Portugal the investment destination of Brazilians

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According to figures from the Foreigners and Borders Service, there are now more than 85 thousand Brazilians residing in Portugal. A survey released by Datafolha in June also indicates that 70 million Brazilians want to leave the country and place Portugal in second place of preferred destinations (the first is the US). 

For the regional director northeast of the Brazilian Franchising Association, Eduardo Lamartine, even small businesses have found space in the Lusitanian territory. "The movement of franchises and micro-franchises towards Portugal has also grown. Basically we have two profiles: who wants to live there and operate a franchise or who wants to expand business to Europe entering Portugal," he explains. Currently, 34 Brazilian brands are in Portugal, fourth largest country in number of Brazilian franchises.

The Portuguese government has improved access to those willing to invest in the country. One of the most requested visas is the so-called Golden Visa, which guarantees at least five years of residence and possibility of applying for citizenship - "With investments (...) in real estate you are entitled to Golden Visa. If you are interested, after this period, you can apply for citizenship and live in Portugal".

According to data released by the Portuguese Interior Ministry on 26 September, 6498 non-Europeans have been granted residence in Portugal through the Golden Visa since the launch of the program in 2012. Brazilians are second only to visa access and represent a total of 581 gold visas.