Portugal is reaffirming its position as one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for global investors and internationally mobile professionals.
In contrast to recent policy shifts elsewhere on the continent, Portugal is exploring ways to enhance the appeal of its Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme and accompanying tax incentives.
Antonio Leitão Amaro, Minister of the Presidency, recently indicated that the government is fully committed to the Portugal Golden Visa and tax regimes.
Amaro noted that the objective is to reinforce Portugal’s image as a prime destination for investment and talent.
Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, notes: “Portugal’s Golden Visa remains the most sought-after residency-by-investment programme in Europe, and we’re seeing record levels of interest in 2025.
“Portugal’s Golden Visa offers non-EU nationals a straightforward path to residency via various routes, most notably a €500,000 minimum investment in qualifying alternative investment funds. Residency requires minimal physical presence—just seven days per year—making it ideal for those with internationally mobile investors and families.
“Golden Visa holders are then eligible to apply for dual EU citizenship and an EU passport after just five years of residency.”
Portugal’s new Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), also known as the NHR 2.0 tax regime, further enhances the country’s appeal for international talent. To be eligible, individuals must be new tax residents, having not been tax residents in Portugal in the previous five years.
Once eligible, professionals can benefit from a flat 20% income tax rate on local employment and self-employment income for up to 10 years. The regime also offers significant tax advantages on foreign-sourced income, including 0% tax on non-Portuguese dividends, royalties, capital gains from real estate and movable assets, and crypto-related income.
This favourable tax and residency landscape contrasts with recent policy changes in other European countries.
Unlike Spain—which recently abolished its Golden Visa due to domestic housing concerns—Portugal is taking a more balanced approach.
Amaro stated that while the Portuguese government intends to ensure the framework remains fair and sustainable, it does not plan to abolish or curtail the programme. “There’s no plan to end it. It’s not on the table,” he said, signalling a marked departure from the previous administration’s stance.
Indeed, interest in the Portugal Golden Visa programme has surged. Last year alone, approvals rose by 72% to 4,987, according to AIMA, the national immigration agency. Since its inception in 2012, the programme has drawn applicants from across the globe, with citizens from the United States, China, Brazil, and the UK among the most prominent beneficiaries.
Amaro confirmed that the newly elected centre-right government is also addressing the administrative backlog, with close to 45,000 applications currently under review. “We expect that by the end of the year this process will be largely taken care of,” he said.
At a time when several European countries—including Malta, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Greece—have tightened or terminated similar schemes, Portugal’s renewed commitment offers a clear signal: the door remains open for those seeking a European foothold paired with lifestyle, stability, and opportunity.
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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.
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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