According to surveys, the Portugal investment immigration program has attracted over 4hundred million euros in capital, indicating significant market investment potential. Increasingly, investors are not merely viewing Portugal's investment immigration as a means to obtain residency, but are also focusing on its potential for returns.
The appeal of Portugal's investment immigration is universal for global investors. For foreign companies, when deciding on investments, the impact of labor costs is less significant than human capital and the overall trade environment. In fact, the capability and education level of the workforce, the reduction of tax burdens, support for high-tech industries, and greater national encouragement for investment are necessary conditions for strengthening a country's ability to attract foreign capital.
Among foreign companies already invested in Portugal, 95% have expressed an intention to continue investing over the next decade, a proportion higher than that in Germany and France.
Among these, Lisbon and the Norte region are the most attractive for investment. It is reported that the media and information technology, maritime activities, and energy sectors are identified as the main drivers of economic growth in the coming years. Lisbon and the Norte region have consolidated their status as major hubs for attracting investment. Economic activities in Portugal led by foreign investors are more favorable to regions that already possess foreign capital, and the ability to retain and attract foreign investment is directly reflected in the direct participation of cities, regions, or municipal units. According to the European Investment Monitor, there were 46 new investment projects in Portugal in 2012, which provided a total of 2760 jobs.
Against the backdrop of a 3% decline in overall investment projects in Europe, the number of investment projects in Portugal doubled compared to 2011, and also provided more employment opportunities. Looking at investment projects in Portugal in 2012, Germany had the most with 10 projects, while the 6 investment projects from French companies added 1754 jobs, making a significant contribution.
It is understood that because the commercial atmosphere in central Lisbon is not as developed as in other major European cities, citizens have a strong desire for large shopping centers. Such projects offer high returns, feature international-standard architecture, and have won numerous design awards, thereby attracting European investors. In the first half of 2010, the area of shopping centers, retail parks, and shopping malls in Portugal exceeded 3.5 million square meters, with shopping centers accounting for 85%, concentrated in the two major cities of Greater Lisbon and Porto, accounting for 1 million and 700,000 square meters respectively. Rental rates for shopping centers in Portugal are quite competitive; in 2010, the rent in Lisbon was 1000 euros per square meter per year, while similar properties in London during the same period were 2250 euros. The rent for shops in central business districts in Portugal was 80 euros per square meter per year.
