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Portugal Golden Visa: Why International Investors Continue to Choose Portugal in 2025

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Despite recent reforms, Portugal remains one of Europe’s most stable and attractive gateways for global investors seeking residency, lifestyle, and financial security.

Over the past decade, Portugal has become a quiet powerhouse in the world of residency-by-investment. The program known as the Portugal Golden Visa has attracted thousands of applicants and billions in foreign capital since its launch. Yet the landscape in 2025 looks different from what it once was. Real estate, once the main entry route, has been phased out. Still, investors continue to look to Portugal, drawn by its safety, rule of law, and the consistency of its financial system.

The country’s appeal lies not only in its lifestyle advantages but in the way it offers stability within the European Union. Even as global markets fluctuate and political tensions rise elsewhere, Portugal projects calm. This reputation has become a key asset for investors who see residency as both a practical tool and a strategic form of diversification.

A new investment landscape

When the government closed the real estate option, many predicted the end of the Golden Visa. Instead, the program evolved. Investment capital now flows into areas that align more closely with long-term national priorities, such as innovation, sustainability, and cultural development.

The most popular route today is through regulated investment funds. These vehicles, authorized by the CMVM (Portugal’s financial market regulator), channel investor capital into diversified portfolios that may include venture capital, private equity, or infrastructure projects. The minimum threshold remains significant, but the focus has shifted from property appreciation to real economic participation.

This change has brought new sophistication to the program. Investors are no longer merely buyers of assets. They are participants in a system that requires understanding fund strategies, governance models, and compliance standards.

Who is investing, and why

Applications from North America have surged in the last two years. Many Americans view Portugal as a safe European base that balances personal freedom with economic opportunity. The same trend appears among Latin American and Asian investors who seek both residency rights and an environment that supports their families’ quality of life.

Their motivations are often similar. They want mobility across Europe, access to good schools and healthcare, and a hedge against uncertainty in their home countries. Portugal delivers on all counts. It offers an EU residence permit with access to the Schengen Area and a potential path to citizenship after several years of legal stay.

For these reasons, the Golden Visa continues to attract high-net-worth individuals and families who think globally and plan for the long term.

The rise of investment funds

Investment funds have replaced property as the preferred route because they provide regulatory oversight and a clear link between the investor’s contribution and Portugal’s economic development. Each fund must be registered with the CMVM and have a depositary bank, auditor, and reporting structure.

According to advisors from The Blue Portugal, investors in 2025 are more cautious and better informed than before. They request full documentation from fund managers, seek legal opinions, and assess risk exposure with the same discipline they would apply to any private equity commitment. This reflects a more mature investor profile and a market that has learned from a decade of evolution.

Process and timing

The administrative process has also evolved. Applications are now handled by AIMA, the agency that replaced SEF. The procedure starts with standard compliance checks: proof of funds, identity verification, and anti-money laundering documentation.

Once these steps are complete, investors open a Portuguese bank account, subscribe to a qualified investment fund, and collect the required documents for submission. After the application is uploaded and approved, they schedule an appointment for biometrics in Portugal. Once this is done, the residence card is issued.

Processing times vary depending on the volume of requests and the completeness of each file. On average, applicants can expect several months between submission and approval. Working with experienced legal counsel remains essential to avoid delays.

Managing risk

The shift toward financial instruments has made due diligence central to the program. Where investors once assessed square meters and location, they now evaluate fund governance, strategy, and performance. It is critical to confirm that the fund is legally qualified for the Golden Visa, that it has an independent auditor and a recognized custodian bank, and that investors have clear visibility on exit mechanisms.

Sophisticated applicants increasingly analyze fund portfolios and ask questions about liquidity, diversification, and reporting frequency. This professionalization benefits both sides: managers operate under stricter standards, and investors enter with realistic expectations.

Taxes and daily life

Holding a Golden Visa does not automatically trigger tax residency, but many applicants eventually choose to relocate to Portugal. Those who do may qualify for favorable tax regimes, depending on their profile and the current rules.

Outside financial considerations, Portugal offers what many describe as its greatest advantage: quality of life. Cities like Lisbon and Porto balance modern infrastructure with a slower, human rhythm. International schools, a strong healthcare system, and mild weather make relocation practical and appealing.

After reform: what remains

Portugal’s reforms were not designed to end the Golden Visa but to make it more sustainable. By eliminating speculative real estate investment, the government aligned the program with European policy goals while maintaining its attractiveness to serious investors.

The result is a system that combines legal predictability with economic responsibility. Capital now flows into productive sectors, and oversight is clearer than ever. For investors, this means a more transparent environment and a credible long-term pathway to European residency.

