1. Portuguese Passport Ranks Among the Top 5 Most Valuable in the World
The Portuguese passport is among the world’s top 5 most valuable, securing fifth place in the 2025 Henley Passport Index. The rankings are based on the number of destinations accessible without a visa, with Portugal offering entry to 190 countries. Leading the list is Singapore, whose passport grants access to 195 destinations, followed by Japan with 193, and four European countries—Finland, France, Germany, and Italy—tied in third place, each allowing access to 192 destinations.
Europe dominates the top 20, while Brunei closes the list with 166 countries. In the top 100, countries like Bangladesh, Libya, and the Palestinian Territories are at the bottom, offering access to only 40 destinations. This index highlights the growing value of passports with increasing travel freedom, placing Portugal among the global leaders in passport strength.
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2. Portugal Needs to Stand Out Globally in Two or Three Areas
The world is on the brink of a new era, marked by population decline, technological advancements like artificial intelligence, and a shift to more bilateral, multipolar relations. Countries like Portugal must find their unique strengths to stand out globally, focusing on areas such as tourism, taxes, and housing. According to Sven Smit, this new world order will be shaped by changing demographics and economic models, with a shift from zero-interest policies to more expensive money. Population decline, especially in countries like South Korea and Europe, is the greatest challenge, and technological automation could help mitigate these issues by increasing productivity, although it comes with significant social implications.
The future will be defined by the need for more energy, especially with the rise of AI and automation. As global connections shift towards regional blocs and bilateral deals, nations must adjust to maintain their competitive edge. Portugal, as a small nation on the periphery of Europe, has the potential to capitalize on its special areas of focus, such as tourism, taxes, and an attractive financial system. Smit emphasizes that a country needs no more than two or three signature areas to succeed and should strategically position itself within global dynamics to stand out.
Smit also points out the importance of deregulation and innovation in Europe, advocating for a more competitive environment that attracts investment. He believes that Europe must prioritize creating favorable conditions for growth by addressing regulatory challenges, such as environmental and sustainability rules, to keep pace with global competitors like the U.S. In this shifting global landscape, Europe must find a balance between regulatory frameworks and the ability to foster economic progress and innovation.
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3. Musk’s SpaceX Launches Portuguese Satellite That Will Map the Oceans
LusoSpace, a pioneering national company, will launch its first satellite, PoSat 2, via SpaceX, marking a milestone in Portugal’s space history. The satellite, named after the first Portuguese satellite, PoSat 1, will form the ATON constellation, focused on mapping oceans and monitoring climate change. This system will provide crucial data on maritime traffic, illegal activities, oil spills, and drifting icebergs, positioning Portugal as a leader in global ocean safety.
The innovative system, described as the “Waze of the oceans,” is expected to transform maritime communication with bidirectional communication between land and ships. LusoSpace introduces VDES technology, allowing for encrypted messages and faster alerts, a significant advancement for the maritime environment. This development is a major step in creating new security services and is set to impact global maritime practices.
Ivo Yves Vieira, CEO of LusoSpace, emphasized that the future of Portugal lies in the sea, while the Portuguese Space Agency, led by Ricardo Conde, congratulated the company for positioning itself as a key player in global communications for ships. LusoSpace’s success will support Portugal’s growing space sector and contribute to turning the nation into a recognized space power, leveraging its engineering, science, and talent.
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4. Portuguese Government Launches National Artificial Intelligence Agenda Roadmap
The Portuguese Government will begin a roadmap to consult various entities and gather contributions for the National Artificial Intelligence Agenda. Minister Margarida Balseiro Lopes highlighted that digital transformation is a challenge not only for the Government but for the entire country, stressing the importance of involving public administration, companies, academia, and the people. The consultation will begin with a group of experts from the agenda’s monitoring committee, chaired by Professor Arlindo Oliveira, and will include in-person sessions in Lisbon, Évora, and Porto.
