Wealthy Investors Turn to Portugal as Residency-by-Investment Searches Rocket

Interest in Golden Visas and wider residency-by-investment routes has accelerated dramatically over the past year, with online search volumes increasing by as much as 378%, according to newly released figures reported by Business Standard.

The data points to a notable shift in the behaviour of high-net-worth individuals as they respond to mounting economic uncertainty. The UK, in particular, is on the cusp of a Budget expected to introduce higher wealth taxes and a tougher framework for non-domiciled residents—factors prompting many affluent households to reassess their long-term plans.

Portugal’s Golden Visa has been a standout beneficiary of this trend, recording a 189.8% year-on-year rise in online search activity.

Google Trends data further highlights the scale of this global pivot. Searches for ‘Investment Visa’ surged from a score of 6.75 in October 2024 to 32.25 in October 2025, more than tripling within a year.

Similarly, interest in ‘Residency by Investment’ rose sharply over the same period, climbing from 11.75 to 39.75, with much of the growth occurring from late summer onwards.

Collectively, these patterns indicate that wealthy individuals are increasingly exploring alternative residency options as they anticipate fiscal tightening across major Western economies.

Reflecting on the findings, Paul Stannard, CEO of Portugal Pathways, said:

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“It’s fair to say this data backs up what we’ve already seen ourselves. We’ve seen record levels of interest in Portugal’s Golden Visa with no signs of it slowing down.

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“Families, investors, and entrepreneurs all ultimately want the same thing: security. Uncertainty in the UK, North America, and other major economies is resulting in affluent people wanting a way out or, at the very least, a ‘plan B’.

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“Portugal is perfectly positioned to take full advantage of this trend, giving people the flexibility they need and the knowledge that if things go wrong in their home country, they can move to a more stable destination.”

To qualify for the Portugal Golden Visa, applicants must invest €500,000 in one or more approved alternative investment funds. Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and travel freely across the 29 countries of the EU Schengen Area, can include eligible dependants within a single application, and may pursue dual citizenship and an EU passport after meeting the required residency period.

Reinforcing its appeal as a practical ‘Plan B’, the programme requires investors to spend only seven days per year in Portugal to retain their residency status.

Additional indicators also bolster Portugal’s standing as a secure and reliable destination. The Global Peace Index 2024, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace, places Portugal firmly within the world’s top ten most peaceful countries.

Meanwhile, the latest ratings from the Global Passport Power and Appeal Index classify Portuguese citizenship among the strongest globally for travel access.

Taxation remains another key factor in the country’s popularity. Although the original Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) scheme has closed to new entrants, Portugal’s updated IFICI (often referred to informally as ‘NHR 2.0’) continues to grant favourable treatment to specific types of foreign-sourced income.

When contrasted with the UK’s anticipated tightening of rules for non-doms, Portugal continues to offer an appealing environment for those seeking more efficient tax structures while retaining a high quality of life.

Looking forward, analysts expect demand for EU residency pathways to grow further through 2026. With many countries imposing stricter controls on citizenship-by-investment schemes, residency-first approaches are likely to dominate future global mobility planning.

Sustained movement from high-tax regions—including the UK, parts of Western Europe, and the United States—is forecast to keep demand robust, especially for programmes providing long-term security and a clear road to citizenship.

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Contact Portugal Future Fund to invest in Portugal's Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme

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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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