Portugal is steadily cementing its reputation as a leading destination for impactful investments and residency opportunities, particularly through its Golden Visa programme. This rise is driven by a world-class healthcare system and a burgeoning MedTech and Biotech sector.
According to MacroTrends, life expectancy in Portugal has increased to an impressive 83 years in 2024, outpacing the Eurozone average of 79.09 years and the US at 79.25 years. This achievement reflects Portugal’s ongoing advancements in healthcare performance.
A key factor behind this success is the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, which optimises resources and ensures high standards of care.
Additionally, the country has become a fertile ground for innovative MedTech and Biotech start-ups, with many focusing on cutting-edge areas like AI-powered diagnostics, telemedicine, and health data solutions.
One notable success story is Sword Health, a leader in digital musculoskeletal therapy that has garnered international acclaim.
Another prominent player is Biovance Capital, an investment fund focused on early-stage biopharma companies across southern Europe, including Portugal. With €51 million in backing from the European Investment Fund and other private investors, Biovance is driving advancements in therapeutics development.
Founded by Peter Villax—an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience—Biovance Capital reflects Portugal’s strategic emphasis on healthcare innovation.
Villax, who also serves as President of the Portuguese Family Business Association, brings a wealth of expertise to the country’s thriving biotech landscape.
In 2024, Portugal’s biotech credentials received a major boost when Partners Group acquired a majority stake in FairJourney Biologics for approximately €900 million.
The transaction delivered a 10-fold return for GHO Capital, which had initially purchased the stake for just over €50 million in 2020, according to PitchBook. This success underscores the immense growth potential for investors in Portugal’s biotech and MedTech sectors.
In addition to innovation, health and wellness tourism is flourishing in Portugal. The country is increasingly sought after for cosmetic surgery, dental care, orthopaedic treatments, and fertility procedures, bolstered by government partnerships with private healthcare providers.
The Golden Visa programme provides a unique avenue for investors, requiring a minimum investment of €500,000 in approved alternative investment funds.
Many of these funds prioritise healthcare-focused projects, such as the development of medical technologies, healthcare infrastructure expansion, or direct investment in MedTech and Biotech ventures.
For those seeking a balanced portfolio, Portugal’s alternative investment funds often take a blended approach, targeting multiple high-performing sectors like healthcare, luxury tourism, renewable energy, and technology.
Paul Sheedy, international advisor to the Portugal Future Fund, an alternative investment fund approved for Golden Visa in Portugal, emphasised this strategy:
“A blended approach to investment—spanning sectors such as luxury hospitality and tourism, renewable energy, media, healthcare, and technology—not only aligns with Portugal's dynamic economic landscape but also creates a resilient portfolio that thrives across sectors.
“We have seen time and time again that a blended investment approach can protect against underperforming sectors in a portfolio, giving investors more security and downside protection.”
The healthcare sector is particularly compelling due to its resilience and the growing demand driven by Portugal’s ageing population. Currently, over 20% of the population is aged 65 or older, a demographic that is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Paul Stannard, chairman and founder of the Portugal Investment Owners Club and Portugal Pathways, highlighted the sector’s potential:
“Portugal’s healthcare sector represents a vital and stable investment opportunity.
"By investing in Golden Visa-approved alternative investment funds focused on healthcare, investors can achieve residency in Portugal and contribute to the development of a thriving and essential industry.”
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Golden Visa investors benefit from the ability to reside in Portugal and access the European Schengen Area, which includes 29 countries, with a minimum stay requirement of just seven days per year. After five years, investors can apply for dual Portuguese citizenship and secure an EU passport.
Stannard further explained the broader benefits:
“From expanding elderly care facilities to advancing telemedicine, healthcare investments in Portugal offer strong returns, all while aligning with Portugal’s goals of fostering innovation and improving quality of life.”
As Portugal’s healthcare ecosystem continues to evolve, the nation’s dedication to integrating innovation with world-class care positions it as an ideal destination for forward-thinking investors.
The Golden Visa programme, particularly when focused on healthcare investments, offers a unique opportunity to combine financial growth with meaningful contributions to society.
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.
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.
