Portugal: Still a Promising Destination for Foreign Investment.
- Infinite Solutions
- 19 de set.
- 4 min de leitura
Portugal continues to stand out as one of the most promising destinations in Europe and worldwide for foreign investment. This is according to the 2025 Greenfield FDI Performance Index, which places Portugal second in Western Europe and 16th globally in the ranking of countries attracting investment in new facilities built from scratch.
What does the report tell us?
This ranking, based on global data from completely new investment projects, reinforces Portugal’s growing reputation—not just as a charming southern European destination, but as a strategic gateway for international growth.
The Greenfield FDI Performance Index measures a country’s ability to attract new investment projects relative to the size of its economy—shedding light on its capacity for growth through competitiveness, business climate, and investor appeal.
Portugal’s 2025 performance demonstrates that, compared to other Western economies, it continues to attract fresh capital and international companies.
Smaller Countries Have More Potential
The study also shows that small and mid-sized countries with the right conditions can outperformlarger economies. In Portugal’s case, its strategic location, EU membership, skilled workforce, and modernised infrastructure position it as an increasingly compelling gateway for companies entering the European market.
This is particularly evident in dynamic, high-growth sectors such as renewable energy, technology, tourism, and advanced manufacturing—where Portugal continues to demonstrate strength and adaptability.
What About the Rest of Europe?
Among Western European nations, only Monaco ranked higher than Portugal—though its position reflects a smaller volume of projects within a highly specialised, niche market. Spain followed closely behind, confirming the strong investment climate across the Iberian Peninsula.
Portugal and Spain both saw an increase in investment projects in 2024 compared to 2023. However, their scores on the index fell slightly due to above-average GDP growth across the eurozone. This supports that the stronger a small or mid-sized economy performs in attracting investment relative to its GDP, the more competitive and investment-ready it is perceived to be.
What’s Happening Around the World?
In 2025, countries across all regions attracted more foreign direct investment than expected relative to the size of their economies, with the UAE ranking globally and in the Middle East.
Canada outperformed the US in 2024 and 2025, due to service-sector investments less affected by US tariffs, in North America.
Heading south, in Latin America, Costa Rica remained the regional leader and ranked third globally, although its position is being challenged by the impact of US tariffs and a strengthening currency.
The challenge: Sustaining Momentum
For Portugal, this ranking sends a clear message to international investors: the country remains a competitive and credible destination. The challenge now is to sustain and strengthen this position by further enhancing the business environment, fostering innovation, and investing in sectors where Portugal is poised to lead, such as hospitality, technology, digital industries, and high-value exports.
More Than Just a Holiday Destination in Southern Europe
The cherry on top: Portugal’s role in global investment is changing and is no longer just a destination for traditional sectors or tourism.
Portugal is becoming a place for forward-thinking, high-value projects - ideal for businesses and investors looking to follow the country’s economic trajectory, which is a sign of real progress and a reason to look to the future with confidence.
Portugal’s Golden Visa Residency Program, and officially called the ARI (Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento - Authorization for Residency for Investment Activity), the Golden Visa residency program, is today still the most attractive and successful citizenship by investment or residence by investment program in Europe.
One of the main advantages of Golden Visa in Portugal is that its requirement for length of stay in the Lusitano country is very low.
It is necessary to spend only 7 days on average over the 5 year period.
After 5 years with ARI the program offers a path to citizenship and a Portuguese passport or additionally permanent residency, although with recent policy changes that may come into effect regarding Citizenship Laws it can be 10 years, although you can apply for permanent residency after the 5th year and which is valid for 10 years.
Because of this, it is considered the treasure at the end of the rainbow for people who want to enjoy the benefits of living in European Citizenship, even without living there permanently.
Find Your Dream Property With Us
Infinite Solutions is your gateway to smart real estate investments in Portugal, offering savvy investors access to an exclusive collection of carefully curated properties.
Whether you’re searching for your dream home or a prime investment opportunity in Portugal’s prestigious market, we provide more than just listings – experience a personalized journey tailored to your aspirations.
Begin your journey to discover your perfect Portuguese retreat. Contact us today!
I’ll be more than happy to share my experience with you, after almost 23 years living in Portugal.
I’ll also walk you through Portugal using Google Maps, show you the best Cities or communities and neighborhoods that match your ideal lifestyle and budget, and go over the moving and buying process as well as the best Visa process to establish residency and ultimately Citizenship.
If you have not made up your mind that Portugal is the home for you, and want to learn all about Portugal’s rich culture, tantalizing gastronomy, exquisite wine culture, real estate opportunities, and the latest updates in the ever-evolving real estate landscape, then visit the Infinite Solutions BLOG, register and be the first to receive by e-mail any new posts. Join us on this exciting journey to discover your future home sweet home!!!
As a seasoned realtor with 23 years of firsthand experience living in Portugal, I am here to guide you through every step. From virtual tours using Google Maps to identifying the ideal cities, communities, and neighborhoods that match your lifestyle and budget, I’ll make your transition smooth and informed
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