Portugal is making significant strides in enhancing its transport infrastructure following its latest upgrade to A+ economic status in 2025. This initiative aims to bolster economic growth and attract increased inward investment.
Key projects include developing a new international airport, new direct international flights, and expanding high-speed rail networks designed to improve connectivity within the country and with international hubs.
Lisbon’s New Luís de Camões Airport
The Portuguese government has already officially selected the Alcochete region, approximately 40 kilometres east of Lisbon, as the new Luís de Camões Airport site.
This decision follows recommendations from an independent technical commission and concludes decades of deliberation over the capital's airport expansion. The new airport is projected to be operational by 2034 and eventually replace the current Humberto Delgado Airport.
The project, which is estimated to cost up to €9 billion, will be funded by European Union funds, public-private partnerships, and airport tariffs.
Upon completion, the airport is expected to handle up to 100 million passengers annually by 2050, significantly enhancing Lisbon's capacity as a major international hub.
Chris Marson, CEO of RTi Family Office, highlights Portugal’s rise as an international hub for investors and entrepreneurs:
“Portugal has seen huge growth in recent years, with international events such as the Web Summit, Portugal Investment Owners Club investment forums, and the IFA Global Conference 2025 that this year will bring over two thousand of the world's leading advisors in tax and investment to Portugal this year.
“Lisbon was named one of the top three worldwide destinations last year for congresses and conventions by the International Congress and Convention Association.”
A recent report from Ernst & Young (EY) found that Portugal’s investor confidence is at an all-time high compared to the UK and Eurozone.
The EY report found that 84% of investors surveyed plan to establish or expand operations in Portugal in 2025, surpassing the European average of 72%.
The construction of Luís de Camões Airport is anticipated to require approximately 5,500 workers, underscoring the project's magnitude and its potential impact on the local economy.
The development will be phased to manage resources effectively. Initial efforts will focus on earthmoving and paving for two 4,000-meter runways, followed by the construction of a terminal covering nearly 590,000 square meters.
In 2025, United Airlines will serve direct flights from Newark to Faro and Madeira. TAP Air plans to launch routes from Lisbon to Los Angeles and Porto to Boston, reinforcing transatlantic connectivity.
Expansion of High-Speed Rail Networks
In addition to air travel enhancements, Portugal is investing heavily in its rail infrastructure.
A significant project is the high-speed rail link between Lisbon and Porto, designed to reduce travel time between the two cities to approximately 75 minutes.
The first phase of this project, covering the section between Porto and Oiã, has been awarded to the LusoLav consortium with a contract value of €1.95 billion.
The project, which is expected to cost around €4.5 billion, is a key component of Portugal's National Investment Plan 2030.
Furthermore, plans are underway to build a high-speed rail connection between Porto and Vigo, Spain.
This line aims to strengthen cross-border connectivity and is part of a broader strategy to integrate Portugal's rail network with neighbouring countries, thereby enhancing trade and tourism opportunities.
Implications for Investment in Portugal
These ambitious infrastructure projects are set to significantly improve Portugal's transport links, making the country more accessible and attractive to investors.
Enhanced connectivity is expected to facilitate trade, boost tourism, and stimulate economic development across various sectors.
Paul Stannard, chairman of Portugal Investment Owners Club and Portugal Pathways, said: “Portugal has created a unique environment for likeminded people to be able to create sustainable investments in key sectors of the country’s economic strength, allowing value creators as well as highly qualified talent to prosper through a combination of tax incentives, quality of life, and investment.
“With more investment coming in for transport infrastructure from the government and the EU, this is another reason why Portugal has now been given an A+ economic rating.”
The scale of these projects also presents substantial opportunities for construction, engineering, and related industries, further contributing to Portugal's economic growth.
By prioritising the development of its transport infrastructure, Portugal is positioning itself as a more competitive and appealing destination for international investment. Long-term benefits are anticipated for its economy and citizens.
This is further supported by Portugal’s growing alternative investment fund sector, which is driving significant inward investment through the Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme and is an important factor in Portugal’s inward investment.
International investors from outside the EU can secure a dual passport in Europe by investing €500,000 in one or more alternative investment funds approved for Golden Visa in Portugal.
The Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme offers significant flexibility, requiring just seven days of residence per year. After five years, investors and their families can apply for permanent citizenship, granting them unrestricted access to the EU Schengen Zone.
Paul Sheedy, an international advisor to the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Golden Visa residency-by-investment in Portugal, underscores the impact of this:
“Portugal has seen a rapid increase in appeal in recent years, with international investors seeing its enormous potential, stable economy and potential for significant growth in key sectors through a blended investment approach.
“The World Cup and other international events will drive significant productivity, create wealth and employment, improve transport infrastructure and deliver investment opportunities, which the Portugal Future Fund aims to take advantage of over the coming years.”
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 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.
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.
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