The UAE has launched a new Golden Visa category — but when comparing mobility, lifestyle, taxation and long-term residency, Portugal continues to offer one of the most competitive Golden Visa frameworks worldwide.
Explorer Global Mobility Insights • Updated 2025
With Dubai strengthening its position as a global wealth hub, the UAE Golden Visa remains a popular option. However, for investors seeking EU access, diversified investments, low residency obligations and long-term security, the Portugal Golden Visa still provides unmatched advantages.
🔎 Related Guides: Portugal Citizenship Law Changes, Golden Visa Investment Funds, Top Destinations for Americans in 2025
The UAE added a new Golden Visa category designed for high-net-worth entrepreneurs, family offices and global investors.
“Many UHNW families start by researching the UAE Golden Visa — but later pivot to Portugal due to EU mobility, lower costs, and structured investment options through CMVM-regulated funds.”
| Feature | UAE Golden Visa | Portugal Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Residence only | EU + Schengen freedom |
| Investment Options | Property / Business | Funds, PE, VC, corporate |
| Tax Environment | Favourable but residency-dependent | NHR / EU frameworks |
| Stay Requirement | Must maintain ties | ~7 days/year |
| Citizenship Path | None | Eligible after long-term residency |
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André Bandeira
ab@explorerinvestments.com
Maria Campos Silva
mcs@explorerinvestments.comBoth the UAE and Portugal occupy important positions in global mobility planning — but for investors seeking EU entry, diversification and long-term certainty, Portugal remains the more strategic choice.
A strategic 2025 review of global golden visa and investment migration programs, highlighting which models are emerging as “winners”, which are under pressure, and how Portugal’s fund-based route and Explorer’s private equity strategies fit into long-term residency and portfolio planning.
A dedicated 2025 guide for US investors in Portugal Golden Visa funds, covering PFIC classification, Form 8621, FATCA and CRS reporting, and how regulated private equity strategies managed by Explorer Investments can fit into a compliant residency and portfolio plan.
This SEO-focused hub targets the surge of searches like “Portugal Golden Visa news”, “Portugal Golden Visa news today” and “Portugal Golden Visa news November 2025”. Instead of chasing every headline, it explains what actually matters for investors: whether the €500,000 fund route remains open, how regulated private equity-style Golden Visa funds are affected by regulation news, and how Portugal’s wider economic outlook - including GDP and productivity - links to the investment thesis. The article compares Portugal visa news with UAE Golden Visa developments, covers EU citizenship by investment news today, and links out to deep-dive guides on the fund route, private equity growth story, funds versus real estate and due diligence so readers can turn news into a concrete Golden Visa fund strategy.
Get your complete, free guide to the Portuguese Golden Visa. Learn how to invest with confidence through Explorer Investments, the country's largest private equity fund.
André Bandeira
ab@explorerinvestments.comMaria Campos Silva
mcs@explorerinvestments.comCopyright © 2025 Explorer Investments
It is recommended to consult Chapter V of Decree-Law nº 162/2014, of October 31st, published in the Official Gazette, as well as its revision by Law nº 2/2020, of March 31st. The information included here is of a general nature, and therefore each potential investor should seek independent advice (e.g., legal, financial, tax, etc.)