How Portugal casts a spell over wealthy families keen to invest

That’s the view of a panel of financial and legal experts at the inaugural Portugal Investment Forum.

The events, which took place in venues in the Algarve, Porto, Estoril and Lisbon, were part of a national conversation on how best to build on Portugal’s economic success over recent years to the benefit of all who live there.

Chris Marson, wealth manager at the events organiser, Portugal Pathways, told the audience in Quinta do Lago: “People move to Portugal and then feel part of Portugal and then want to invest in Portugal.

“Not everyone comes here and thinks straight away that’s what they want to do.”

But after falling under Portugal’s spell, many high-net-worth newcomers discover a market of private companies in need of backing.

Adds Marson: “There are specific structures that can be set up that are very tax efficient if you’re going into private equity.

“It’s the smaller amounts of money sometimes - €100,000, €150,000 or €200,000 that really help small companies develop. It goes a long way.

“But when you’re dealing with family money, it’s about diversification.

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”

Having urged caution, the adviser offered a simple rule for deciding where to look.

The wealth manager explained: “Follow your passion. If your passion is healthcare, do that. If your passion is tourism and hospitality, do that.

“Have a look around, because Portugal will have investments in those areas, be they through funds or be they direct.

“If you follow your passion, then you might even be able to help them. You might be able to sit on the board. You might be able to direct them in certain ways.”

That turns a passive holding into an active partnership, which is a pitch likely to resonate with entrepreneurial families who want their capital to do more than sit in a fund.

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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 estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal

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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (PIO 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. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.