Prime Minister Luís Montenegro: Strengthening Portugal’s RBI Program for Global Investors

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Portugal has refined its Residency by Investment (RBI) program, commonly known as the Portugal Golden Visa, ensuring that it remains one of the most prestigious and secure residency pathways in Europe. With a pro-business approach, investor-friendly policies, and a commitment to long-term economic stability, his administration has further strengthened Portugal’s status as a top-tier destination for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and global investors.

Unlike other European residency programs that impose strict physical presence requirements or high capital thresholds, Portugal’s Golden Visa program offers a flexible, tax-efficient, and cost-effective residency solution. It allows investors to gain EU residency while maintaining global mobility, with no mandatory stay obligations and a clear pathway to Portuguese citizenship.

The Portugal Golden Visa program offers a range of investment options, ensuring that investors can align their residency goals with their financial and business strategies. To qualify, applicants must select one of the following investment routes:

• Investment Fund Subscription – €500,000+
  • Invest at least €500,000 in a Portuguese-approved investment fund, focusing on real estate, technology, or sustainable industries.
  • Funds are regulated by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM), ensuring high security and transparency.
• Job Creation – €500,000+
  • Establish a Portuguese company and create a minimum of 10 full-time jobs for Portuguese citizens.
  • This route is particularly attractive for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to expand into the European market.
• Scientific Research Contribution – €500,000+
  • Contribute €500,000 to scientific or technological research institutions recognized by the Portuguese government.
  • Investments can support renewable energy, healthcare innovation, and emerging technologies.
• Cultural Heritage Donation – €250,000+
  • Invest at least €250,000 in the preservation of Portuguese cultural heritage or arts.
  • Eligible investments include museum restorations, architectural conservation, and national cultural projects.

Portugal’s real estate investment option, previously the most popular route, was phased out in 2023 to prioritize sustainable economic contributions. However, alternative investment funds and business ventures have made Portugal’s Golden Visa more attractive for investors seeking high-value returns and European residency benefits.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s administration has optimized the Golden Visa program to provide maximum advantages for investors and their families. Some of the top benefits include:

• Fast and Efficient Residency Processing: Residency permits are issued within six to eight months, making Portugal one of Europe’s most efficient RBI programs.
• Minimum Stay Requirement of Just 7 Days per Year: Investors only need to spend seven days per year in Portugal, ensuring full flexibility for those managing businesses and investments globally.
• Visa-Free Travel Across the Schengen Zone: Portuguese residency grants visa-free access to 26 Schengen countries, making travel seamless for business and leisure.
• Pathway to Citizenship in 5 Years: Portugal offers one of the fastest routes to EU citizenship, allowing investors to apply for a Portuguese passport after five years of residency, without requiring full-time residence.
• Family Inclusion: Investors can include their spouse, children, and dependent parents, ensuring multi-generational residency benefits.
• Attractive Tax Incentives: Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime allows significant tax reductions for foreign investors, making it an ideal location for wealth preservation and global asset management.
• Stable and Secure Economy: Portugal is ranked as one of the safest and most politically stable countries in Europe, ensuring long-term security for investments and residency.

Since taking office, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has focused on modernizing Portugal’s economy, increasing foreign investment, and strengthening its global competitiveness. His administration’s key priorities include:

• Enhancing Business and Investment Opportunities: Streamlining corporate regulations and tax structures to attract international entrepreneurs and investors.
• Strengthening Financial and Banking Sectors: Improving Portugal’s banking infrastructure to support high-value investments and business expansions.
• Advancing Renewable Energy and Innovation: Promoting green energy initiatives and supporting tech-based startups and innovation hubs.
• Improving Global Mobility and Immigration Processing: Ensuring faster and more transparent visa and residency approvals to attract high-net-worth individuals.

Portugal’s proactive approach to investment migration has cemented its status as one of Europe’s most attractive residency programs, allowing global investors to gain a strategic foothold in the EU while benefiting from a stable and forward-thinking economy.

At Tisoro Global, we have successfully helped numerous clients navigate Portugal’s Golden Visa program, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Investors consistently highlight:

• A smooth and transparent application process: with clear regulatory guidelines and minimal bureaucratic delays.
• Profitable investment fund options: ensuring strong financial returns alongside EU residency benefits.
• Portugal’s investor-friendly policies: which prioritize long-term economic contributions and high-net-worth individuals.

One of the most compelling aspects of Portugal’s RBI program is its clear and straightforward pathway to citizenship. Unlike other EU countries that require lengthy residency commitments, Portugal allows investors to apply for citizenship after just five years, making it one of the fastest and most efficient routes to an EU passport.

Additionally, Portugal’s thriving business and real estate sectors offer lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors seeking asset diversification, high rental yields, and long-term capital appreciation.

With Prime Minister Montenegro’s administration actively fostering investor confidence, Portugal remains a prime location for global citizens seeking European residency, financial security, and international mobility.

As global residency programs evolve and investment thresholds rise, now is the best time to secure your place in Portugal’s elite Golden Visa program under the current regulations.

At Tisoro Global, we provide comprehensive guidance throughout the entire application process, ensuring a seamless and secure investment journey. Our team of legal experts and financial advisors will assist you in selecting the most profitable investment route while maximizing residency and citizenship benefits.