Living & Investing in Portugal: Why International Families Are Choosing the Country for Their Future

Source: The Portugal News

In recent years, Portugal has emerged as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for long-term living, strategic investment, and lifestyle migration. Families from around the world are choosing Portugal as the place to establish their lives, and the hospitality sector is playing a pivotal role in enabling that journey.

With its exceptional quality of life, safe and stable environment (ranked 7th in the Global Peace Index), and welcoming communities, Portugal offers much more than stunning coastlines and rich cultural heritage. It offers a future for those seeking both lifestyle and opportunity.

By providing tailored opportunities for global investors seeking to align their ambitions with Portugal’s growth, Mercan Properties plays a central role in the landscape of investment migration. Through the €121 million Mercan Private Equity Fund II, Portugal’s largest closed-end private equity fund for Golden Visa, the company offers a unique path to Portuguese residency via investment in branded hospitality projects.

Why Families Are Making the Move

From Lisbon’s vibrant capital energy to the tranquility of the Algarve coastline, to the cultural charm of Porto, and the idyllic beauty of the countryside, Portugal offers diverse settings to match different lifestyles.

International families are drawn to the country’s high-quality Public Healthcare and Education Systems, which are accessible, affordable, and supported by well-trained professionals and steady government investment.

Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal’s cost of living remains relatively low, especially outside of Lisbon and Porto, allowing families to enjoy a rich gastronomic culture at reasonable prices. And, of course, there is the sun: with a staggering number of sunny days year-round, it is not just the plants that are drawn to that beautiful yellow star.

Altogether, these are more than enough reasons for parents to see Portugal as the ideal place to build a future for their children.

Strategic Investment Opportunities with Mercan Properties

Beyond lifestyle, Portugal’s strategic appeal is reinforced by a dynamic investment landscape, particularly in the hospitality sector. Mercan Properties is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a unique model that combines high-quality hospitality projects with the residency by investment pathway. Through this approach, international investors can participate in Portugal’s growth while securing Portuguese residency for their families.

Following the successful closer of Fund I, subscribed by 269 foreign investors, and the commitment to continue driving investment migration, Mercan Properties opened the €121 million Mercan Private Equity Fund II, the largest closed-end private equity fund for Golden Visa.

The fund supports the development of landmark projects across Portugal and Greece, blending operating hotels with high-potential development projects to balance near-term income and long-term value creation. Mercan Properties has 31 hotels in the pipeline, with 15 already open and operating, a testament to its growing footprint in the country’s hospitality landscape.

Mercan’s portfolio is enriched by partnerships with some of the world’s most respected hotel brands, including Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, Accor, and Hard Rock, reflecting the trust and recognition the company has built internationally.

A Warm Future Within Reach

Portugal remains a trusted, transparent, and well-regulated destination for those looking to build long-term ties in Europe. Its rule of law, strong institutional reputation, and growing international connectivity enhance its reputation as a safe and strategic choice to invest in.

Through its diversified investment model and hospitality-led approach, Mercan Properties continues to be a key driver of Portugal’s evolution as a destination for living, investing, and building a legacy. With a clear vision and an active commitment to the sector, Mercan is poised to continue shaping Portugal’s growth.

For global families, choosing Portugal, a country that genuinely welcomes the world, is not just a passing trend. It is a strategic life decision, built on the pillars of safety, education, legacy planning, and access to Europe. As the country continues to evolve, it welcomes everyone: from tech entrepreneurs and retired executives to young families and multigenerational households, who seek to invest, thrive, and build a happy life.