and profitable agricultural sector.
During 2024, the agricultural production in Portugal was valued at €12.22 billion for 2023, an increase on the previous year of 14%, according to Eurostat.
This gave Portugal the highest year-on-year increase in the volume of agricultural production for the last 12 months within the European Union.
In comparison, the European Union recorded a decrease of 1.5% over the same timeframe, according to data from Eurostat.
Portugal’s agricultural success has caught the attention of international investors through its Golden Visa residency by investment programme, who have chosen to invest €500,000 in alternative investment funds approved for Golden Visa.
With the current level of growth and forecast returns from the market, this is proving a popular investment as part of a blended investment across a number of sectors in Portugal that are outperforming the market.
Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways, said: “We operate an index of all the alternative investment funds in Portugal that are approved for Golden Visa residency by investment and agriculture, and Agri-tech is one of the number of sectors that are outperforming the market along with media, events, renewables, fintech, life sciences, and hospitality and tourism.
“Portugal Pathways supports investors by creating a soft landing for investments in Portugal. Golden Visa investments in Portugal have evolved in recent years and provided investors with spread risk; there are some excellent opportunities to see meaningful returns over the medium to long term and get access to an EU passport for the whole family.”
Winemaking, a core part of Portugal’s rich history, is a targeted sector of agriculture investment funds. According to GlobalData, Portugal’s wine production annual growth rate is outpacing the global market.
According to figures released by ViniPortugal, Portuguese wine exports reached €928 million last year.
Portuguese alternative investment funds also target organic farming, capitalising on the increasing global demand for organic produce. Portugal is responding to demand with a growing number of certified organic farms.
Smart farming technologies, such as precision agriculture, are being widely adopted, enhancing yield and reducing costs.
The European Commission has pledged support for Portugal’s agriculture industry with a €6.6 billion Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) plan for 2023-2027. Under the plan, support is allocated to the agricultural sector through direct income payments to farmers, market measures, and rural development support.
Portugal Investment Owners Club spokesman, Steve Philp, said: “The fact that the EU is investing billions of euros in the agricultural industry in Portugal is fantastic for investors as this makes their investment much more sustainable. The backing of the European Union is another reason investors are choosing Portugal as a place to put their money.”
Portugal’s Golden Visa residency by investment programme offers an attractive opportunity for investors to support and benefit from the agriculture industry.
Investors can secure permanent Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport by investing a minimum of €500,000 in approved funds focused on agriculture, amongst other sectors. Residency through the Golden Visa residency by investment programme requires you to spend only seven days per year in the country, and after five years, investors can apply for permanent citizenship.
These Portuguese alternative investment funds approved for Golden Visa residency in Portugal provide exposure to high-growth agricultural ventures while granting freedom of movement and unfettered access to the 29 EU Schengen countries.
This creates a pathway for investors and their families to relocate to Portugal, enjoy a high quality of life, lower cost of living, and benefit from the country’s excellent healthcare and education systems, culture, and growing economic prosperity.
Paul Stannard of Portugal Pathways adds: “Portuguese alternative funds aligned to agriculture are a strong candidate for investors looking for investment or Golden Visa residency by investment in Portugal.
Additionally, investing in sustainable farming practices aligns with global ESG goals, making it attractive to socially conscious investors. We’re very happy to talk to investors considering Portugal as part of their investment portfolio.”
This provides an appealing route to residency for wealthy families, investors, and high-net-worth individuals aiming to relocate to Portugal while contributing to clean energy projects.
As per the European Commission, Portugal's overall GDP is expected to grow from 2.0% in 2024 to 2.3% in 2025, outpacing the Eurozone's anticipated growth of 0.8% and 1.3% during the same timeframe.
Additionally, Portugal's inflation rate is predicted to improve, falling from 2.3% in 2024 to 1.9% in 2025, which compares favourably to the Eurozone's forecasted decline from 2.5% to 2.2%.
Portugal’s alternative investment funds sometimes adopt a blended approach, investing across multiple sectors where Portugal is outperforming the market.
These diversified strategies appeal to investors seeking both more stability and exposure to high-growth opportunities, mitigating risks tied to a single sector.
Paul Sheedy, international advisor to the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Golden Visa residency-by-investment in Portugal, said: “A blended approach to investment—spanning sectors such as luxury hospitality and tourism, renewable energy, media, healthcare, and technology —not only aligns with Portugal's dynamic economic landscape but also creates a resilient portfolio that thrives across sectors.
“We have seen time and time again that a blended investment approach can protect against underperforming sectors in a portfolio, giving investors more security and downside protection.”
Learn more about how you can benefit from Portugal's Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme when relocating or investing in Portugal here.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on luxury property, wealth management, tax optimisation, private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.
About Portugal Future Fund
The Portugal Future Fund strategically invests in key sectors, driving growth and innovation across Portugal. Approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment, it offers a unique opportunity for impactful and rewarding participation.
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice.
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