Through its Golden Visa Program Portugal has one of the most successful immigration programs in Europe. Since 2012, around 11,000 investors and 18,000 of their family members have taken part in it.

Portugal’s reputation as one of the most globalized nations is one of the main reasons for it having a “Very High” classification on the latest Human Development Index survey. The Global Peace Index also ranks Portugal as the world’s 6th safest country in the world, ahead of Singapore and Japan.

For the last few years, residential real estate has been the main investment sector of the Golden Visa program. However, after the amendments to the program on January 1st, 2022 and the removal of residential real estate in the key markets as a qualifying investment, investment funds have been capturing the attention of investors. This is especially the case for commercial real estate projects where the investment fund provides a low “friction” investment with the added level of third-party governance by the independent fund manager.

Being a part of the European Union, Eurozone and the Schengen area, Portugal’s economic growth is 6.7% in 2022, moving at a faster pace than the Euro Area, while the inflation rate ranks below the EU’s average. These metrics make Portugal not only a fantastic market to invest but a cheap place to live or visit.

An international investor in Portugal can find an easy path to obtaining permanent residence that allows for European citizenship for them and their family in five years, all the while having to spend as little as seven days in the country per year. Though many investors choose to spend more than that thanks to its lively culture, exceptional cuisine, stunning beaches, and idyllic countryside.