Side-by-side
Portugal vs the alternatives — pick the right EU jurisdiction.
For foreigners weighing Portugal against the four obvious peer jurisdictions, the answer depends on goal: fastest passport, cheapest property, friendliest retiree tax, or simplest English-law banking. Four detailed comparisons, each scored on 10 to 12 dimensions, sourced against 2026 government data.
Comparison
Portugal vs Spain
Portugal is the only one of the two with an active Golden Visa in 2026 (fund route, real estate closed since Oct 2023). Citizenship in 5 years vs 10 in Spain. Portuguese property in Lisbon costs more than Madrid; secondary Spanish cities are cheaper. Transaction costs are roughly 4 points lower in Portugal. Both offer mortgages to non-residents at 60-65% LTV.
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Comparison
Portugal vs Greece
Greece still has a property-based Golden Visa (400K EUR outside prime zones, 800K EUR inside Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini). Portugal closed its property route in 2023 and uses a 500K EUR fund. Greece is cheaper for property and stronger on rental yield; Portugal is faster to citizenship (5 vs 7 years) and easier for non-resident mortgages.
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Comparison
Portugal vs Malta
Malta's citizenship-by-investment route is faster (12-36 months) but costs 3-4x the Portuguese Golden Visa (750K EUR + 600-750K contribution vs 500K EUR fund). Portugal needs 5 years of residency first but at one-third the upfront cost. Malta wins on retiree tax regime and English-language administration; Portugal wins on cost and property-market depth.
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Comparison
Portugal vs Cyprus
Cyprus closed its Golden Passport in 2020 — the current programme is residency-only (300K EUR property). Portugal's Golden Visa leads to citizenship after 5 years. Cyprus wins on retiree tax (Non-Dom: zero tax on dividends and interest for 17 years) and on property price (Limassol ~3,600 vs Lisbon ~6,200 EUR/m2). Portugal wins on banking depth and EU mainland access.
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