More and more families, investors, entrepreneurs and professionals look at our country as a place to live, work, invest and build a life project. This trend was evident at the most recent conference of the American Chamber of Commerce in Portugal, dedicated to US investment. The message was clear: Portugal currently has a set of characteristics that make it one of the most attractive markets in Europe. And the reasons go far beyond the climate.

Portugal offers what many investors and families are looking for: political stability, security, quality of life, good infrastructure, qualified talent and direct access to the European market. The strategic location between Europe, Africa and the Americas, combined with a favourable time difference, also facilitates the connection to the United States. This combination has attracted technology multinationals, investment funds and companies linked to artificial intelligence, data centres and business services. Projects such as Start Campus, in Sines, have put the country on the map of European digital infrastructure and reinforced the confidence of large international companies.

But Portugal is not just attracting companies. It is also attracting people: professionals who work remotely, entrepreneurs who want to expand business to Europe, retirees who are looking for a higher quality of life, and families who value safety, good international schools, and a quieter environment for their children. For those coming from the United States, Portugal offers something increasingly rare: living in a safe country, with a good climate, recognised cuisine, proximity to the sea and a cost of living that, despite having increased, remains competitive compared to many North American cities.

Of course, there are challenges. Bureaucracy continues to be one of the main obstacles pointed out by international investors. Permitting processes are often slow, and administrative complexity delays projects that could move faster. Simplifying procedures will be essential for Portugal to be able to take advantage of the full potential of this international interest.

Still, the trend seems difficult to reverse. The United States is now one of the main sources of venture capital investment in Portugal, and many Portuguese startups have grown with American funding. At the same time, several national companies expand into the North American market, reinforcing an increasingly solid economic relationship. For those considering moving to Portugal or investing in the Portuguese real estate market, the conclusion is simple: Portugal is no longer just an excellent place to visit. It is a country where more and more people choose to live, invest and build the future. And this is perhaps the best indicator of the confidence that the country has managed to gain with investors and international families.