In recent years, Portugal has become the favoured destination for some of the world's most recognisable celebrities, who have chosen to invest, relocate and embrace life in the country.
From fashion designers to Hollywood icons, these are just some of the famous faces taking advantage of Portugal's appeal as a haven for a luxurious and fulfilling life.
Christian Louboutin
The world-renowned French shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, has a deep connection to Portugal, particularly the Alentejo region. Already a homeowner in Melides, he expanded his investments in the country by opening a luxury hotel called Vermelho in the same town.
The 13-room boutique hotel, whose name means "red" in Portuguese, is a tribute to his signature colour and his maximalist design aesthetic.
Collaborating with local architects and designers, Vermelho celebrates Portuguese talent and traditions through its intricate woodwork, tiling, and sprawling murals.
Louboutin has recently unveiled two new villas: La Salvada and La Maison des Bateaux, close to the Vermelho hotel.
Madonna
The "Queen of Pop" herself, Madonna, famously moved to Portugal in 2017 after her son, David Banda, joined the youth academy of the Portuguese football team, Benfica.
During her time there, she reportedly applied for a Golden Visa and invested in a historic 18th-century palace, Quinta do Relógio, in Sintra, which was undergoing renovations.
The property, which she is thought to have bought for around €7.5 million, is situated in a hilltop town with views of a Moorish castle and a world heritage site.
Madonna's relocation and highly visible social media posts brought significant attention to the country's tourism and economy.
John Malkovich
For over two decades, American actor and director John Malkovich has owned a traditional Portuguese farmhouse in the Alentejo region.
His property, located in the town of Redondo, is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, and while it has been renovated with modern amenities like a swimming pool, it retains its original character.
Malkovich's love for the country is also evident in his business ventures; he has invested in a restaurant, Bica do Sapato, and a nightclub, Lux, in Lisbon.
Robert De Niro
While Robert De Niro's connection to Portugal is not through a personal residence, his business partnership with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has a global presence that includes the country.
De Niro is a business partner in the Nobu restaurant and hotel brand. The brand's global expansion aims to bring its unique cuisine to people worldwide, and it already has several locations worldwide.
The Nobu Hotel Lisbon, opening in 2026, will feature 90 rooms, a rooftop bar, and a signature Nobu restaurant, contributing to Lisbon’s rise in luxury tourism.
Nicole Kidman
Hollywood star Nicole Kidman and her husband, musician Keith Urban, are among the latest celebrities reportedly seeking residency in Portugal.
According to local reports, Kidman has applied for residency and has been seen house-hunting in the wealthy town of Cascais.
The couple is rumoured to be looking for a home in the exclusive CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxury community south of Lisbon.
The move is attributed to the country's appeal to A-listers, offering privacy, a temperate climate, and favourable tax schemes.
Kidman and Urban reportedly already own a home in Lisbon's Parque das Nações neighbourhood, having purchased it in 2023.
Why Celebrities are Moving to Portugal
Celebrities are increasingly moving to or investing in Portugal for a variety of reasons. The country offers a unique blend of safety, a peaceful lifestyle, and favourable tax benefits, making it an attractive destination for high-net-worth individuals.
Portugal's mild climate and beautiful scenery, including its stunning coastlines and beaches, also appeal to those seeking a more relaxed pace of life.
Additionally, Portugal has flexible visa options like the Golden Visa, which provide significant potential financial benefits and ease the path to residency.
Portugal's Golden Visa Programme
As Portugal’s reputation continues to rise in 2025, more and more affluent individuals are turning to Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme as their pathway into the country.
The Portugal Golden Visa, also known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity (ARI), is a popular five-year residency-by-investment programme for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
It was first launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment. The programme grants qualifying investors and their qualifying families the right to live, work, and study in Portugal, and also provides visa-free travel within the 29 European Schengen Zone countries.
Recent Reforms and Investment Options
As of October 2023, the programme underwent significant reforms. The most notable change was the elimination of real estate and capital transfer as eligible investment routes. However, several other pathways remain available. These include:
- A minimum investment of €500,000 into qualifying alternative investment funds, which allocate at least 60% of their capital to Portuguese ventures.
- A capital transfer of at least €500,000 for investment in research activities at public or private scientific institutions.
- A minimum donation of €250,000 to support the arts or the preservation of national cultural heritage.
- The creation of at least 10 new full-time jobs in a Portuguese-based company.
- A €500,000 investment to establish a commercial company that creates five permanent jobs.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record in Portugal and their home country. Funds for the investment must originate from outside Portugal.
The programme requires a minimal physical presence in the country, which makes it attractive to investors. Specifically, applicants must spend a minimum of 7 days in Portugal during the first year, and 14 days over each subsequent two-year period to maintain the residency card.
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Path to Citizenship and Tax Implications
After five years, Golden Visa holders can apply for permanent residency or citizenship. A key requirement for citizenship is passing a Portuguese A2 language test. It is important to note that holding a Golden Visa does not automatically make one a tax resident of Portugal.
The flexibility of tax domicile during the five-year period is a significant benefit.
For example, non-tax residents may enjoy a 0% tax on profits generated from their qualifying fund investments. It is always recommended that applicants seek professional tax advice.
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.
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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