Competitive prices, attractive tax schemes for pensioners and non-habitual residents, a popular tech environment… There are several reasons why Portugal is brimming with foreign investment, but the most popular one is definitely the Golden Visa program.
It’s not the only of its kind in Europe, but Portugal’s Golden Visa is still one of the most popular. Brazil, China, and France are historically the nations with the largest investments in this residence scheme, but that picture is changing this year.
The USA moves up, China moves down
According to the news site ECO, Chinese investment in properties through Golden Visas fell by 60% in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. China is still in the top 5, but it used to lead the ranking of Golden Visa applications and was usually our biggest investor. Just last year, the country’s accumulated investment amounted to 51.7 million euros or, in other words, 100 Authorizations of Residency for Investment (ARI, the official name for Golden Visas).
But that is no longer the case. In the first three months of 2022, the accumulated investment dropped more than half and the United States overtook China’s first place.
That means investment from the United States more than tripled since January, compared to the same period last year, to 25.1 million euros.
3rd: India
India is another highlight in this ranking, coming in third place. Why? Because in 2021 it did not even make the ranking.
Apart from a historic connection and a steady business environment, India sees Portugal as a pathway to the European market, thus accounting for the investment of over 8 million euros in the first quarter of the year.
4th: Brazil
In fourth place, a friendly nation. Brazilian investors were granted 18 Golden Visas so far, the equivalent of 11.2 million euros. Both countries share a common history and language, but Portugal remains attractive for foreign investors seeking a peaceful country to live in or a popular place to visit with their family.
5th: South Africa
This year, Russia no longer makes the top five. In its place, we find South Africa, with an accumulated investment of 7.5 million euros. For South Africans, Portugal represents a passport to travel freely across Europe, or even to work, study, and do business.
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Now is the time for you to focus on what matters most: enjoying the perks of a warm and popular country!