The broader context

The global environment continues to influence migration choices. Rising geopolitical tensions, currency fluctuations, and shifting tax frameworks have increased demand for stability. Within this context, Portugal stands out for its consistency.

The country’s economy remains diversified, with strong sectors in tourism, renewable energy, technology, and agribusiness. Political moderation and an open stance toward foreign capital reinforce its appeal. Investors who choose Portugal often cite trust as their deciding factor.

Looking ahead

In 2025, the Portugal Golden Visa is less about quick returns and more about strategic positioning. Investors understand that what they gain is not only a residence permit but access to a stable legal environment, a European identity, and the freedom to plan without uncertainty.

Advisors at The Blue Portugal note that the strongest demand now comes from families thinking two steps ahead. They are not reacting to crises but building continuity for the next generation. Portugal, with its steady institutions and balanced approach to reform, continues to offer precisely that.

Governor Alex Otti Inaugurates Abia Techl Skills Acquisition Board, With Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe

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On Monday, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, inaugurated the Board of the Abia Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (ASTSAC). I am deeply honoured that my fellow citizens have asked me to Chair this Board. Alongside an extraordinary team – Engr. Cletus Ogbonnaya Ekpo (Vice Chairman), Engr. Peter Ukonu (Director-General), Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Mr. Fidelis Nweze, Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, Mr. Chukwudi Ogbonna, and Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Ndidi Amuchienwa – we have accepted this assignment with a solemn commitment to serve Abia and, by extension, Nigeria.

We are presently shaping a roadmap, one inspired by Governor Otti’s grand playbook for Abia’s youth and her industrious people. This Saturday, by the mercies of God, we expect to finalize it after integrating the insights of critical stakeholders across the state and beyond. When that is done, execution will begin, and that execution will involve everyone. For as in our state slogan – God’s Own State –  every human is an Abian, since every human is of the Lord (lol). So, whether you hail from Sokoto, Oyo, Rivers, Togo, or Germany, we welcome you to join us in building centers of knowledge and skill.

In 2012, on the invitation of the President of Gabon, I travelled to Libreville to deliver a speech. For that event, I published an article in Harvard Business Review. A sentence I wrote there continues to echo: “Mines of knowledge, not gold or diamond or silver, will connect Africa to a greater destiny and to the growth regions of the world.”

That remains my thesis today. Through ASTSAC, we will build mines of knowledge and places where skills, ideas, and capabilities are extracted, refined, and multiplied, just the same way petrol is extracted from the latent crude oil! From Aba to Ohafia, from Umuahia to Bende, from Isuikwuato to Ukwa, and beyond, we will transform our youth into builders of prosperity. Our Director-General, Engr. Peter Ukonu, is ready and available to discuss partnerships for Abia with you. Together, we will mine knowledge, the most precious resource in the 21st century, and use it to power the destiny of Abia, Nigeria, and Africa. Join us!

–The press on the inauguration —

Governor Alex Otti Inaugurates Abia Technological Skills Acquisition Board, Appoints Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe as Chairman, Sets Bold Agenda for Digital Transformation and Inclusive Growth

Published on October 13, 2025
By The Eye Opener News

In a bold move to accelerate Abia State’s technological advancement and human capital development, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has inaugurated the Board of the Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (ASTSAC), appointing renowned technologist and global innovation leader, Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, as Chairman.

Other distinguished members of the newly constituted Board include Engr. Cletus Ogbonnaya Ekpo (Vice Chairman), Engr. Peter Ukonu (Director-General), Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Mr. Fidelis Nweze, Dr. Christopher Kalu Okoro, Mr. Chukwudi Ogbonna, and Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Ndidi Amuchienwa.

The inauguration, held on Monday shortly after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting, reflected the Governor’s strategic focus on knowledge-driven governance and digital empowerment.

Governor Otti, while addressing the Board, lauded the members as “accomplished professionals and some of the finest minds in the technology ecosystem,” noting that their inclusion was a testament to his administration’s commitment to merit, competence, and innovation rather than political or geographical considerations.

He highlighted the exceptional credentials of both the Chairman, Prof. Ekekwe a globally recognized inventor and innovator based in the United States and the Director-General, Engr. Ukonu, a distinguished technologist recalled from the United Kingdom to contribute to Abia’s technological rebirth.

Reiterating that his appointments are strictly merit-based, the Governor stated that the era of parochialism in public service is over, urging the Board members to “think beyond Abia” and embrace a broader Igbo and national identity in their quest to build a technology-driven future.

Governor Otti also expressed profound appreciation for the members’ willingness to serve, acknowledging that their intellectual contributions to the state far outweigh any financial compensation the government could offer.

