Lisbon to Welcome Global Leaders for 77th IFA Congress in October 2025

This October, Lisbon will take centre stage as host of the 77th International Fiscal Association (IFA) Congress, a landmark event in the global fiscal calendar.

Running from 5–9 October 2025, the congress will draw together international experts in taxation, finance, technology, investment, and public policy.

For Portugal, the event is both symbolic and strategic. It cements Lisbon’s standing as a city capable of staging world-class conferences and showcases the nation’s rising profile in areas such as technology, investment, and healthcare.

At the same time, Portugal leads Europe in luxury real estate capital growth, reinforcing its broader appeal to international investors.

Steve Philp, Director at Portugal Pathways, which supports private wealth inflows and the Golden Visa programme, comments:

“We are proud to sponsor the Lisbon IFA Congress this year.

“It is a unique chance to showcase Portugal from a lifestyle or investment point of view to so many important figures in private wealth, cross-border tax, and international advisory groups, such as Bloomberg Tax and Ernst & Young (EY).

“International lawyers, tax advisors, and strategic consultants from across the globe will be here enjoying everything that Portugal has to offer while they debate cross-border tax and other international investment mechanisms in Portugal.

“Many of these conversations related to residency and tax domicile have already opened up many opportunities for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme, and the potential to channel this interest into funds and other sectors is substantial. The effect on foreign direct investment could be transformative.”

Founded in 1938, the IFA is respected worldwide for advancing research and discussion on domestic and international tax issues. Its annual congress is regarded as a cornerstone event in fiscal policymaking, attracting thousands of delegates ranging from senior government officials and academics to investors and consultants.

Rogério Fernandes Ferreira, President of IFA Portugal, says:

“The congress will offer sessions covering a wide range of topics from the latest developments in international tax law to emerging trends, along with residency of legal entities for corporate income taxation.”

Portugal continues to earn recognition as a key player in international business. The country has recently been awarded an A+ economic rating by S&P and named Europe’s top destination for private wealth relocation via its Golden Visa programme.

The Portuguese residency system offers several options: the D2 visa for entrepreneurs, the D7 for passive income holders and retirees, and the D8 for digital nomads. Each requires at least 183 days of residence per year.

By contrast, the Golden Visa offers a more flexible path, requiring only a seven-day annual stay.

Since its launch, the Golden Visa has channelled over €8 billion into Portugal’s economy. Following recent reforms, investments are now directed towards regulated alternative funds that back the country’s private equity sector, rather than real estate.

Applicants can qualify by investing a minimum of €500,000 in funds supervised by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM). The programme also allows for family reunification, covering spouses, children, and dependent parents who meet eligibility requirements.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, explains the broader significance:

“We expect close to 2,000 delegates in Lisbon, and the value this brings to Portugal goes far beyond the week of the event.

“It will raise awareness of Portugal as a place to invest and live. That visibility can translate into long-term commitments in funds, infrastructure, technology, healthcare and renewables.

“It is an opportunity for Portugal to convert interest into real economic value.”

Golden Visa holders are required to maintain their investments for five years, during which residence permits must be renewed. After that period, they can apply for permanent dual EU citizenship and a passport, provided they meet requirements such as a clean legal record and basic Portuguese language skills, usually demonstrated via a short online course.

The Lisbon congress is expected to leave a lasting legacy by deepening international understanding of Portugal’s financial climate and residency pathways.

Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of the Portugal Investment Owners Club, says:

“We are so glad that Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club were able to sponsor this prestigious event in Lisbon.

“It is the first time that the event has come to Portugal in almost 60 years.”

For some attendees, it will mark the first opportunity to explore Golden Visa opportunities, luxury property investments, and new entrepreneurial routes, including those supported by the IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime, which rewards companies bringing value-creating subsidiaries to Portugal with a 10-year tax benefit.

For others, it will place Portugal firmly on the map as a thought leader in global fiscal and investment discussions.

At a time of profound shifts in tax policy, investment trends, and geopolitics, hosting the IFA Congress signals that Portugal is prepared not only to participate in, but also to help shape, the global financial agenda.

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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.

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