Portugal emerged as one of the European Union’s standout economic performers at the close of 2025, according to newly released data.
Preliminary estimates from Eurostat, the European Commission’s statistics body, show Portugal’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.8% during the final quarter of 2025. This represents growth at more than twice the pace of the eurozone, which recorded an increase of 0.3% over the same period.
Across the European Union as a whole, quarterly GDP growth averaged 0.4%.
Portugal’s strong showing is also reflected in its annual results. Year-on-year GDP expanded by 1.9%, outperforming the EU-wide average of 1.4%.
Several major European economies posted more modest gains. Germany recorded growth of 0.4%, while France achieved a 1.1% increase.
Of the EU member states where data was available, Lithuania delivered the strongest quarterly growth at 1.7%. Portugal and Spain both followed with increases of 0.8%, while Ireland was the only country to see output decline, falling by 0.6%.
Overall, annual GDP growth was recorded in 14 EU countries, with one nation reporting stable results.
Portugal sustained steady economic expansion throughout 2025, with quarterly growth compared with 2024 ranging between 1.7% and 2.3%.
Statistics Portugal, the Portuguese government’s statistics office, explained: “Compared to the third quarter of 2025, GDP increased by 0.8% in volume, after a 0.7% increase in the previous quarter.
“In 2025, GDP grew by 1.9%, in volume, after increasing by 2.1% in 2024.
“Domestic demand presented a positive contribution to the annual growth of GDP in volume, higher than in the previous year, reflecting the acceleration in private consumption and investment.”
Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of Portugal Pathways, said: “This demonstrates the solid progression of Portugal’s economic foundations.
“Its GDP is increasing at a faster rate than many other EU nations and once again highlights just why it is becoming so popular for international investors.”
Portugal’s recent economic performance has also been supported by its Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme.
According to a report by the World Digital Foundation, the Golden Visa initiative has injected €54 billion into Portugal’s broader economy since it was introduced in 2012.
To learn more about how Portugal’s Golden Visa works today, recent legal and regulatory developments, and how experienced advisers approach residency and Golden Visa investment decisions in practice, register for Portugal Pathways’ latest live expert briefing on Portugal’s Golden Visa programme.
About Portugal Investment Owners Club
The Portugal Investment Owners Club, or P Club for short, is a unique investor membership community designed for discerning individuals, families, and organisations committed to exploring and capitalising on life in Portugal and enjoying money-can't-buy experiences and exclusive events.
About Portugal Pathways
Portugal Pathways has supported hundreds of Golden Visa residency-by-investment applications and provides expert guidance through its professional supply chain network on estate planning, wealth management, Golden Visa and tax optimisation, including post-NHR / IFICI tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, money transfers and bespoke relocation and luxury real estate solutions to enhance life and investment in Portugal
Disclaimer: The information on the Portugal Pathways and Portugal Investment Owners Club (P Club for short) websites 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. Golden Visa investments need to be held for 6 to 7 years to allow for permanent citizenship/passport in the EU.