He charged the Board to spearhead the technological revolution already taking shape across the state, assuring them of full government backing, policy support, and inter-agency collaboration.

“I have no doubt that this team will position Abia as a leading innovation hub in Nigeria and West Africa,” Governor Otti declared, praying for divine wisdom and strength for the Board as they embark on their mandate.

In his inaugural remarks, the Chairman, Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Otti and the government for the confidence reposed in him and his colleagues. He described the appointment as a call to national service and a rare opportunity to drive innovation-led economic transformation across Abia and the Igbo nation.

Prof. Ekekwe emphasized that the focus of the Board would be on developing a sustainable technology ecosystem that empowers young people, reduces market inefficiencies, and fosters inclusive prosperity.

According to him, the Board has already commenced work on a comprehensive roadmap to guide Abia’s digital transformation and innovation policies in the coming months.

“Our vision is that every child in Abia, regardless of location or background, will have access to digital literacy and equal opportunities to thrive in the knowledge economy,” he affirmed.

He further commended Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence, pledging that the Board will deliver measurable results through strategic partnerships, accountability, and transparent governance.

The inauguration marks yet another milestone in Governor Otti’s administration’s drive to build a new Abia anchored on technology, skill acquisition, and human capacity development, a foundation for a future-ready and economically self-sufficient state

Goldman Sachs Expands Venture Footprint With Acquisition of $7bn Industry Ventures

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The logo for Goldman Sachs is seen on the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, New York, U.S., November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/Files

Goldman Sachs has struck a deal to acquire San Francisco-based Industry Ventures, one of America’s most established venture capital firms, in a move that deepens the Wall Street giant’s push into alternative investments.

The transaction, valued at $665 million in cash and equity, could rise by another $300 million depending on Industry Ventures’ performance through 2030, according to a statement released by Goldman on Monday.

The deal, expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, marks one of Goldman’s most significant expansions into private markets in years. It comes as the bank doubles down on its $540 billion alternatives investment platform, which CEO David Solomon has described as a “growth engine” for the firm. By absorbing Industry Ventures, Goldman is seeking to strengthen its venture capital pipeline and create more opportunities for its wealthy clients to invest in high-growth startups and emerging technology sectors.

Founded 25 years ago by Hans Swildens, Industry Ventures has been a key player in shaping the U.S. venture ecosystem. The firm has built a reputation for investing in both early- and late-stage startups, as well as acquiring secondary interests in venture funds — a strategy that gives investors access to maturing private companies without having to wait for IPOs or acquisitions.

Since its inception, Industry Ventures has made more than 1,000 investments and currently manages about $7 billion in assets. It reported an impressive internal rate of return of 18%, making it one of the more consistently profitable firms in its class.

Goldman CEO David Solomon said the acquisition would combine the “global resources of Goldman Sachs” with the “venture capital expertise of Industry Ventures,” opening the door for broader access to fast-growing companies around the world.

“Industry Ventures’ trusted relationships and venture capital expertise complement our existing investing franchises and expand opportunities for clients to access the fastest-growing companies and sectors in the world,” Solomon said in the statement.

Swildens, who will continue to lead the firm after the merger, echoed that sentiment, calling the partnership a natural fit.

“By combining the global resources of Goldman Sachs with the venture capital expertise of Industry Ventures, we are uniquely positioned to serve the increasingly complex needs of entrepreneurs, private technology companies, limited partners, and venture fund managers,” he said.

All 45 employees of Industry Ventures will join Goldman Sachs as part of the agreement, bringing their deep experience in the startup ecosystem into Goldman’s asset management division.

The deal, for Goldman Sachs, marks a strategic pivot toward longer-term, fee-based businesses after years of volatility in investment banking and trading revenue. The firm has been steadily building its private markets presence through a combination of organic growth and targeted acquisitions, seeking to compete more aggressively with firms like Blackstone, KKR, and Apollo in the lucrative world of alternative assets.

Some analysts believe the move positions Goldman to play a bigger role in the intersection of technology and finance at a time when the venture market is undergoing a reset. Following a two-year slump in startup valuations and IPO activity, there is renewed interest in the secondary market — where Industry Ventures has historically excelled. Goldman is expected to leverage its balance sheet and client network to take advantage of discounted opportunities in private tech investments.

The acquisition also underlines Goldman’s ongoing effort to appeal to ultra-wealthy individuals and institutional clients seeking exposure to private markets. The bank’s alternatives platform already spans private equity, real estate, infrastructure, credit, and hedge funds. Adding Industry Ventures’ expertise in venture capital fills a critical gap — especially as AI, clean tech, and cybersecurity startups attract massive investor interest globally.

