Golden Visa Investors Fuel Portugal’s Innovation Economy

Portugal is rapidly solidifying its status as one of Europe’s leading technology and innovation centres, with Golden Visa investors playing a pivotal role in its rise.

The country's residency-by-investment programme continues to attract global attention as it helps drive growth in key sectors such as technology, media, and entrepreneurship.

Portugal’s Emerging Innovation Powerhouse

Portugal’s reputation as a flourishing start-up destination has grown steadily in recent years. In a clear sign of its innovation credentials, Braga was named the European Rising Innovative City in 2024, following Lisbon’s recognition as the European Capital of Innovation in 2023.

These accolades reflect a national momentum towards fostering entrepreneurship and tech-driven growth.

Investor sentiment is riding high. Ernst & Young reports that Portugal has outperformed both the Eurozone and the United Kingdom in attracting foreign investment. Lisbon in particular has seen start-up funding increase by 30% annually over the past nine years—double the European average, according to StartupBlink.

The nation’s innovation infrastructure is robust. Portugal’s National Network of Incubators and Accelerators (RNI) includes over 150 innovation hubs, providing support and resources to emerging businesses. Meanwhile, government initiatives such as the Start-up Visa and various funding programmes have created a fertile environment for tech entrepreneurs.

Portugal is also set to introduce a new tax initiative in 2025: the Incentivo Fiscal à Investigação Científica e à Inovação (IFICI), commonly referred to as the NHR 2.0 tax regime.

This system offers favourable tax treatment for value creators and start-ups, including low tax rates on professional income and a 0% rate on non-Portuguese dividends and capital gains.

High-profile events such as the Web Summit, MedTech Forum 2025, Portugal Investment Owners Club forums, and the IFA Global Conference are expected to draw thousands of tech and investment professionals to Portugal this year.

Paul Stannard, founder and chairman of the Portugal Investment Owners Club and Portugal Pathways, underscored the country’s attractiveness:

“Portugal has created a unique environment for like-minded 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.”

The Role of Tech and Portugal’s Golden Visa Programme

The technology sector has become a major pillar of Portugal’s economy. According to the International Trade Administration, the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector now contributes nearly 10% of the country’s GDP, with an annual turnover approaching €20 billion.

The sector supports over 80,000 jobs and benefits from a steady supply of engineering graduates, placing Portugal among the EU’s top nations for technical education.

Homegrown unicorns such as Talkdesk and Outsystems have earned global recognition, with Portugal’s collective unicorn valuation reaching an estimated €40 billion.

Golden Visa investment has been a significant contributor to this success. The internationally recognised residency-by-investment scheme has channelled more than €7 billion into Portugal’s economy, with a notable portion flowing into tech start-ups and innovative ventures, according to Belion Partners.

Paul Stannard commented further:

“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.”

Portugal’s Golden Visa: A Strategic Investment Pathway

Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of the most attractive routes for investors seeking EU residency. By investing at least €500,000 in approved alternative investment funds, investors can obtain dual residency and, after five years, apply for Portuguese citizenship and an EU passport.

These funds often use a diversified approach, allocating capital across high-growth and stable sectors—including technology, renewable energy, luxury hospitality, media, and healthcare—to enhance portfolio resilience.

Paul Sheedy, international advisor to the Portugal Future Fund, explained:

“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.”

Golden Visa investors are only required to spend a minimum of seven days per year in Portugal. After five years, they and their families can apply for permanent residency or citizenship, gaining full access to the EU Schengen Zone.

The programme offers considerable flexibility. A single €500,000 investment can cover not only the main applicant but also their spouse or life partner, dependent children in education, and parents over the age of 65.

In addition to financial advantages, Portugal offers a high standard of living, excellent healthcare and education systems, a rich cultural heritage, and a lower cost of living than many other Western European countries.

Portugal’s Strong Economic Outlook

Portugal’s consumer price inflation decreased from 3.0% in December 2024 to 2.5% in January 2025, further reinforcing confidence in its economic policies.

Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento has projected GDP growth of 1.8% in 2024 and 2.1% in 2025.

The country’s economic resilience was further recognised in February 2025 when Portugal’s credit rating was upgraded to A+. Inflation is expected to ease from 2.3% in 2024 to 1.9% in 2025, enhancing the country’s stability and investment appeal.

With a solid economic foundation, forward-thinking tax policies, and an innovation-driven ecosystem supported by strategic investment programmes like the Golden Visa, Portugal is proving to be a magnet for global investors seeking long-term value and opportunity.

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Discover how the Portugal Future Fund can help support you in making impactful investments through Portugal's Golden Visa residency by investment programme here

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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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Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Future Fund website 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. Portugal Future Fund operates under CMVM regulations but is not directly endorsed by the CMVM or any governmental entity.