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Archived: Living and Investing in Portugal: The New Frontier for Americans

Living and Investing in Portugal: The New Frontier for Americans

October 28, 2025 | Hyatt Regency Lisbon

Organized in collaboration with the AmCham Portugal Real Estate Committee.

Sponsors: Arrow Global | EastBanc

AmCham Portugal hosted the event “Living and Investing in Portugal: The New Frontier for Americans”, a reflection on the dynamics that make Portugal an increasingly attractive destination for American investors, professionals, and families.

Opening the session, João Bugalho, Chair of AmCham Portugal’s Real Estate Committee, noted that “Portugal is undergoing a silent yet profound transformation,” emphasizing the country’s growing international reputation as a place where one can invest and live with quality. He added that Americans bring a strong sense of ambition—something much needed in Portugal—highlighting factors such as safety, hospitality, and quality of life as key drivers behind this new wave of investment.

This was followed by a keynote presentation by Miguel Marques dos Santos, Partner in charge of Real Estate and Urban Planning at VdA – Vieira de Almeida, titled “Real Estate 360º: Investment, Regulation, and Sustainability.” He noted that between 2020 and 2025, total foreign direct investment (FDI) in Portugal grew by approximately €57 billion, while FDI from the United States increased from €2 billion to €5 billion.
Miguel Marques dos Santos underlined Portugal’s highly favorable investment environment, citing its political stability, modern and secure legal framework, and efficient company registration processes. He also pointed to ongoing reforms—from streamlined urban licensing to updated rental and eviction frameworks—which could trigger a true “supply shock” and further boost American investment in the real estate sector.

The event continued with a panel discussion moderated by João Bugalho, featuring Ágatha Bulha, Bernardo Masteling Pereira, Manuel Noronha Andrade, and Patrícia Barão, who shared insights and perspectives on the key opportunities and challenges facing American investment in Portugal.

Key discussion points included:

  • The need to distinguish between the increasingly diverse profiles of American immigrants and investors;

  • Portugal’s transformation from being seen as “the Florida of Europe” to becoming “the California of Europe”—a hub for innovation and technology;

  • The country’s stable, pro-business institutional environment and an open stance toward foreign investment;

  • The scarcity of domestic capital as an opportunity for international investors;

  • The decisive role of qualified talent and widespread English proficiency as competitive advantages;

  • The importance of safety, healthcare quality, and international schools for American families;

  • The strong growth of American buyers and investors in the real estate market;

  • The recent changes to nationality legislation, which “disappointed many Americans.”

The event reinforced the idea that Portugal now stands as a new frontier for Americans, offering a unique combination of stability, quality of life, and an economic ecosystem increasingly open to innovation and transatlantic cooperation.

AmCham Portugal extends its appreciation to all speakers, partners, and participants for contributing to such an insightful discussion on the future of economic relations between Portugal and the United States.

About the Event

In the first half of 2025, the United States became Portugal’s third-largest source of tourists, behind the UK and Germany, but recorded the highest growth rate (7%).

The number of American residents in Portugal has grown by over 300% since 2018, reaching more than 11,000 officially registered residents by the end of 2024.

The continued growth of the American presence in Portugal—whether through tourism, investment, or residency—makes this topic a central issue and a relevant element of the national economic agenda.

AmCham Portugal serves as a privileged platform for collaboration and a driving force in strengthening transatlantic cooperation.

Program

  • Welcome Remarks -João Bugalho, Chair of the Real Estate Committee, AmCham Portugal
  • Real Estate 360º: Investment, Regulation, and Sustainability – Miguel Marques dos Santos, Partner, Real Estate & Urban Planning, VdA Vieira de Almeida
  • Panel Discussion

-Ágatha Bulha – Lawyer & Managing Partner, José Bulha International Law Firm
-Bernardo Masteling Pereira – Partner, Tax, Forvis Mazars
-Manuel Noronha Andrade – CEO, ECS
-Patrícia Barão – Partner, Residential, DILS
Moderator: João Bugalho, CEO, Arrow Global

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