Lisbon to host prestigious IFA Congress in October 2025

Lisbon will play host this October to one of the most important events in the international fiscal calendar, the 77th Congress of the International Fiscal Association (IFA).

Running from October 5-9, 2025, the Congress will bring together some of the world’s leading experts in taxation, finance, tech, investment and public policy.

For Portugal, the significance of this event cannot be understated.

Not only does it reinforce Lisbon as a destination well-suited to hosting world-class events, but it also underscores the country’s growing role in hosting international events in technology, investment, and healthcare.

Additionally, Portugal is leading Europe in capital growth for the luxury real estate sector.

Steve Philp, Director at Portugal Pathways, says: “We are proud to sponsor the Lisbon IFA Congress this year.

"It is a unique chance to showcase Portugal from a lifestyle or investment point of view to so many important figures in private wealth, cross-border tax, and international advisory groups, such as Bloomberg Tax and Ernst & Young (EY).  

“International lawyers, tax advisors, and strategic consultants from across the globe will be here enjoying everything that Portugal has to offer while they debate cross-border tax and other international investment mechanisms in Portugal.

“Many of these conversations related to residency and tax domicile have already opened up many opportunities for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme, and the potential to channel this interest into funds and other sectors is substantial. The effect on foreign direct investment could be transformative.”

The IFA, established in 1938, is recognised worldwide for its work in fostering dialogue and comparative research on international and domestic tax issues.

Its annual congress is a landmark in the global fiscal landscape, with thousands expected to attend, from senior policymakers and tax authorities to academics, investors and advisors.

Rogério Fernandes Ferreira, President of IFA Portugal, says: “The congress will offer sessions covering a wide range of topics from the latest developments in international tax law to emerging trends, along with residency of legal entities for corporate income taxation.”

Portugal has established itself as a key international player in finance, technology, media, international events, healthcare, and many other sectors.

Portugal was recently awarded an upgraded A+ economic rating from the S&P and has been recognised as the number one relocation destination in Europe for private wealth looking for a second passport in Europe through the Portugal Golden Visa programme.

The country’s economic model increasingly attracts international investment, talent, media, and innovation conferences.

The IFA Congress is therefore not just a forum for tax lawyers and economists, but an opportunity for Portugal to showcase its culture and welcoming nature, along with its growing investment prowess, Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme through regulated alternative investment funds, and capacity to serve as a bridge between Europe and the wider world.

Portugal’s visa system is a vital part of this narrative.

There are several residency options, including the D2 visa for entrepreneurs, the D7 for passive income earners and retirees, and the D8 for digital nomads.

However, all of these visas require at least 183 days in Portugal per year and tax residency. In comparison, the Golden Visa only requires a minimum of 7 days per year in Portugal.

Since its launch, Portugal’s Golden Visa has brought over €8 billion into the Portuguese economy, evolving over time to align with domestic priorities.

Recent changes have moved the programme away from real estate, and the focus now is on investing in alternative investment funds supporting Portugal’s private equity market and Portugal’s future.

Today, applicants can qualify for the Golden Visa by investing a minimum of €500,000 into eligible funds overseen by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM).

Portugal Golden Visa application supports family reunification, allowing holders to bring their spouse, dependent children and parents, where they meet the qualifying criteria.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund eligible for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme, highlights the economic impact of the IFA Congress: “We expect close to 2,000 delegates in Lisbon, and the value this brings to Portugal goes far beyond the week of the event.

“It will raise awareness of Portugal as a place to invest and live. That visibility can translate into long-term commitments in funds, infrastructure, technology, healthcare and renewables.

“It is an opportunity for Portugal to convert interest into real economic value.”

Golden Visa applicants are required to maintain their investment for at least five years, during which their residence permit must be renewed at intervals.

What makes the programme especially attractive is its long-term pathway. After five years of holding the Golden Visa, residents are eligible to apply for permanent dual EU citizenship and a passport, provided they meet additional requirements such as maintaining a clean legal record and demonstrating basic competence in the Portuguese language, usually through a short online course.

The long-term potential of the IFA Congress in Lisbon is significant. Delegates will leave with a deeper understanding of Portugal’s investment climate, regulatory framework and residency options.

Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of the Portugal Investment Owners Club, a unique investor membership community in Portugal, says: “We are so glad that Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club were able to sponsor this prestigious event in Lisbon.

“It is the first time that the event has come to Portugal in almost 60 years.”

For some, this will be the first look towards steps around Golden Visa and separate luxury real estate investments, as well as entrepreneurial activities in Portugal under the new IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime.

IFICI incentivises value creators bringing companies or subsidiaries to Portugal in return for a 10-year tax benefit.

For others, it will position Portugal as a partner in global conversations on taxation and fiscal reform.

In an era of sweeping changes to tax rules and investment flows and tectonic changes in the geopolitical landscape, being at the centre of these debates matters. It signals that Portugal is capable of influencing and adapting to global financial shifts.

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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 luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

About Portugal Investment Owners Club

The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.

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.

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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. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.

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