Portugal
Portugal's robust economic recovery, coupled with its distinct appeal
as a cost-effective European destination with high growth potential, fuels significant real estate and business investment.
This combination of factors creates a compelling opportunity for investors seeking both stability and growth.
So why Portugal?
Cheap real estate prices versus stable economic policies
One of the leaders in safety, peace and quality of life ratings in the last decade
One of the best real estate investment destinations in Europe in the last decade
Convenient and attractive financing terms for foreigners
An attractive immigration policy
Opening development centers of giant companies (Mercedes, Google, Siemens and Panasonic)
Opening of over 40 new hotels in Porto and Lisbon in 2022, with dozens more on the way
The average wage is constantly increasing
In recent years
Voted one of the best countries to live in after age 50
Announced as the best tourist destination for 2021
The Numbers
Residents
10,580,000
Land
92,000 square kilometers
GDP
265 billion euros
Unemployment
6.5% (Sep 2024)
Tourists per year
30 Million
Coastline
6300 KM
Climate
276 sunny days per year
Big Mac Index
The 6th cheapest country in Europe
Education
75,000 international students
Immigration
Best relocation destination in Europe
How did we get here?
Between 2004 and 2025, Portugal experienced a significant influx of foreign investment in various sectors.
In recent years, activity has intensified even further and has also led to a number of legislative changes - starting with changing the Golden Visa policy, through the cancellation of the NHR program, and a number of other steps that are supposed to slightly moderate the activity and direct it to the required Portuguese sectors.
Below is an overview of foreign investment in Portugal over the last 20 years, broken down into different sectors and general trends:
Foreign investments in Portugal
Real Estate and Tourism:
2004-2008 - Significant growth in real estate investments, especially from European countries such as France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
2009-2014 - Decline due to the global financial crisis, affecting the real estate and tourism sectors.
2015-2020 - Gradual recovery, with increased interest from diverse international investors, including China, the United States, and other European Union countries.
2020-2025 - Portugal is becoming one of the most attractive investment destinations in Europe, Portugal is attracting investors from all over the world and housing prices are skyrocketing.
Technology and innovation:
2000-2010 - A few isolated investments in technology, mainly from European countries, intended for startups and technology-based ventures.
2010-2020 - An increase in the quantity and quality of technology investments, especially from the US and other European countries, aimed at Portugal's emerging technology scene, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
2020-2025 - Portugal becomes home to several successful tech companies, the high-tech scene of Lisbon and Porto attracts many minds from all over the world, and the Portugal 2030 plan succeeds in making the option of investing in technology particularly attractive to foreigners.
Production and industry:
2000-2010 - A combination of investments in traditional industries such as textiles and automotive sectors, mainly from within the European Union.
2010-2020 - A shift to more diversified investments, including renewable energy projects and manufacturing facilities, with interest from multinational corporations beyond Europe.
2020-2025 - Portugal is expanding its manufacturing and industrial activities in several sectors, and the Portugal 2030 Plan succeeds in making the option of investing in industry attractive to many foreigners looking for relatively cheap production options combined with favorable establishment conditions and a cheap workforce.
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