Key Takeaways from EQTY Capital’s Webinar: Creating a European 'Plan B' through Portugal
As global uncertainty continues to shape how internationally minded families think about mobility, diversification, and long-term planning, Portugal remains firmly on the radar for those seeking a strategic European Plan B.
That was the central theme of EQTY Capital’s recent webinar, “Creating a European 'Plan B' through Portugal”, moderated by Bruce Hawker the CEO of Open Media and publisher of The Portugal Resident, and featuring insights from EDGE - International Lawyers, Filipe Eusébio and Sónia Reis from Ana Bruno & Associados - Sociedade de Advogados, Iva Slavtcheva from Moneycorp , and Tracey Martin from EQTY CAPITAL.
Together, the panel explored the current Golden Visa framework, legal developments, fund structures, tax implications, and cross-border currency considerations for US and international investors.
Below are the main takeaways from the discussion.
1. Portugal’s Golden Visa remains one of Europe’s most compelling residency-by-investment options
Opening the legal discussion, João Cunha Vaz, Partner at EDGE International Lawyers, explained that Portugal’s Golden Visa continues to stand out for one key reason: it offers a route to residency with relatively minimal physical presence requirements (7 days per year), while still providing long-term optionality for investors and their families.
2. Proposed legal changes matter, but the opportunity has not disappeared
The webinar also addressed the proposed changes to Portugal’s nationality and residency framework.
According to João Cunha Vaz, while the current rules still reflect the framework investors have known in recent years, the proposed revisions could significantly extend the route to citizenship (from the current 5 to 10 years). Even so, the panel emphasized that the Golden Visa should not be viewed solely through the lens of passport timing.
For many globally minded investors, Portugal’s value proposition remains strong because of its broader benefits: European access, family inclusion, flexibility, quality of life, and a long-term strategic foothold in the region.
3. The fund route has become the dominant option in the market
Turning to the investment route itself, Filipe Eusébio, from Ana Bruno & Associados, explained that fund-based solutions have become the primary option for most Golden Visa investors since direct real estate ceased to qualify.
Filipe highlighted that eligibility for the fund requires careful legal analysis. Among the key criteria are whether the fund is Portuguese, CMVM-regulated, has the necessary maturity period, and complies with the requirement that at least 60% of its investments be made in Portuguese companies.
His comments reinforced an important point for investors: not all products in the market should be treated as equivalent, and proper due diligence remains essential before selecting a fund.
4. EQTY’s approach is centered on diversification, capital growth, and global exposure
From the investment side, Tracey Martin from EQTY Capital outlined how EQTY approaches the market beyond Golden Visa eligibility alone.
Tracey explained that EQTY’s current strategy is built around diversification across sectors, stages, and geographies, with a focus on capital growth and carefully selected exposure to both Portugal and international markets.
EQTY’s fund strategy combines Portuguese exposure with broader global opportunities, giving investors access to themes such as Hospitality Operations, PropTech, and International Private Market opportunities. This positioning is particularly relevant for investors who are not simply seeking residency but also a more thoughtful and diversified investment approach.
5. The market is evolving, and investors are comparing fund options more carefully
A recurring theme in the conversation was that today’s investors are increasingly sophisticated in how they assess fund options.
Building on the broader legal discussion, Tracey Martin highlighted the importance of evaluating track record, governance, strategy, and long-term value creation. In a market that has expanded significantly since the shift away from direct real estate, investors are no longer just asking whether a fund is eligible, they are asking how it is structured, how it is managed, and what kind of investment logic underpins it.
6. Tax residency and residence status are not the same thing
One of the most important clarifications of the session came from Sónia Martins Reis, Partner at Ana Bruno & Associados, who focused on the tax implications for investors.
Sónia emphasized that holding a Portuguese residence permit and becoming a Portuguese tax resident are two distinct concepts - something that is often misunderstood by international investors.
An individual may hold a Golden Visa residence permit and still not be treated as a tax resident in Portugal. Equally, someone may become tax resident before receiving long-term immigration status, depending on their circumstances.
Another major point from Sónia Martins Reis was that tax analysis should happen before an investment is made, not after. Her message was simple but important: tax should be part of the upfront structuring conversation, not a later-stage consideration.
7. Currency strategy should not be left to the last minute
From the cross-border payments perspective, Iva Slavtcheva of Moneycorp brought a highly practical message to the webinar: do not leave currency planning until the final step.
Iva explained that many investors spend considerable time selecting the right fund, legal advisors, and tax structure, only to leave the actual transfer of capital until the last minute - at which point exchange rate movements can materially affect the real cost of the investment.
Her recommendation was to think about currency strategy several months in advance, especially in periods of EUR/USD volatility.
Final thoughts
EQTY Capital’s webinar made one point especially clear: successful Golden Visa decisions require more than surface-level information. They require coordination across legal, tax, investment, and currency considerations.
With insights from João Cunha Vaz, Filipe Eusébio, Tracey Martin, Sónia Martins Reis, and Iva Slavtcheva, the session offered a well-rounded look at the realities of Portugal residency by investment in today’s environment.
For investors considering Portugal today, the opportunity is still very much alive - but it rewards those who approach it with clarity, structure, and the right guidance.