I have been living in Portugal for over three years. Yesterday, while browsing the news on my phone, I suddenly received a notification stating that the Portuguese Immigration Office has begun to delegate authority, allowing more branches to participate in expediting the approval process for the Portuguese Golden Residence Visa. To be honest, in recent years, the number of applicants for immigration to Portugal has increased rapidly. The most direct observation is that there are several newly arrived Chinese families in my neighborhood. However, the approval speed of the Portuguese Immigration Office truly reflects the characteristic of the Portuguese people; they are never in a hurry when faced with any situation, embodying a calm demeanor even in the face of challenges. The new measures from the Portuguese Immigration Office are likely a necessary response to the inefficiency and the need for more personnel!
So, why is the investment immigration to Portugal so attractive? I believe the greatest attractions of Portugal for immigrants lie in five points: sunshine, air, seafood, fruits, and the warm and welcoming Portuguese people!
1. Sunshine and Air
First, let’s talk about the sunshine and air in Portugal; these two aspects are truly a gift from heaven. Portugal is located in Southern Europe, with a milder climate, and its narrow coastline ensures that Portugal has one of the best climates in Europe. The dry and wet seasons are distinct, with abundant sunshine and very little rain from April to October, providing more than 12 hours of sunlight each day. The climate is very pleasant, and in Portugal, it is rare for locals to install air conditioning because it is simply unnecessary! Even during the hottest part of summer, as long as you stay in the shade, you rarely sweat! Only during midday does the temperature rise slightly, but as soon as the sun sets, a cool breeze immediately sweeps in; at night, it is sometimes necessary to use a blanket because the temperature usually drops below 20 degrees Celsius! From November to March, it is the traditional rainy season and winter in Europe, but the lowest winter temperatures in Portugal generally remain around 10 degrees Celsius! You will never experience freezing temperatures! This climate is very comfortable even without heating.
2. Fruits and Seafood
Secondly, it is worth mentioning the fruits of Portugal. The abundant sunshine and slightly large temperature differences between day and night make the local fruits and crops very distinctive. The most notable point is that the sugar content of the fruits is very high, and there are various high-quality and affordable fruits available throughout the year. For example, in February, when early cherries are in season, they only cost 1-2 euros per kilogram in the market, and even in supermarkets, they are around 3 euros. In China, a kilogram would sell for 10 euros at a reasonable price! Additionally, the apples and grapes in Portugal are also very delicious and sweet, especially the quality of the grapes, which explains why Portuguese wine is so tasty! Portugal also has very rich marine resources, and the seafood products in Portugal generally come from the cold, turbulent, and less polluted waters of the Atlantic Ocean, which are far more delicious than the farmed seafood in domestic coastal areas! Furthermore, there is very little heavy industry in Portugal, resulting in minimal pollution. Not only is the air quality good, but the excellent protection of water sources also ensures the safety and hygiene of drinking water; tap water in Portugal is safe to drink directly.
3. Warm and Welcoming Portuguese People
Lastly, the warm and welcoming Portuguese people. Chinese people often place great importance on family-centered social relationships, and in this regard, Portugal is quite similar to China, as they also have a similar sense of community. Like Chinese people, the Portuguese place great importance on family, colleagues, neighbors, and friends. These characteristics are in stark contrast to the emphasis on individualism in other Western countries. A typical example is that on the way to work in Portugal, if you encounter a friend or colleague, even if you are running late, you will chat for a long time about family matters. Not only I, but also my circle of successful Chinese immigrants to Portugal, unanimously believe that the Portuguese are the friendliest people among all Western societies. The Portuguese are easygoing, very content with their situation, and adaptable, even a bit laid-back, but they are very warm and welcoming, allowing one to truly feel the warmth of human connection!
The social interactions in Portugal have many similarities with those in China, which is why Chinese immigrants living in Portugal can quickly integrate into the local community. Newly immigrated investors to Portugal are often touched by this warm society and can quickly adapt to their new life abroad. Coupled with Portugal's good climate and rich, delicious food, these are the most attractive aspects of Portugal for immigrants! It is worth noting that in just over four years since the launch of the investment immigration program in Portugal, more than 3,400 Chinese families have successfully immigrated to Portugal through this policy. To put it bluntly, if a country and its immigration policies are not favorable, who would want to immigrate there?