Golden Visa Investors are Strengthening Portugal’s Healthcare Sector

With a highly rated healthcare system and increasing opportunities in MedTech and Biotech, Portugal is becoming a beacon for those seeking both impactful investments and residency through the Golden Visa programme.

Portugal’s progress in health performance has coincided with a gradual increase in life expectancy for the country to 83 years in 2024, according to MacroTrends. This outperforms the rest of the Eurozone and the US, where life expectancy is 79.09 and 79.25 years, respectively.  

Portugal’s healthcare system benefits from strong public-private collaboration, which ensures efficient resource use and high-quality service delivery.

The country is also home to several growing MedTech and Biotech start-ups, specialising in AI-driven diagnostics, telemedicine, and health data solutions. For example, companies like Sword Health, a leader in digital musculoskeletal therapy, are gaining international recognition.

Portugal-based Biovance Capital invests in early-stage biopharma companies developing new therapeutics across Europe, focusing on Portugal, Spain, and Italy. It is a €51 million biotech-focused fund backed by the European Investment Fund and other public and private investors.

Biovance Capital was founded by Peter Villax, who has over 40 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in IT, sales, R&D and business administration, and is President of the Portuguese Family Business Association and a Board member of civic and academic bodies.

In 2024, Partners Group bought a majority stake in FairJouney Biologics, a Portugal-based biotech company, valuing the business at about €900 million. This sale marked a 10-fold return for GHO Capital, the company’s owner since 2020, when they acquired a majority stake for just over €50 million, according to PitchBook.

This represents the growth potential for Biotech and MedTech investors in Portugal.

Health and wellbeing tourism is also growing in Portugal, with cosmetic surgery, dental treatments, orthopaedic surgeries, and fertility treatments being the most sought-after procedures.

Governmental support and partnerships with private healthcare providers back Portugal’s medical tourism industry.

Portugal’s Golden Visa programme allows investors to invest a minimum of €500,000 in approved alternative investment funds, with healthcare-focused investments being a high-impact option. This investment can be split over a number of Golden Visa residency-by-investment approved funds.

These funds often target innovative healthcare projects, such as investing in new technologies, expanding healthcare facilities, or investing in MedTech and biotech start-ups.

Portugal’s alternative investment funds sometimes adopt a blended approach, investing across multiple sectors where Portugal is outperforming the market.

These diversified strategies appeal to investors seeking both more stability and exposure to high-growth opportunities, mitigating risks tied to a single sector.

Paul Sheedy, international advisor to the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Golden Visa residency-by-investment in Portugal, said: “A blended approach to investment—spanning sectors such as luxury hospitality and tourism, renewable energy, media, healthcare, and technology —not only aligns with Portugal's dynamic economic landscape but also creates a resilient portfolio that thrives across sectors.

“We have seen time and time again that a blended investment approach can protect against underperforming sectors in a portfolio, giving investors more security and downside protection.”

Healthcare presents an especially appealing investment due to its resilience and consistent demand. As populations age—over 20% of Portugal’s population is currently over 65, and this demographic is expected to grow—there is an increasing need for innovative healthcare solutions.

Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of Portugal Pathways, explains:

“Portugal’s healthcare sector represents a vital and stable investment opportunity. By investing in Golden Visa-approved alternative investment funds focused on healthcare, investors can achieve residency in Portugal and contribute to the development of a thriving and essential industry.”

Golden Visa investors can gain residency in Portugal and access to the European Schengen Area, which is comprised of 29 countries, with a minimum stay requirement of just seven days a year.

After five years of Golden Visa residency, investors can apply for permanent Portuguese citizenship and secure an EU passport.

Stannard continues: “From expanding elderly care facilities to advancing telemedicine, healthcare investments in Portugal offer strong returns, all while aligning with Portugal’s goals of fostering innovation and improving quality of life.”

As Portugal’s healthcare system evolves, the country’s commitment to integrating innovation with top-tier care creates a fertile ground for investment.

For those seeking a secure, impactful way to gain European residency, healthcare-focused Golden Visa-approved alternative investment funds provide the perfect opportunity to align financial growth with meaningful contributions to society.

Learn more about how you can benefit from Portugal's Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme when relocating or investing in Portugal here.

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 luxury property, wealth management, tax optimisation, private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

About Portugal Future Fund

The Portugal Future Fund strategically invests in key sectors, driving growth and innovation across Portugal. Approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment, it offers a unique opportunity for impactful and rewarding participation.

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