Portugal is actively reshaping its foreign investment strategy. In the newly released 2025 Government Program, presented in June, the government outlined bold plans to revitalise the country’s business landscape and re-establish Portugal as a competitive destination for international investors. The proposed measures include tax incentives, streamlined administrative procedures, and targeted support for strategic sectors such as technology, innovation, and reindustrialisation.
What are the Key Measures Announced?
According to the official document, the government pledges to:
“Create a more favourable tax regime to attract and retain foreign direct investment in strategic areas such as reindustrialisation, innovation, technology and green investment”.
This signals a return to incentive-based policies that had previously been scaled back, including those associated with the former Golden Visa regime. The difference now lies in the shift of focus — from passive investment to productive and high-value-added contributions.
Among the proposed initiatives:
- Special tax incentives for investments in strategic sectors;
- Reduction of bureaucratic barriers for international investors, with the implementation of fast-track mechanisms;
- Improved coordination between public entities to facilitate licensing, visas, and regulatory approvals;
- Active promotion of Portugal’s international presence through business delegations and strategic partnerships.
Why This Matters for Foreign Investors
Whether you are an individual or corporate investor, this new policy package could present an excellent opportunity to:
- Reassess Portugal as a location for business expansion or relocation;
- Benefit from fiscal and operational advantages in key industries like tech, innovation, green energy, and industrial development;
- Leverage Portugal’s legal and business infrastructure to operate within the EU with greater efficiency and potentially lower tax exposure (depending on the final fiscal framework).
Moreover, we may see the return or reformulation of residence permits based on productive investment, especially in sectors aligned with the public interest.
What About Investor Visas?
There is no express indication that the Golden Visa will be reinstated in its previous form. However, the renewed emphasis on productive investment suggests that new types of residence permits tied to economic contributions could soon emerge.
If such pathways are confirmed, investors may once again benefit from legal residence in Portugal — with all the associated advantages, such as Schengen mobility and eventual eligibility for Portuguese nationality.
For those planning to bring business to Europe or establish operations in Portugal, the outlook is promising. Still, as with any significant opportunity, strategic planning is key. Anticipating legal and logistical complexities — including possible delays — will be essential to navigating this evolving landscape.
How FLOW Legal Can Support You
At FLOW Legal, we closely monitor legislative developments affecting international investors. We assist our clients with:
- Structuring legal frameworks for investment;
- Navigating the Portuguese immigration system;
- Identifying the most suitable visa and residency options;
- Creating tailored strategies for legal, tax, and regulatory compliance.
Interested in taking advantage of Portugal’s upcoming investment incentives?
Get in touch with FLOW Legal today for a personalised strategy and legal roadmap for your project.
