Following Spain’s recent decision to terminate its golden visa program due to concerns about rising housing prices and market distortion, Portugal is actively exploring ways to strengthen its own golden visa initiative and make its special tax regime for expatriates even more attractive to foreign investors and skilled professionals.
In an exclusive interview, Antonio Leitao Amaro, Portugal’s Minister of the Presidency, revealed that the government is evaluating several potential measures designed to further incentivize foreign investment and attract global talent to support the country’s economic growth. These discussions come at a time when many nations are competing fiercely to capture international capital and expertise amid ongoing geopolitical and economic shifts.
Portugal’s golden visa program currently allows qualifying participants to obtain residency by making specified investments, such as in real estate or business ventures, with the relatively flexible requirement of spending only about one week per year physically present in the country. This low physical presence requirement has made the program popular among high-net-worth individuals seeking to gain access to the European Union while maintaining their global mobility.
The Portuguese government views the golden visa and the non-habitual resident (NHR) tax regime as critical components of its strategy to stimulate economic activity, especially in sectors such as real estate, technology, and tourism. By sweetening incentives, Portugal hopes to not only maintain but increase the inflow of foreign capital that supports job creation and innovation.
Amaro emphasized that the prospective policy adjustments would be carefully designed to balance economic benefits with sustainable development goals, ensuring the housing market remains stable and accessible for residents, while continuing to offer attractive opportunities for international investors.
The potential enhancements to Portugal’s golden visa program mark a strategic response to Spain’s withdrawal and reflect Portugal’s ambition to remain a leading destination for expatriates, retirees, and investors looking for stable residency options within the European Union.
With an attractive climate, a high quality of life, and growing infrastructure improvements, Portugal continues to be a top choice for global citizens seeking to combine investment opportunities with lifestyle benefits. The government’s commitment to maintaining and improving the golden visa scheme signals confidence in its role as a driver of long-term economic prosperity.
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