Top Lawyer's Prescription for Portugal's Real Estate: Cut Taxes, Simplify Licensing, and Bring Back the Golden Visa
In a candid interview, Patrícia Viana, a top real estate law partner at Abreu Advogados, has called for decisive government action to stimulate Portugal's property market. Her proposals directly address the key concerns of foreign investors: the high cost of development, bureaucratic delays, and the recent exclusion of real estate from the Golden Visa program.
For investors, her commentary provides a clear view of the current challenges and potential upside if these pro-investment policies are adopted. The proposals aim to make investing in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve more financially viable and efficient.
What Foreign Investors Need to KnowViana's most impactful suggestion is the reinstatement of real estate investment as a qualifying option for Portugal's Golden Visa. "The Golden Visa was a critical tool for attracting foreign capital, and its removal from the property sector was a strategic misstep," stated a Porto-based investment advisor. "Reintroducing it would immediately put Portugal back on the map for thousands of global investors." Viana also emphasized that lowering the heavy tax burden on construction and speeding up the notoriously slow licensing process are essential to boosting new housing supply and controlling costs.
Actionable Steps for Today's Buyer- Monitor Policy Changes: The potential reintroduction of the Golden Visa for property is the single most important legislative change for many foreign investors. Stay informed on political discussions around this topic, as any change could rapidly alter the investment landscape.
- Factor in Development Costs: When evaluating new-build or renovation projects, be aware of the current high tax environment and potential for long licensing delays. Viana's call for reform highlights these as key risks to factor into your timeline and budget.
- Seek Expert Legal Counsel: Navigating Portugal's tax and licensing laws is complex. As underscored by this interview, having expert legal guidance from a firm with a dedicated real estate practice is not just advisable, but essential for a successful investment.
While these are currently recommendations, they reflect the consolidated view of the professional real estate sector in Portugal. Explore opportunities with realestate-lisbon.com.
