Stage set for the 77th IFA Congress in Lisbon

Running from 5–9 October 2025, the event will convene world-leading figures from taxation, finance, technology, investment, and public policy.

For Portugal, the significance is clear: the congress not only enhances Lisbon’s reputation as a venue capable of staging top-tier events but also underlines the nation’s rising prominence in areas such as technology, healthcare, and international investment.

Steve Philp, Director at Portugal Pathways, which supports international wealth entering Portugal through initiatives such as the Golden Visa programme, highlights the importance of the occasion:

“We are proud to sponsor the Lisbon IFA Congress this year. It is a unique chance to showcase Portugal from a lifestyle or investment point of view to so many important figures in private wealth, cross-border tax, and international advisory groups, such as Bloomberg Tax and Ernst & Young (EY).

“International lawyers, tax advisors, and strategic consultants from across the globe will be here enjoying everything that Portugal has to offer while they debate cross-border tax and other international investment mechanisms in Portugal.

“Many of these conversations related to residency and tax domicile have already opened up many opportunities for Portugal’s Golden Visa residency-by-investment programme, and the potential to channel this interest into funds and other sectors is substantial. The effect on foreign direct investment could be transformative.”

A Landmark Global Fiscal Forum

Founded in 1938, the IFA is recognised worldwide for its role in advancing dialogue and comparative study on both international and domestic tax matters.

Its annual congress is a cornerstone event for the profession, drawing thousands of participants, including policymakers, academics, investors, and leading advisors.

Rogério Fernandes Ferreira, President of IFA Portugal, notes:

“The congress will offer sessions covering a wide range of topics from the latest developments in international tax law to emerging trends, along with residency of legal entities for corporate income taxation.”

Portugal’s international standing has been growing steadily across multiple sectors. Recently upgraded to an A+ economic rating by S&P, the country has also been named Europe’s top relocation destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking a second passport through the Golden Visa programme.

Portugal’s Investment Appeal

The Golden Visa has channelled more than €8 billion into the Portuguese economy since its inception. While originally focused on property investment, the programme now prioritises regulated alternative investment funds, particularly those supporting private equity and long-term economic growth.

Applicants can qualify by investing a minimum of €500,000 into Golden Visa-eligible CMVM-regulated funds, with the added advantage of requiring only seven days per year spent in Portugal, compared with 183 days under other residency visas such as the D2 (entrepreneurs), D7 (passive income), or D8 (digital nomads).

The scheme also supports family reunification, extending residency rights to spouses, dependent children, and parents who meet eligibility conditions.

After five years, holders may apply for permanent residency and dual EU citizenship, subject to requirements including a clean legal record and basic Portuguese language skills.

Paul Sheedy, special advisor at the Portugal Future Fund, stresses the wider economic effect of hosting the IFA Congress:

“We expect close to 2,000 delegates in Lisbon, and the value this brings to Portugal goes far beyond the week of the event.

“It will raise awareness of Portugal as a place to invest and live. That visibility can translate into long-term commitments in funds, infrastructure, technology, healthcare and renewables.

“It is an opportunity for Portugal to convert interest into real economic value.”

Long-Term Significance

For delegates, the event offers an in-depth look at Portugal’s fiscal and investment landscape, including the IFICI (NHR 2.0) tax regime, which rewards value creators establishing businesses or subsidiaries in Portugal with a 10-year tax incentive.

Paul Stannard, Chairman and Founder of the Portugal Investment Owners Club, reflects on the importance of this milestone:

“We are so glad that Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club were able to sponsor this prestigious event in Lisbon.

“It is the first time that the event has come to Portugal in almost 60 years.”

A Strategic Moment for Portugal

The IFA Congress arrives at a time when international tax systems, investment flows, and geopolitical dynamics are undergoing major shifts.

Hosting such a prestigious event demonstrates Portugal’s ability to participate meaningfully in these global conversations—while showcasing its culture, lifestyle, and investment potential.