For Swildens and his team, joining Goldman represents a chance to scale their operations globally. The firm, which started with a focus on U.S.-based startups, will now have access to Goldman’s international deal flow and capital base, potentially allowing it to compete more directly with top-tier Silicon Valley players like Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, and Tiger Global.

The acquisition comes as Goldman continues to recover from a challenging period for its consumer banking efforts, which led to the winding down of its Marcus retail unit and a renewed emphasis on its core strengths: wealth management and institutional investing. The bank is now signaling that its next phase of growth will be driven by high-value, long-horizon investments in innovation and technology.

Once completed, the Industry Ventures deal is expected to further solidify Goldman Sachs’ position as a major player in the global venture capital ecosystem — connecting Wall Street’s deep capital reserves with the entrepreneurial energy of Silicon Valley.

The Weirdest Slot Machine Themes You’ve Never Seen (Yet)

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Strange can be wonderful. The most memorable social slots often lean into bold, unexpected motifs—neon taxis, moonlit forests, party piñatas—while still keeping symbols readable and timing crisp. Below is a curated tour of unusual-but-friendly themes you can actually find on American Luck, plus quick tips for testing new picks in a few minutes.

One principle ties everything together: clarity first. Even the quirkiest idea feels welcoming when icons have strong silhouettes, backgrounds stay soft, and celebrations are short and tidy so your attention never gets overwhelmed.

What Makes “Weird” Work on Mobile

Two design pillars carry quirky themes on a phone screen. First, visual grammar: bold edges, consistent highlights, and a limited color set that keeps foreground icons front and center. If you can recognize a symbol in an instant, the round feels effortless.

Second, pacing: a clean loop of anticipation ? reveal ? feedback. Brief audio stingers label moments without drowning the scene, and a neat end-of-round summary confirms what just happened so you can relax into the next spin.

Unexpected—but Real—Themes You Can Try

Mad Cabs Hold & Win

Imagine rush-hour energy distilled into slick, readable rounds. Bright signage, quick cuts, and taxi motifs give this title a witty sense of motion. It’s “city chaos,” but with UI spacing that keeps every icon legible on small screens.

3 Crazy Tikis

Tropical masks, firelight glows, and island percussion create a playful late-night mood. Thick outlines and soft-focus backdrops ensure even the brightest colors remain easy to parse—no squinting required.

Pinata Go Go

Confetti pops, cheerful palettes, and party vibes. Despite the color, the symbol family is simple, and the motion language is rhythmic rather than noisy. It’s a fast way to brighten a short break.

Blood Moon Hold & Win

Gothic ambience meets glossy highlights. Deep reds and moody shadows could feel heavy elsewhere, but here they’re balanced by clear frames and decisive audio tags. The result: stylishly spooky without visual clutter.

3 Porky Banks Hold & Win Extra

A cheeky heist aesthetic—pigs, vaults, and shiny trinkets—presented with confident pacing. The contrast between matte backdrops and reflective icons makes the playful details pop without overwhelming the eye.

Piggy Bank Cash

Another pig-powered crowd-pleaser, this one leans into cartoon charm. The readability trick: foreground symbols with bold borders over soft gradients, so the “cute chaos” always stays clear.

3 Hot Chilli Peppers

Spice-forward art direction done right: high-contrast peppers, festive frames, and upbeat percussion. The UI keeps a tight cadence so the fiesta vibe stays fun and tidy.

Electric Diamonds Hold & Win

Retro-arcade sparkle with faceted shapes on dark velvet backdrops. It’s a minimalist, high-contrast approach that makes results instantly understandable—great between more elaborate themes.

3 Dragon Pots

Gold-and-jade elegance with lucky motifs. While “dragons” sound traditional, the pot trio setup and crisp icon frames add a slightly offbeat, ceremonial feel that stands out from typical fantasy looks.

How to Test a Quirky Theme in 3 Minutes

  • Look once, then look again: Do symbols read instantly at arm’s length and in motion?
  • Listen briefly: Audio tags should label moments, not dominate them.
  • Skim the help panel: A tidy summary means you’ll understand the flow without guesswork.
  • Time-box it: Two or three rounds should leave you feeling refreshed; save it to favorites if so.

Where to Spot Timely Promos

Before browsing for your next oddball favorite, it helps to see what’s current on-site. The daily login bonus casino page highlights one of the best Gold Coins promotions for getting started, so it’s worth checking it out.

