Portuguese companies lead EU investment optimism as Golden Visa supports growth

Portugal has once again distinguished itself as one of Europe’s most forward-looking and resilient economies after the European Investment Bank (EIB)’s annual survey revealed an upbeat investment climate for 2025.

The findings highlight not only the confidence of Portuguese companies but also the nation’s growing attractiveness to international investors, including those participating through the Portugal Golden Visa programme.

According to the EIB report, 16% more Portuguese companies expected to increase investment in 2025 than reduce it, one of the highest positive net balances in the entire European Union and far surpassing the EU average of just 4%.

It comes just days after business magazine The Economist named Portugal the ‘Economy of the Year’.

The survey, which gathered insights from 480 domestic firms between April and July 2025, revealed Portugal continues to outperform many of its European peers in innovation, technology adoption and sector-specific optimism.

Portuguese businesses are investing more heavily in innovation than the EU average, with a marked increase in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to modernise internal operations.

Many firms are also accelerating their investment in climate-focused initiatives, reflecting Portugal’s national commitment to sustainability and the green transition.

EIB chief economist Debora Revoltella noted that the survey “reveals that Portuguese companies have strong investment intentions and a positive outlook on the industry,” adding that they are “intensifying investment in climate action and investing more than the EU average in innovation, clearly demonstrating their commitment to competitiveness and the green transition”.

With 84% of Portuguese companies having invested in the last financial year, closely aligned with the EU average, Portugal remains an economy fuelled by continuous reinvestment and modernisation.

Despite concerns about the wider global economic and political environment, Portuguese businesses remain more optimistic than most EU counterparts regarding the performance of their own sectors.

Some 14% report positive expectations for their industry’s outlook over the next year, significantly above the EU’s flat average.

Even more encouraging is the country’s confidence in financing conditions.

Portuguese firms anticipate better access to both external (11% vs EU’s 1%) and internal financing (16% vs EU’s 9%), underscoring Portugal’s strengthening financial ecosystem.

This is complemented by the Portugal Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme, which continues to draw responsible, long-term investment into Portuguese businesses and innovation-driven sectors.

With the Golden Visa requiring a €500,000 investment in an eligible alternative investment fund, investors can support Portugal’s economy while benefiting from freedom of movement across the 29 EU Schengen region countries, a minimal residency requirement of just seven days per year, as well as a pathway to dual EU citizenship and a second passport after the qualifying residency period.

To find out more about investing in Portugal’s Golden Visa and securing a second passport for you and your family, contact Portugal Pathways’ expert team today.

Portuguese companies, particularly those in technology, sustainability, and value-generating industries, are benefiting from an injection of stable capital via the Golden Visa.

These investments support job creation, reinforce financial resilience and stimulate growth in regions across the country.

A recent report by the World Digital Foundation said the benefit of the Golden Visa scheme was worth €56 billion to the Portuguese economy.

Portugal is also leading the way in gender representation, with 41% of Portuguese companies reporting at least 40% women in top management roles - far above the EU average of 25%.

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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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