Portugal Positioned as a Strategic Destination for Family Office Investment

The rise of family offices as a powerful force in global capital deployment is reshaping the landscape of start-up funding and alternative investments—and Portugal is fast becoming a preferred destination for this wave of private wealth.

Unlike traditional wealth managers, family offices are dedicated to overseeing the financial, personal, and generational needs of one or a small number of ultra-high-net-worth families. With their growing appetite for innovative and resilient investment opportunities, these offices are helping define the future of high-value capital flows.

As geopolitical dynamics evolve and new technologies accelerate, family offices are diversifying beyond conventional asset classes. Sectors such as artificial intelligence, climate technology, and fintech are attracting considerable interest—often with a cross-border lens. In this search for stability and scalable innovation, Portugal stands out.

The country offers a compelling combination of factors: a stable political backdrop, a favourable climate for foreign investment, and forward-thinking incentives such as the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), widely known as the NHR 2.0 regime. These draw in investors seeking both returns and a long-term base in Europe.

Chris Marson, CEO of the RTi Family Office, points out:

“Portugal’s open-door policy to investment is hard to resist. It is a fast-growing nation which is proactively seeking foreign investment in order to boost its economy and has a host of tax incentives to ensure it achieves its goals.

“In terms of wealth management for family offices, it creates an opportunity for diversification. Portugal is forecast to outperform the likes of Germany, France, the UK, and parts of North America, according to the latest GDP predictions for the next three years and recently received an A+ economic rating.

“Portugal is bringing so much new talent, innovation, and investment, creating an attractive place for high-net-worth individuals and family offices.”

With the country’s updated Golden Visa scheme no longer permitting real estate investments, interest has turned to alternative investment funds—now the preferred route for many high-net-worth investors. These funds, often aligned with Portugal’s growth sectors, allow for portfolio diversification in areas including media and international events, renewable energy, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, and technology.

The tech sector in particular has seen accelerated growth, driven by developments in AI and digital services. At the same time, Portugal’s strengths in tourism, hospitality, media, and international events—including its selection as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup—enhance its global visibility and appeal to foreign investors.

Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of the Portugal Investment Owners Club and Portugal Pathways, noted:

“Portugal has created a unique environment for like-minded people to create sustainable investments in key sectors of its economic strength.

“It allows value-creators and highly qualified talent to prosper through a combination of tax incentives, quality of life, and investment.

“We produce a Golden Visa investment fund index for Portugal of over 30 regulated alternative investment funds that have already secured over €7 billion in investment from Golden Visa investors.

“There are a number of funds that are focused on these key sectors that are driving Portugal’s future, offering the opportunity of diversification of portfolios for investors.”

Initiatives such as the Portugal Investment Owners Club and the Portugal Future Fund are acting as bridges between local opportunities and global capital, linking private equity, family offices, and international entrepreneurs with carefully vetted vehicles for long-term investment.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, commented:

“Discerning investors are well-positioned to support Portugal’s economic growth and strategic innovation through targeted investments in key sectors.

“The broader outlook is clear. Portugal is in a good place and is now becoming a key player in demonstrating how to attract talent and investment and a rising European hub for growth, stability, and opportunity.

“An investor attractiveness report by EY (Ernst & Young) found that 77% of global executives anticipate an improvement in Portugal’s investment attractiveness over the next three years, surpassing expectations for the wider Eurozone (67%) and the UK (59%).”

The Golden Visa programme remains a draw for non-EU investors. By investing a minimum of €500,000 in approved alternative investment funds, applicants—and eligible family members—can apply for residency in Portugal. This opens the door to eventual dual citizenship after five years, along with visa-free travel across 29 Schengen countries. Residency requires just a seven-day stay annually.

As the nature of wealth management continues to evolve, Portugal’s innovation-driven economy and investor-friendly framework place it firmly on the radar of the world’s most influential family offices.

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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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