Why Brazilian Entrepreneurs Choose Portugal Over Other Countries?

This study investigates why Brazilian entrepreneurs choose Portugal as a preferred destination, highlighting the interaction between economic, institutional, and social factors. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining 60 interviews with Brazilian entrepreneurs in Portugal, 2,956 survey responses from Brazilian migrants in countries such as the United States, Canada, Spain, and Italy, along with secondary data from official reports. The findings show that Portugal's appeal goes beyond cultura l and linguistic affinity. The country offers strategic access to the European market, relatively low business startup costs, and migration policies favorable to entrepreneurship, such as the D2 Entrepreneur Visa and the Golden Visa program. Factors such as safety, political stability, quality of life, and access to public services also strongly influence migration decisions. Portugal's time zone alignment with major international markets particularly benefits digital and service -based entrepreneurs. However, the study identifies key challenges to business success, including excessive bureaucracy, limited access to financial capital, rigid labor regulations, and a strong reliance on co -ethnic networks, which may hinder broader economic integration. Grounded in theories of global mobility, institutional frameworks, and migrant entrepreneurship, the research deepens the understanding of how destination -specific factors shape transnational entrepreneurial trajectories. Policy recommendations include streamlining bureaucratic procedures, expanding access to funding for immigrant entrepreneurs, and creating support mechanisms that promote market diversification beyond ethnic enclaves. This study contributes to the broader debate on migration and entrepreneurship by offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and support organizations interested in strengthening immigrant business ecosystems.