Event Coverage
Portugal Real Estate Expert Shares Insights on Growing Market
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, the SILVAR Global Business Council hosted Antonio Barbosa, REALTOR® and owner of Infinite Solutions. Barbosa has lived in Portugal for nearly 25 years and shared insights into why the country is an attractive destination, especially for Americans.
"Portugal is geographically similar to California," Barbosa said. "You can't buy happiness, but you can move to Portugal, and that's pretty much the same thing."
Barbosa explained that Portugal has a population of approximately 10.5 million, with foreigners making up about 10%. The real estate market, heavily influenced by what he described as "touristic allure," has seen remarkable growth.
"The foreign investment and tourism have been crucial for renovating cities like Lisbon and Porto," he said. "Before 2012, when the Golden Visa program started, these cities were more nostalgic and had older, decaying buildings. Now, we have brand-new hotels, residential buildings, hospitals and infrastructure, all because of this foreign investment and tourism."
Barbosa addressed concerns about tourism overwhelming cities, clarifying, "I don't think Portugal is complaining about tourism. What's happening is a need for balance between tourism and the needs of the Portuguese people."
To live and work in Portugal, U.S. citizens need residency despite 90-day visa-free visits. Visa options include the D7 (a good option for retirees), Digital Nomad and the investment-based Golden Visa program.
New requirements state that the Golden Visa program can no longer be used for real estate purchases. Instead, it mandates investment in government-approved industries like tourism, hospitality, agriculture and wine.
Barbosa clarified that this update was to redirect funds to other sectors, not to stop foreign money. However, he said that the Golden Visa remains a good option for those who might consider a move to Portugal.
To buy a home, he explained, "Non-residents need a larger down payment and will have to provide a credit check and all the same financial documents as they would in the U.S. Financing for a house in Portugal is comparable to the U.S. A few years ago, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio was 60%; now it is 70% LTV. For non-residents, banks will finance up to 70%, meaning you need a minimum down payment of 30%. Foreigners can get financing, but the terms are not as favorable as for citizens."
New residents require private health insurance for their first year, which Barbosa said is still more affordable than in the U.S. After about five years of temporary residency, permanent residents gain health care and education rights akin to citizens. Citizenship also requires learning Portuguese.
Barbosa emphasized, "Portugal wants people who can support themselves."
While Portugal offers affordability compared to the U.S., Barbosa suggested €2,000 to €2,500 (roughly $2,300 to $2,900 USD) a month as a comfortable living budget, especially for renters.
"It's important to remember that Portugal is affordable, but it's not cheap," he said. "You're not going to live in a prestigious area like Cascais for €2,000 a month, just as you couldn't live in Beverly Hills on that budget."
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.