Portugal “doing well economically, financially, and politically”, says Prime Minister

Portugal is enjoying a surge in international attention, with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro claiming the country has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for investment, talent and innovation.

“We are in a good moment, we are in fashion in a way, we really are,” he said.

“Europe looks at us, looks at our companies, at our human resources, especially the younger and more qualified ones.

“Europe and the world look at our aptitude for technologies, our location, our security, and our strategy in key areas such as energy and water,” he added.

The Prime Minister stressed that Portugal’s international reputation may not always be fully appreciated at home, even though it is increasingly valued abroad.

He said: “It is a country with international credibility that perhaps we do not fully realise internally, at least not in the dimension in which this effect is being felt and translated externally. But it is a country with high competitiveness factors that make it increasingly attractive.”

Montenegro argued that Portugal is ahead of many of its peers in several strategic areas that are crucial for attracting investment.

These advantages, he said, help create strong economic ecosystems across multiple sectors, while also supporting the retention and attraction of skilled professionals.

Reaffirming his commitment to reform, the Prime Minister said he remains determined “to go further and to do more” for the country, underlining that ambition must be balanced with “responsibility, realism, confidence and the ability to transform”.

He pointed to recent government measures aimed at stimulating growth, including “more worker-friendly taxation and more business-friendly taxation, and in the fight against bureaucracy”.

Greater flexibility in the labour market is also part of the government’s agenda, he said, provided that core workers’ rights are protected.

According to Montenegro, this approach should encourage companies to expand, take calculated risks, improve profitability and ultimately raise wages.

“And the effect we want is that in a few years we will be growing at double the rate we grow today, and that in a few years our wages, especially the average wage, which is our focus, can reach the level of the best in Europe. Yes, there are conditions for that,” he said.

Portugal has significantly boosted its investment appeal through the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme.

According to a report by the World Digital Foundation (WDF), the Portugal Golden Visa has generated €54 billion in wider economic impact for the country.

Portugal Golden Visa requires an investment of €500,000 in one or more eligible alternative investment funds.

Golden Visa holders gain freedom of movement across the 29 EU Schengen region countries, the opportunity to include eligible family members in one application, and a pathway to dual citizenship and an EU passport after the qualifying residency period.

Cementing its position as an ideal ‘Plan B’, investors only need to spend seven days per year in Portugal to maintain Golden Visa residency status.

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To find out more about applying for Portugal’s Golden Visa programme, arrange a free discovery call with one of Portugal Pathways’ experts.

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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 (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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