This initiative aims to listen to the public’s contributions on the country’s stance regarding artificial intelligence. Minister Balseiro Lopes emphasized that the Government’s goal is to use technology to make Portugal more competitive and productive, improving people’s lives. Another significant concern is using data intelligently across various sectors, which is a priority of the Government’s National Smart Territories Strategy, involving nearly 300 municipalities, exceeding initial expectations.
As part of the agenda, the Government announced the development of “Amália,” Portugal’s first large language model (LLM), expected to receive an investment of 5.5 million euros. This initiative, which is part of the National Artificial Intelligence Agenda, represents the Government’s commitment to being a leader in AI adoption. The LLM Amália will be presented in the first quarter of 2025 and aims to boost Portugal’s technological capacity in artificial intelligence.
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5. Continente Invests 6 million Euros in Autonomous Store with Sensei Technology
The Continente store in Leiria, a pilot project, marks the largest autonomous retail space globally, with an investment of 6 million euros. This cutting-edge store spans 1,200 square meters and integrates Sensei’s technology, which enables a smart checkout system. Customers place products in a virtual basket through sensors and AI algorithms, eliminating traditional checkout lines. The hybrid model offers both automated and manual checkout options, including a smart checkout for variable weight products like fruits and vegetables.
The project, financed by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, created 28 jobs, making it the 17th Continente store in the district. The partnership between Continente and Sensei, already established with the “Continente Lab” in Lisbon, aims to transform the shopping experience. The AI-driven system provides real-time data, optimizing operations and increasing efficiency, with a focus on enhancing customer experience rather than just eliminating queues.
Sensei’s technology and its expansion goals also signal a revolution in retail. Following a 15-million-euro investment round, Sensei is set to open 1,000 new stores by 2026, applying its tech in diverse formats beyond autonomous stores. With installations in major companies like Nos, Brisa, and Galp, and its presence in Italy and Brazil, Sensei is reshaping the future of retail, offering a new, tech-driven experience for customers and retailers alike.
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6. Portugal’s Housing Prices Increased 3.7% in the Third Quarter of 2024, the Second Highest in the EU
The Portuguese real estate market shows no signs of slowing down, with prices rising by 3.7% in the third quarter of 2024, marking the second-largest increase in the EU. Portugal continues to stand out for its sharp rise in housing costs, with prices soaring 113% since 2010, a trend in line with the broader EU housing crisis. Eurostat’s data reveals that in comparison, Bulgaria saw a slightly higher increase (3.9%), and year-on-year, Portugal’s prices accelerated by 9.8%, surpassing previous quarter increases.
Across the EU, housing prices rose by 2.6% in the Eurozone and 3.8% in the EU, reflecting a continuing upward trend in housing costs, with some countries like France, Finland, and Luxembourg seeing annual declines. While most nations reported increases, Bulgaria, Poland, and Hungary led with the highest price hikes, emphasizing the regional disparities in housing affordability. Portugal’s situation mirrors these rising pressures, as the market becomes increasingly difficult for many families to navigate.
Rents also continue their upward trajectory, rising twice as much in Portugal as the EU average, where rents increased by 3.2% in the third quarter of 2024. Portugal’s rent growth since 2010 has been dramatic, with a 44% rise, compared to a 26% increase in the EU. As prices and rents soar, the ongoing housing crisis further limits access to homeownership, pushing many Portuguese families toward inadequate housing solutions.
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7. New Poll For the Presidential Elections Places Gouveia e Melo as the Favorite
Among 19 potential candidates, the current Admiral in the reserve is the one with the highest voting potential (57%). He is followed by António Guterres and Mário Centeno, according to a study by Pitagórica. Although he has not yet announced his candidacy for next year’s presidential elections, Gouveia e Melo leads the Pitagórica poll for TSF/Jornal de Notícias/TVI/CNN Portugal. Among 19 potential candidates, he registered the highest voting potential (57%). In addition to 28% of respondents stating they would “definitely” vote for him and another 29% admitting they “might” vote for him, the name of the current Admiral in the reserve also has the lowest rejection rate (only 39%).
