In recent years, Portugal has seen a huge surge in popularity.
And it’s not just holidaymakers taking notice, but high-net-worth individuals and families, bringing with them investment and opportunity.
With growing global uncertainty, wealth from across the globe is looking to Portugal as a relatively stable location to settle or, increasingly, to have as a ‘Plan B’.
So, what does Portugal have to offer?
One of the biggest draws is the Portugal Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme.
For a minimum investment of €500,000 in one or more alternative investment funds eligible for the Golden Visa, investors gain freedom of movement across the 29 EU Schengen region countries, the ability to spend as much time as they’d like in Portugal each year (with a minimum stay requirement of just seven days per year), and a pathway to permanent dual EU citizenship and a second passport after the qualifying residency period.
In addition to that, any potential upside on the Golden Visa investment is tax-free for non-tax residents (those spending less than 183 days per year in Portugal).
Portugal’s Golden visa programme has delivered over €9 billion in investment into the country, with an estimated €54 billion in wider economic impact generated, according to a recent World Digital Foundation report.
Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways, said: “The Golden Visa was introduced to stimulate foreign investment and attract globally mobile talent.
“More than a decade later, its evolution shows that the programme’s real success lies in the ecosystem it has built: a globally trusted residency framework within the EU and Schengen zone, a magnet for internationally mobile professionals, and a generator of investment into productive sectors.
“The programme’s credibility has also enhanced Portugal’s global reputation as a ‘Switzerland South’ — a stable, transparent, and lifestyle-driven hub for high-net-worth individuals and family offices.”
Separately to the Golden Visa programme, Portugal’s luxury real estate has seen continued growth.
According to data from Statistics Portugal’s House Price Index (HPI), house prices rose 17.7% year-on-year towards the end of 2025, with prices anticipated to continue on their upwards trajectory in 2026.
Portugal Pathways’ Paul Stannard added: “These figures indicate steady momentum in values, reinforcing property’s role as a reliable store of value for homeowners and investors alike.
“We saw a significant uptick in demand for luxury real estate, especially new homes, in Portugal last year, and it already looks set to be another busy year in 2026.”
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
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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