The unemployment rate in Portugal fell again in September to 13.6%, according to Eurostat, and it is down by 2.1% compared to the 15.7% unemployment rate 12 months ago.

This drop in jobless numbers was one of the biggest reductions in the EU, while unemployment is still 50% higher in neighbouring Spain.

However, despite the reductions in unemployment seen over the past few months, Portugal still has the fourth highest unemployment rate in Europe.

Meanwhile, Portugal’s ‘golden’ visa programme, allowing foreign citizens a residency visa in return for either investment or the purchase of a property, has recorded its best month ever in October with the scheme drawing in over €126m in investment, the CPCI, the Portuguese Confederation of Construction and Property, just reported.

Since the programme was launched in 2013, €972m has been invested in Portuguese property the CPCI reported.