The 2025 budget balance once again exceeded expectations, with a surplus of 0.7% of GDP. Part of the support came from tax revenues generated by a labour market that is still growing.
The economy's ability to create jobs continues to lead the State to surpluses

Context & Explainers
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento is Portugal’s Finance Minister who gave a hearing before the Budget, Finance and Public Administration Committee about fiscal measures affecting housing. His remarks matter to expats because finance ministry decisions — like exemptions and public guarantees for young homebuyers — influence the property market, taxes and programmes that can affect housing affordability.
Portugal recorded a budget surplus of 0.7% of Gross Domestic Product (Produto Interno Bruto or PIB) in 2023, a result the government describes as historic. This performance is notably stronger than the Eurozone average deficit of 3.6%, as well as deficits in France (5.5%), the UK (6.0%), and the United States (6.3%). The surplus helps the country reduce its public debt, though officials warn of future economic uncertainty.
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Other news coverage of this topic
- Sarmento's five warnings for the 2026 public accounts following a “historic result” in 20256:37am, 27 Mar 2026 • ECO
- It is a good principle for governments to do everything possible to have a budget surplus12:32am, 27 Mar 2026 • Correio da Manhã
- The (dis)enchantment with public accounts12:30am, 27 Mar 2026 • Correio da Manhã
- Deficit: Government celebrates victory over Mário Centeno11:23pm, 26 Mar 2026 • Público
- Budgetary 'brilliant performance' achieved with record social security contributions and deep cuts to planned investment10:40pm, 26 Mar 2026 • Diário de Notícias
- Seven answers regarding the 2025 state surplus10:00pm, 26 Mar 2026 • Observador







