The Iberian Peninsula is more than sun-soaked beaches and lazy lunches. Many people have discovered that investing in Portugal can lead to profitable returns and European residency. Through several investment options, its attractive tax benefits, and the Golden Visa program, Portugal is fast becoming a financial haven for investors who want to diversify their portfolios.

In this guide, we will outline the best ways to invest in Portugal, explain how to maximize your financial advantages, and discuss why Portugal is an ideal gateway for growth and global mobility.

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Top Benefits of Investing in Portugal

​Investing in Portugal offers a promising opportunity for foreign investors, supported by strong economic indicators and a favorable business environment. Portugal’s strategic location acts as a gateway to both European and global markets, making it an appealing destination for investors.

1. Increase in foreign direct investment

In 2024, Portugal experienced foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of €4.1 billion in the first half of the year, a notable increase from €1.8 billion during the same period in 2023. This surge demonstrates the growing international confidence in Portugal’s economic landscape.

2. Portugal is a good choice for foreign capital

The Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP) achieved €420 million in export-focused investments, marking a tenfold increase compared to the previous year. This impressive growth highlights Portugal’s attractiveness as a place for foreign capital.

3. Residency and citizenship

By investing in Portugal, non-EU citizens can qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, a residency-by-investment program that allows them to live, work, and travel freely within the Schengen Zone. After five years, investors can apply for Portuguese citizenship, one of the fastest routes to an EU passport.

4. Safe and stable

Portugal is considered one of the most politically and economically stable countries in Europe and is ranked among the top 10 safest nations globally. With steady GDP growth, low inflation, and strong government support for foreign investment, Portugal offers a secure environment for business expansion and capital preservation.

5. Tax Benefits

Portugal offers favorable tax policies for foreign investors and doesn’t impose wealth, gift, or inheritance taxes, making it a financially attractive option for high-net-worth individuals.

6. EU market access

Investing in Portugal provides a gateway to the European Union, granting businesses and investors direct access to a 500+ million consumer market. With trade agreements and business-friendly policies, Portugal is a strategic entry point for expanding operations across the Schengen Area and beyond.

Take a look at our Portugal Citizenship by Investment Guide

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Top Industries for Investing in Portugal

From clean energy to tech innovation, Portugal offers many investment sectors backed by EU funding, government incentives, and rising international demand. Here are a few industries that stand out as Portugal’s most promising investment opportunities:

1. Renewable energy

Portugal has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and currently derives a significant portion of its electricity from renewable sources. The country is actively developing solar, wind, and hydropower projects, supported by government incentives and EU funding that attract investor interest. Clean energy startups and infrastructure partnerships offer scalable and sustainable returns for the future.

2. Tourism and hospitality

Portugal’s tourism industry remains strong even after the pandemic. Popular regions such as the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto continue to attract global visitors. Boutique hotels, eco-tourism, wellness retreats, and short-term rental properties, particularly those located outside crowded areas, provide appealing returns on investment. This is especially true when these options cater to the trends of remote work and digital nomadism.

3. Real estate

Although traditional Golden Visa property routes have closed, real estate tied to urban regeneration, tourism, or commercial leasing (especially in tech parks or coworking hubs) still draws investor attention. Porto, Braga, and certain inland cities are growing hotbeds with rising demand and comparatively low entry costs.

4. Technology and startups

Portugal’s tech ecosystem is thriving—especially in Lisbon, one of Europe’s top startup hubs. The government-backed Startup Portugal initiative encourages foreign entrepreneurs to set up shop. Investment in fintech, AI, healthtech, and green innovation sectors is especially promising.

5. Agriculture

Portugal’s climate supports diverse crops, and there’s a rising global demand for organic, sustainable, and local products. Viticulture (wine), olive oil, almonds, and greenhouse production are strong bets—especially when modernized through agri-tech solutions like smart irrigation or vertical farming.

Investing Through Portugal's Citizenship by Investment Program

The Portugal Golden Visa is an investment program that allows non-EU citizens to get a Portuguese residence permit provided they make a qualifying investment in the country. After five years of being a legal resident in Portugal, Golden Visa investors become eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit and to become Portuguese citizens, which allows them to get a Portuguese passport.

Golden Visa applicants can choose from various options, including:

  • Fund subscription: Contribute to a Portugal Golden Visa qualified investment fund (such as private equity funds or venture capital funds) worth at least €500,000
  • Investment or donation in the arts or reconstruction of national cultural heritage with a donation of at least €250,000
  • Scientific research: Science or Technology research contribution of at least €500,000
  • Creation of ten jobs: Creation and maintenance of ten jobs during the required period
  • Share capital and job creation: Incorporation of a commercial company in the national territory or reinforcement of a company’s share capital (this company must have its head office in the national territory), in either case with an investment of €500,000, combined with the creation of five or maintaining ten jobs (five of them permanent)<

Portugal D2 Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa is a residency visa designed for non-EU entrepreneurs who wish to contribute to the Portuguese economy by buying an existing business or presenting a business plan for new ventures. It doesn’t require a large investment or steady passive income but instead focuses on business investments of all sizes and a viable business plan or idea.

While there is no set minimum investment for the D2 Visa, you must have sufficient financial resources to start and sustain your business and living expenses in Portugal for a year.