Comfort & Accessibility Tips

  • Prefer bold icon sets: Thick outlines and consistent highlights beat intricate detail on small screens.
  • Adjust motion: If a theme is extra lively, dial down animation intensity where available.
  • Tune audio peaks: Keep celebration sounds pleasant and brief so the rhythm stays relaxing.
  • Find your contrast sweet spot: A small brightness tweak can sharpen edges without glare.
  • Rotate themes: Keep one calm pick and one festive pick handy to match your evening mood.

Conclusion

Weird works when it’s readable, coherent, and kind to your attention. From neon taxis to moonlit mansions and party piñatas, these real American Luck titles show how unusual ideas can feel instantly comfortable on mobile. Try a couple during a short, upbeat session, save your favorites, and let those tiny bursts of delight turn spare minutes into something memorable.

What Is a Cost Recovery Model, and How Does It Work?

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Companies today are always searching for ways to improve their operations and control resources. Among them, the cost recovery model is a remarkable method. By enabling the business to plan its usage of expenses strategically, you ensure that the allocation of resources is done efficiently while continuously maintaining financial health.

With knowledge of this model and the practice, organizations can increase their business performance and maintain growth. A cost recovery model provides a structured approach that helps businesses align their costs with revenue generation, creating a foundation for long-term success.

Understanding the Cost Recovery Model

A cost recovery model is a technique for recovering costs and helps businesses sync costs with their revenue generation. In this model, the pricing strategies ensure the recovery of all expenses incurred in producing the goods and/or services. Organizations can use it as a guiding system to evaluate and understand their financial performance.

Elements of the Cost Recovery Model

This model is based on a few elements. Businesses that want to adopt it must first understand these elements.

Direct Costs

Direct costs are those associated with the production of a good or service. These are the cost of materials, the cost of labor, and the cost of manufacturing. It is essential for businesses to accurately account for these costs when determining the required price for cost recovery.

Indirect Costs

Although these costs are not directly associated with production, they remain essential for conducting business operations. This might include things like utilities, rent, or administrative costs. Proper allocation and identification of these costs is crucial for a successful cost recovery strategy.

Pricing Strategies

Secondly, pricing is a large portion of the cost recovery model. Organizations need to determine prices that cover direct and indirect costs while being competitive in the marketplace. It may require closely studying market dynamics and the demand for the pricing of competitors.

Revenue Management

Another aspect of effective revenue management is that revenue will match expenses. Businesses need to track sales and price accordingly to remain profitable. This continual evaluation aids in things like adjusting to changes in the market and staying above water financially. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, effective revenue management is critical for maintaining business sustainability and growth.

Advantages of Adopting a Cost Recovery Model

Many companies favor adopting this model because it provides multiple benefits to businesses.

Financial Stability

By accounting for all expenses, businesses can enhance their financial stability. This cuts the risk of running short on funds and increases the ability to plan the next investment.

Informed Decision-Making

Having a clearer picture of costs and revenues allows organizations to make more informed choices. By having such a model, we can visualize the insights that can help us strategize and optimize resources, which will lead toward operational efficiency.

Competitive Advantage

A good cost recovery model provides the opportunity for businesses to provide their product at a competitive price. When you have a clear understanding of costs, organizations can provide attractive prices to consumers without jeopardizing profitability.

Sustainability

This model helps encourage the responsible usage of resources. By tying expenses to revenue generation, companies can sustain their business operations over the long term.

Challenges in Implementing the Cost Recovery Model

As beneficial as this model might be, it is not without its challenges of implementation. By knowing these challenges, businesses can prepare and adapt accordingly.

Accurate Cost Allocation

Pinpointing costs and knowing exactly where to assign them can be difficult. It requires time and resources to make sure every expense is recorded correctly, which isn’t easy, especially for big companies.

Market Fluctuations

Pricing is highly dependent on changing conditions, and these market circumstances change quite rapidly. Organizations must be flexible and adapt to these changes to continue to meet their cost recovery targets.

Consumer Perception

Aiming for prices that can cover every expense will cause prices to go up for consumers. Fortunately, between cost recovery and consumer aspirations, businesses have to strike the right balance or risk losing market share.

Resource Intensity

Having an effective cost recovery model needs money to establish and sustain. It requires the allocation of personnel and technology to track and analyze costs and revenues, which is resource-intensive for businesses.

Conclusion

This cost recovery model can be a very beneficial tool for a business to run most efficiently in terms of finance. With this model in hand, organizations will be equipped to remain financially stable, make better choices, and also be well-positioned to stay ahead of the competition. Although it has its challenges, businesses can easily adapt and implement the model into their businesses if they know the right strategies and are committed to using it with a long-term growth mindset.