Portugal's position as a burgeoning tech hub has strengthened year on year, presenting an exciting opportunity for investors, including those utilising the Golden Visa residency-by-investment option.
Portugal’s Thriving Tech & Start-up Ecosystem
Portugal is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most dynamic start-up ecosystems. In 2024, Braga was named the European Rising Innovative City, just one year after Lisbon was crowned the European Capital of Innovation, proving that Portugal is a powerhouse for entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
Investor confidence in Portugal is at an all-time high. According to Ernst & Young, the country outperforms the Eurozone and the UK in attracting foreign investment. In Lisbon alone, start-up investments have grown by 30% annually over the last nine years, twice the European average, according to StartupBlink.
Portugal’s National Network of Incubators and Accelerators (RNI) supports over 150 innovation hubs, offering start-up resources. The government’s Start-up Visa and funding programmes have transformed the country into a hotspot for tech entrepreneurs.
The Portuguese government has also announced its new Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), commonly known as the NHR 2.0 tax regime, for 2025.
This tax regime allows value creators and start-ups to benefit from a low tax on professional income and a 0% rated tax on non-Portugal-derived dividends and capital gains.
The country also hosts some of the biggest global events in media, tech, and investment, such as the Web Summit, MedTech Forum 2025, Portugal Investment Owners Club forums, and the IFA Global Conference, which brings over 2,000 top tax and investment advisors to Portugal in 2025.
Paul Stannard, founder and chairman of the Portugal Investment Owners Club and Portugal Pathways, highlighted the country’s unique appeal: “Portugal has created a unique environment for likeminded people to be able to create sustainable investments in key sectors of the country’s economic strength, allowing value creators as well as highly qualified talent to prosper through a combination of tax incentives, quality of life, and investment.”
According to the International Trade Administration, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector contributes nearly 10% of Portugal’s GDP, generating almost €20 billion in turnover.
The sector also employs over 80,000 people in Portugal, developing a large pool of highly skilled workers and ranking among the top in the EU for engineering graduates.
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Portugal has produced multiple unicorns that have led to international success, such as Talkdesk and Outsystems. Portugal’s unicorns have a combined estimated total value of €40 billion, according to the International Trade Administration.
One of the main reasons for Portugal’s growth in terms of start-up innovation has been its internationally recognised Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme, which, according to Belion Partners, has brought over €7 billion into Portugal, including into many tech companies.
Paul Stannard at Portugal Investment Owners Club said: “The Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme has been a major contributor to supporting Portugal’s important industry sectors, especially tech and media, where Portugal has been making major strides through its thriving creative industry sectors.
Alternative investment funds, such as the Portugal Future Fund, approved for Golden Visa, highlight why there are now over 40 regulated funds specifically for that purpose.
Portugal Golden Visa Residency-By-Investment Benefits
Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme continues to be an attractive route for investors seeking EU residency.
Investors can secure dual residency and, ultimately, Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport by investing a minimum of €500,000 in approved alternative investment funds.
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, potentially giving investors more security and downside protection.”
Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme offers significant flexibility. It requires a minimum stay of just seven days per year. After five years of Golden Visa residency, investors and their families can apply for permanent European citizenship, granting them freedom of movement throughout the EU Schengen Zone.
Portugal’s alternative investment funds, approved for Golden Visa residency, not only provide exposure to high-growth ventures but also offer a strategic pathway to relocation, combining financial opportunity with an enhanced quality of life.
Investors and their qualifying family members can benefit from the country’s outstanding healthcare, education system, and cultural richness, all while enjoying a lower cost of living.
The Golden Visa investor can include their spouse or life partner, other dependants still in education, and even parents if they are over 65 years old, for the one investment of €500,000.
Portugal’s Economic Landscape
Portugal’s economic trajectory remains strong, outpacing both the Eurozone and the UK in terms of GDP growth.
According to the European Commission, Portugal’s GDP is forecast to rise from 2.0% in 2024 to 2.3% in 2025, compared to the Eurozone’s projected growth of 0.8% and 1.3% over the same period.
This follows the recent upgrade to Portugal’s economic status, having had its A rating upgraded to an A+ in February 2025.
Other countries, such as the UK’s expected growth, lag behind at 1.0% in 2024 and 1.2% in 2025.
Portugal's inflation is projected to improve from 2.3% in 2024 to 1.9% in 2025, making it more attractive for investors and expats alike.
Please contact us if you are considering investment options, such as Golden Visa residency-by-investment, or if you would like to learn more about the Portugal Investment Owners Club or Portugal Future Fund.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has assisted hundreds of investors in securing Golden Visa residency-by-investment. Through its expert network, the company provides guidance on luxury property, wealth management, tax optimisation—including post-NHR planning—private healthcare, IFICI tax incentives, money transfers, and bespoke relocation solutions.
About Portugal Future Fund
The Portugal Future Fund strategically invests in high-growth sectors to drive economic innovation. Approved for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment, it provides investors with an exclusive opportunity to participate in Portugal’s ongoing development.
About Portugal Investment Owners Club
The Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club) is an exclusive membership community for discerning investors, families, and organisations seeking to capitalise on Portugal’s economic opportunities while enjoying unparalleled lifestyle experiences and exclusive events.
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites and in email communications is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or financial advice. You should consult and check with a qualified professional advisor before relying on any information provided on this website or in email communications. As it relates to investments in Golden Visas or other wealth management solutions offered by regulated and professional advisors, it is important to note that past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Private equities can be highly illiquid and come with risk and should always be under professional independent advice.
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