As part of the Entrepreneur route application process, you must provide a declaration indicating that you have invested or intend to invest in Portugal, detailing the investment’s type, worth, timeframe, and a comprehensive business plan.

Portugal’s Solidarity Visa

The new Solidarity Visa complements Portugal’s Golden Visa for those who want to invest in Portugal. It is a residency-by-investment program targeting wealthy foreign investors willing to fund affordable housing and social projects under the government’s Mais Habitação (More Housing) law.

The legislation aims to improve housing access for Portuguese citizens and residents. It includes broader measures like regulating short-term rentals and penalizing vacant properties.

However, the Solidarity Visa isn’t an immigration option right now and primarily focuses on projects that will generate little to no return on investment. Still, there are strong indications that the Portuguese government could get the needed support from parliament to approve a change in visa laws in 2025.

How to Get Portuguese Citizenship by Investment

To get citizenship by investment in Portugal, you must make a qualifying investment and keep the respective investment for five years. Before submitting your application, it is advised to consult with a Portugal Golden Visa lawyer or a Portugal Golden Visa consultant to determine what documentation you need in addition to your investment.

While applying for the Golden Visa is relatively straightforward, there are quite a few steps to take toward a successful Golden Visa process.

1. Onboarding: Initial discussions with the onboarding and legal teams covering the process as a whole, answering questions, helping you choose one of the qualifying investment options, and completing the process according to the regulations.

2. Documentation: Gather all necessary documents for yourself and any family members. Ensure that all documents are translated, notarized, or certified.

2. Bank account and NIF: In order to obtain the tax identification number (NIF) in Portugal, we will appoint a fiscal representative for you. After obtaining your NIF, we can help you open a bank account in Portugal. This can be done by us remotely and the Global Citizen Solutions will help you.

3. Make the investment: We can begin securing your investment and will guide you through the necessary paperwork required to ensure a successful investment.

4. Online application: Your application must be submitted through the ARI Portal by a legal representative in Portugal, who will guide you through the necessary documentation and submission.

5. Pre-approval: Your application will be pre-approved on the basis that you fulfill the necessary requirements.

6. Biometrics visit: From the time you book your interview, it takes around two months until you can attend a Portugal Golden Visa biometrics appointment in person.

7. Golden Visa issuance: After your biometrics, your Golden Visa has to be approved by AIMA (which replaced SEF as the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service). Pay the government permit issue fee. We'll then collect the residence cards on your behalf and send them to you.

Applying for citizenship

Golden Visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence in Portugal, calculated from the date the application was made. This can be done through the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN), which is the Institute of Registries and Notaries under the Ministry of Justice. You need to submit several key documents, including:

  • Clean criminal record: Obtain a certificate confirming you don’t have significant criminal convictions.
  • Clean health record: Provide a health certificate indicating that you are in good health and do not have any serious or communicable diseases.
  • Proof of Portuguese residency: If applying through the naturalization route, submit evidence of your legal residency in Portugal. This includes documentation such as a residence permit, utility bills, rental agreements, or other official records demonstrating that you have lived in Portugal for the required period, as stated above.
  • Fluency in Portuguese: Show proof of Portuguese proficiency, for example, by completing the CIPLE (Certificado Inicial de Português Língua Estrangeira) test or providing equivalent evidence.

You’ll also need to present a completed Portugal citizenship application form, a valid passport (proof of identification), and proof of payment for the application processing fee.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?

GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS

  • GCS has offices located across Portugal.
  • Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
  • Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa. 

100% APPROVAL RATE

  • Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants. 
  • We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.

ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION

  • With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application. 
  • Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.

TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY

  • Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
  • All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

Frequently Asked Questions about Investing in Portugal for Citizenship

Is it worth investing in Portugal?

Investing in Portugal is worth it due to its strong real estate market, Golden Visa program, and growing tech industry. The country offers tax incentives, a stable economy, and high quality of life. Key sectors include tourism, renewable energy, and startups, making Portugal an attractive investment destination.

What are the best investment opportunities in Portugal?

The best investment opportunities in Portugal include real estate, tourism, and renewable energy. The Golden Visa program makes property investment attractive. The tech and startup sectors are growing, supported by government incentives. Agriculture, especially wine and olive oil, also offers strong returns. Portugal’s stable economy enhances investment potential.

How can foreigners invest in Portugal?

Foreigners can invest in Portugal by purchasing real estate, starting a business, or applying for the Golden Visa program. Other options include investing in stocks, funds, or renewable energy projects. Portugal offers tax incentives and residency benefits, making it an attractive destination for international investors.

How to get Portugal residence by investment?

To get Portugal residence by investment, you must first make a qualifying investment and meet the minimum investment threshold of €250,000 (investment into the arts). At present, most investors choose to invest in funds (minimum investment of €500,000).

What is the Portugal Golden Visa program?

The Portugal Golden Visa program, also known as the Residence Permit Program, is a five-year residency-by-investment scheme for non-EU nationals. It grants qualifying investors and their family members the right to live, work, and study in Portugal and permits free movement in Europe’s Schengen Area.

Is it possible to invest in Portugal for citizenship?

It is not possible to obtain Portuguese citizenship by investment. However, the Golden Visa acts as an indirect route to citizenship. You can invest in Portugal through the program, which grants you a temporary residence permit and, after holding the Golden visa for five years, qualifies you to apply for citizenship.