The influence of family offices in shaping global capital flows is growing rapidly, and Portugal is emerging as a key beneficiary in this transformation of alternative investment and start-up funding landscapes.

Unlike traditional wealth management firms, family offices focus exclusively on the financial and personal interests of one or a small number of ultra-high-net-worth families. With a keen eye for long-term, innovative, and resilient investment avenues, these entities are actively redefining the movement of significant private wealth.

As shifting geopolitical dynamics and advancing technologies push investors to diversify beyond traditional asset classes, sectors like artificial intelligence, climate tech, and fintech have come to the forefront—often with a cross-border investment outlook. In this context, Portugal is gaining recognition as a stable and strategically positioned investment hub.

The country’s appeal lies in its stable political environment, a business-friendly approach to foreign investment, and progressive initiatives such as the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation (IFICI), commonly referred to as the NHR 2.0 tax regime. These advantages are increasingly attracting investors who seek both strong returns and a long-term foothold within Europe.

Chris Marson, CEO of the RTi Family Office, explains:

“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.”

Following the reform of Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme, which now excludes real estate from eligible investments, attention has shifted to alternative investment funds. These are becoming the preferred vehicle for affluent investors, offering exposure to high-growth sectors such as media and international events, technology, renewable energy, healthcare, and tourism and hospitality—facilitating broader portfolio diversification.

Portugal’s tech ecosystem, in particular, is expanding rapidly, fuelled by advancements in AI and digital infrastructure. At the same time, the country’s strengths in tourism, hospitality, media, and international events—bolstered by its selection as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup—continue to boost its international profile and investor appeal.

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

“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.”

Organisations such as the Portugal Investment Owners Club and the Portugal Future Fund are acting as vital connectors between domestic opportunities and global capital, aligning family offices, private equity, and international entrepreneurs with structured, long-term investment routes.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Portugal's Golden Visa, added:

“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 scheme remains a compelling route for non-EU investors. By committing a minimum of €500,000 to eligible alternative investment funds, applicants and their families can gain residency in Portugal. This paves the way for dual citizenship after five years and grants visa-free access to 29 Schengen countries—requiring only a seven-day annual stay to maintain residency.

As global wealth strategies shift towards innovation, sustainability, and diversification, Portugal is positioning itself at the centre of this evolution, offering family offices a unique blend of opportunity, security, and strategic advantage.

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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 luxury property, wealth management, and tax optimisation, including post-NHR tax regime planning, as well as private healthcare, IFICI tax incentive applications, money transfers and bespoke relocation solutions to enhance life and investments in Portugal.

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 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.

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