According to the industry insight report prepared by Get Golden Visa, based on AIMA’s interim report and Minister Amaro’s statements, this is a significant population trend. It is a multifaceted transformation with implications for public policy, long-term residency planning, and investment migration.


This demographic shift underscores Portugal's increasing prominence as a global center for investment-based migration, according to Get Golden Visa, a prominent player in the Portuguese market. Portugal stands out as a stable, secure location with excellent living conditions and investment opportunities in the face of growing global uncertainty.


Broader Investor Base and Changing Profiles


There are no longer any dominant nationalities or profiles among Portugal's foreign population. The nation is now home to a diverse population of retirees, tech investors, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads. As a result, the United States has emerged as a leader in this demographic shift. Americans received 22.4% of Portugal's total Digital Nomad Visas in 2023. This is consistent with data from throughout the world that indicates there are 40 million digital nomads, of whom 46% are Americans.


Furthermore, with 35.3% of all foreign residents in Portugal, Brazilians remain the largest group of international residents. People from South America and Africa are also beginning to see Portugal as a desirable place to live as a second home.


Golden Visa Demand in Numbers


The most recent statistics from AIMA demonstrate the increased popularity of Portugal's Golden Visa program:


  • The number of U.S. investors increased by 162.5%, from 216 to 567.

  • The number of family applications rose by 83% to 2,901.

  • Applications from individuals increased from 1,281 to 1,554.

  • With 234 applications, the UK came in third place for overall investor nationality.


Portugal's advantageous tax system, excellent standard of living, and advantageous location within the European Union are the main causes of this demand spike.


Sectoral Growth and Economic Contribution


There are repercussions from the growing foreign population in several industries. Consumer markets, education, private healthcare, and real estate are all expanding in quantifiable ways. Macroeconomically speaking, foreign workers provide a significant contribution to Portugal's social security system.


  • Specifically, 17% of all pensions in 2023 were funded by €2.7 billion in contributions from overseas workers.

  • Contributions increased to €3.654 billion in 2024, representing 12% of social security's total revenue of €29 billion.

  • Between 2017 and 2024, the number of international contributors rose from 244,000 to one million.


Additionally, this growing labor pool promotes demographic renewal, service output, and job development.


Institutional Reform and the End of “Manifestação de Interesse”


Portugal's migration administration has been restructured as a result of the dramatic rise in immigration. The former SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) was replaced in 2023 by AIMA. AIMA inherited a backlog of over 400,000 immigration files, despite its goal to expedite procedures.


Expedite processing, especially for Golden Visa applicants who are high-value. To expedite the processing of immigration files, especially for Golden Visa applicants who are high-value, the government implemented performance-based financial incentives for AIMA employees. Senior technicians would receive €860 per month, while support staff would receive €616. These incentives were contingent on processing a minimum of 50 cases daily.


Golden Visa: A Structured Pathway Amid Ongoing Reform


Despite administrative difficulties, Portugal's Golden Visa is still a top choice for anyone looking for a steady, financially secure route to EU citizenship. Alternative programs like the D7 and D8 visas, which are income-based and popular with seniors and remote workers, are also seeing an increase in interest, according to Get Golden Visa.


A dynamic ecosystem where investment, lifestyle, and policy interact is being shaped by the increasing number of foreigners, which signifies rising demand.


Conclusion: Portugal’s Evolving Identity


Portugal is no longer just a quiet, sun-soaked corner of Europe. It is transforming into a strategic hub for long-term residency, global mobility, and diversified investment. The Golden Visa program continues to stand at the center of this shift, offering investors a stable and forward-looking framework for establishing a future in the EU.


As migration policies evolve and administrative reforms take hold, Portugal’s ability to maintain its global leadership in residence-by-investment will depend on its commitment to efficiency, transparency, and adaptability.