António Guterres — whose mandate as UN Secretary-General lasts until the end of 2026, leaving him out of the race for the Palácio de Belém — recorded similar results: 28% said they would “definitely” vote for him, and 26% “might” vote for him. However, his rejection rate, at 44%, is higher than that of Gouveia e Melo. The former Minister of Finance and current Governor of the Bank of Portugal, Mário Centeno, emerges as the third “protocandidate” with the highest voting potential (43%). Among potential names linked to the PS, he has the best performance (32%) in a hypothetical second-round matchup against Gouveia e Melo (51%), tying with Pedro Passos Coelho and defeating Marques Mendes.
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8. Remote Work Contracts Increase by 30% in One Year
Remote work contracts in Portugal have surged by 30% in just one year, marking the fourth consecutive annual increase. In 2023, over 3,000 permanent contracts specifically included telecommuting provisions, reflecting the continued popularity of this work model even after the pandemic ended. The growth is notable across different sectors, especially in information and communication activities, where permanent telecommuting contracts more than doubled compared to the previous year. The trend also extended to fixed-term and indefinite-term telecommuting contracts, with increases of 85.9% and 160.7%, respectively.
Despite the widespread rise in remote work, not all sectors have adopted it at the same rate. The manufacturing industry and consulting activities saw notable increases, while more traditional sectors like water management and extractive industries recorded minimal contracts. Greater Lisbon accounts for over half of all permanent telecommuting contracts, with the northern region being the second most popular area for this model. This regional disparity highlights how telecommuting remains more prevalent in urban areas with greater access to remote work technologies and opportunities.
The government has acknowledged the need to review the legal framework surrounding telecommuting. The Minister of Labor has already signaled that changes to remote work regulations will be discussed as part of the broader labor law review. With evolving market demands, experts argue for a legal adjustment that balances worker privacy with employer oversight, clarifies accident-related uncertainties, and ensures the framework keeps pace with new work realities.
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9. AICEP’s Contracted Investment in 2024 Exceeds 420 Million Euros
In 2024, AICEP contracted over 420 million euros in investments for Portugal, set to create more than a thousand jobs across diverse sectors, mainly industrial and technology-related. This marks a recovery compared to 2023, with the investments spread regionally across the country. Key areas of investment include semiconductors (150 million euros), the automotive industry, particularly vehicle electrification components (75 million euros), and the pharmaceutical sector (50 million euros). Note that these investments are part of a 10-year commitment, underscoring investor confidence in Portugal’s economy.
The Minister of Economy, Pedro Reis, emphasized that these investments signal a strategic focus on creating qualified jobs in critical sectors. AICEP’s recent contracts reflect a broader trend, following the 3.5 billion euros in investments captured in 2023. Specific investments include major projects by AMKOR Technology (150 million euros for expanding its Vila do Conde plant), West Horse Powertrain Portugal (47 million euros), and Bosch Car Multimedia (26 million euros). These efforts are aimed at boosting Portugal’s technological and industrial capabilities.
The Portuguese government is also focusing on broader economic growth, with several initiatives underway. For example, Stellantis’ electric vehicle production started in Mangualde following a 119 million euro investment, and Bosch’s new lab for sustainable climate solutions received 35 million euros in funding. As the global economic landscape remains uncertain, the Minister of Economy remains optimistic, noting that Portugal’s path to growth and investment remains intact, despite external challenges.
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10. Portuguese President Approves Public Administration Pay Raise
The Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, approved salary increases in Public Administration. The decree establishes increases between 2.15% and 6.9%, with a boost in allowances, impacting the private sector. The diploma, based on an agreement with UGT unions, adjusts base remuneration to €878.41, an increase of 6.9%. One-fifth of public workers will see the base rise, now €8.41 above the minimum wage.
In practice, employees earning between €869.84 and €2620.23 will get fixed raises of €56.58, while those earning above €2674.43 will see a 2.15% minimum increase. For example, a worker earning €3004.40 will receive an additional €64.59. These increases are higher for those with higher salaries, with the total rise linked to income. The measure is officially put into effect, aligning with efforts to enhance public sector wages and benefits.
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