Current investment options under the Golden Visa program include €500,000 in qualifying investment funds focused on sectors such as technology and healthcare, job creation with at least ten new jobs, research and development, or €250,000 in cultural heritage.

A seminar titled 'The New Era of Portugal’s Golden Visa – Key Updates & Strategies' took place on May 16, 2025, at Lektou's Macao office, focusing on new investment opportunities and strategies.

Francisco Sottomayor highlighted Macao's significance as a hub for Golden Visa applications, leveraging its Portuguese heritage and favorable business environment, particularly in the post-pandemic investment landscape.

Sottomayor also noted that Portugal's Golden Visa program has been updated to streamline the application process and improve the overall investor experience.

Portugal offers competitive advantages for investors, including a production environment that is 55% cheaper than the EU average, political stability, and strategic access to Atlantic ports, which are advantageous for reshoring initiatives.

The Golden Visa program provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship for investors and their dependents after an initial five-year investment period.

Investors can anticipate recovering their initial investment along with returns before other distributions, as the Golden Visa fund operates on a private market model with a seven-year term and aims to raise €20 million, of which €14 million is already secured.

Fund managers are seeking to collaborate with Portuguese family-owned SMEs that are facing growth challenges due to succession issues or limited access to capital.

Industries identified as having investment potential include electrical equipment, recycling, modular construction, and established sectors like bicycle manufacturing and apparel.

While acknowledging the inherent risks, Sottomayor emphasized the favorable timing for investments and the potential for restructuring investment solutions in the private debt market to facilitate citizenship paths.

Helena Nazaré Valente from Lektou advised potential investors to prepare their documentation early, consult with advisors, and stay informed about regulatory changes.