Opportunities to invest in Southern Europe got easier in 2024.
He was tall, handsome (not that I noticed), naturally charismatic, and opening padel courts in Miami. Padel, a sport I learned about during my time as a diplomat in Madrid, is the latest trend in Spain. It’s inexpensive to play, easy to learn, and seems to be popping up everywhere. After approving his investor visa to set up his padel business in Miami, I later read in The Washington Post that the sport is viewed as an expensive, elite activity in the United States. Smart business move, I thought.
Washington Post article I read about padel in the United States.
This is the beauty of investor treaty agreements. If you have a competitive advantage in a product or service, these agreements cut through the red tape and make it easier to profit in new markets. The U.S. has around 80 trade agreements with various countries, allowing goods and investments to flow with fewer barriers. This year, the U.S. added Portugal to that list.
What does this mean for you? As of March 2024, Portugal is now on the E-1 and E-2 visa treaty lists, opening up investment opportunities in sectors like tourism, real estate, and renewable energy. Portugal has long been a favorite tourist destination, but now you can combine a relaxing vacation with business ventures—whether you’re purchasing a vineyard in the Douro Valley or diving into solar energy projects along the sunny coast.
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While new agreements like Portugal’s are exciting, the U.S. has long-standing trade ties with other nations—none older than its agreement with the United Kingdom, established on July 3, 1815. This treaty laid the foundation for a strong, enduring relationship between the U.S. and British territories in Europe, evolving into one of the most significant diplomatic and economic partnerships in the world.
Over the years, this agreement has brought immense benefits. The U.K. remains one of America’s closest allies and largest trading partners. In 2022, bilateral trade in goods and services between the U.S. and the U.K. was valued at approximately $295 billion, making it the U.S.'s fifth-largest trading partner, behind Canada, Mexico, China, and Japan.
From American businesses expanding into the U.K.’s financial services sector in London to British companies thriving in Silicon Valley’s tech hubs, the U.S.-U.K. treaty has been instrumental in fostering this mutually beneficial relationship.
Thinking About Doing Business in the U.S. or Portugal?
Taking your business across borders can feel like a big step, whether it’s under the E-Visa program in the U.S. or Portugal’s Startup Visa. To help you get started, we’ve put together a simple checklist as a basic starting point.
✅ Learn what you’ll need to gather.
✅ Organize the basics step by step.
✅ Understand where to begin before diving in.
Important Note: We’re not lawyers, so you’ll still want to consult a legal expert for the finer details.
If you’re ready to take the first step, download the checklist here. Let’s make this journey a little less overwhelming!
For multinational companies, these agreements streamline the process of establishing operations abroad. In Portugal, for instance, American companies can more easily set up a branch and transfer executives and specialized employees from the U.S. E-visas reduce regulatory friction, making it easier for these businesses to expand.
Small businesses benefit as well. A family-owned winery from Napa can now set up a sister vineyard in Portugal, or a boutique hotel chain can expand into Lisbon. You can also buy and operate a company there through the treaty. These agreements provide smoother pathways for international entrepreneurship, with protections such as intellectual property rights and transparent legal frameworks, giving smaller players confidence to navigate foreign markets.
These deals don’t just help American companies abroad—they also bring foreign investors into the U.S., like my Miami padel court entrepreneur. These investors inject capital into local economies, create jobs, and introduce new ideas to American shores. It’s a symbiotic relationship where both sides stand to win.
The old buildings and cobbled streets in Portugal always make me feel like I’m in a painting.
While E-visa agreements open broad opportunities for investment and business expansion, Portugal also offers a specialized initiative for startups. The Startup Visa Program is designed for foreign entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, granting them residency permits to build businesses in collaboration with certified incubators. This program aligns with Portugal’s emphasis on fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly in technology and renewable energy sectors, providing a structured path for innovators.
Opportunities in Portugal
One of the most striking changes I witnessed during my time in Europe was the explosion of renewable energy projects, particularly driven by energy security concerns stemming from Russia’s actions. After years of dependence on Russian energy, Europe rapidly shifted its strategy following the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions. Countries like Spain, Portugal, and Germany made bold strides in expanding their renewable energy capacities. Wind and solar farms sprang up across the continent, and I was amazed at how quickly the transition unfolded.
Spain, in particular, has become a leader in renewable energy. During my time living in Madrid, I noticed the modern kitchens—equipped with induction stoves and energy-efficient appliances. It felt like a glimpse into the future.
Portugal, with its abundant sunshine, has made significant advances in solar energy, positioning itself as a hub for renewable energy investments. American investors can now take advantage of this through E-visa agreements, exploring opportunities to invest in wind farms, solar projects, and even green hydrogen initiatives, which are gaining traction across Europe.
There’s also Portugal’s vibrant tourism sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP. Investors could explore real estate ventures in growing tourist destinations like Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve (there are great hotel opportunities there).
For tech-savvy entrepreneurs, Portugal’s government offers tax incentives and support for startups, particularly in sectors like technology and innovation. These new E-visa opportunities create a clear pathway for Americans looking to tap into Portugal’s dynamic markets.
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I ate so much codfish during my first trip to Lisbon, Portugal, back in 2017. It’s not my favorite fish, but it’s a local favorite on the Portuguese coast.
Trade agreements like the one with Portugal serve as gateways to global expansion. For Americans, they simplify doing business abroad, whether you’re a multinational corporation opening a new office or a small business exploring new markets. Meanwhile, older agreements, like the one with the United Kingdom, continue to highlight the deep connections that facilitate cross-border trade and cooperation.
As an aspiring pescatarian who loves countries where wine is cheaper than water, I may also be plotting a new JAM Hostel on the Portuguese coast.
Now You’re More Cultured Because…
…because you know that padel is the new hip, affordable sport in Europe, while in the U.S., it’s seen as a more posh activity.
