Scope upgrades Portugal's rating to “A+” with a “stable” outlook
The rating agency Scope has improved Portugal's credit rating to “A+”, maintaining a stable outlook for the country's economy.

Latest news and stories about credit rating in government in Portugal for expats and residents.
The rating agency Scope has improved Portugal's credit rating to “A+”, maintaining a stable outlook for the country's economy.

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Portugal's sovereign debt rating from A to A+, citing strengthened public finances and a projected decline in government debt. Finance Minister Joaquim Miranda Sarmento welcomed the decision as a sign of international confidence in the Portuguese economy. The agency projects economic growth of 2.1% for 2026, supported by primary surpluses and investment.
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento is Portugal's Finance Minister in the AD government led by Luís Montenegro. An economist and professor at ISEG (Lisbon School of Economics & Management), he served as PSD parliamentary group leader before joining the government.
As Finance Minister, he oversees the state budget, tax policy, public debt management, and fiscal relations with the EU. His decisions on tax brackets, IRS withholding tables, housing incentives, and public spending directly affect residents' cost of living and investment climate.

The credit rating agency DBRS has maintained Portugal's 'A (high)' rating while upgrading its outlook from stable to positive. This decision reflects expectations that the country's debt-to-GDP ratio will continue to decline, supported by prudent fiscal management and favorable economic growth dynamics.
DBRS Morningstar is a Canadian credit-rating agency that assesses sovereign and corporate creditworthiness; its ratings influence investor confidence and borrowing costs. In January 2025 DBRS upgraded Portugal to A (high) with a stable outlook, kept that rating in a July 2025 review, and most recently chose not to change it — a signal that creditors see Portugal’s finances as relatively solid.

Standard & Poor's maintained Portugal's long‑ and short‑term sovereign rating at A+ and changed the outlook from stable to positive, citing economic resilience and falling net public debt. The agency said budget management and solid growth support the revision and that a positive outlook often precedes a future upgrade. Markets and the government may interpret this as validation of recent fiscal trends; investors should monitor finance ministry statements and bond market moves.
S&P, short for Standard & Poor's, is a major US credit-rating agency; on 27 February it kept Portugal's sovereign rating at A+ but changed the outlook from stable to positive. An A+ is investment grade and a positive outlook means S&P sees a greater chance of an upgrade in future, which can lower government borrowing costs and influence bond yields, mortgages and investor confidence in Portugal.

Fitch has upgraded Portugal's sovereign debt rating to A+, reflecting improved fiscal discipline and debt reduction, though challenges regarding productivity and high debt levels remain.

The Government considered today that Portugal's credit rating upgrade is “another step in credibility and growing international confidence” and confirms the country as “an increasingly relevant partner”. “Portugal is stronger today, more credible and with greater international recognition. The upgrade of the rating to A+ is another step in...

The President of the Republic has welcomed the recent improvement in Portugal's credit rating, describing it as a very positive development for the country.

The rating agency Fitch has upgraded Portugal's long-term default ratings from A to A+. In its announcement, Fitch explains that the upgrade reflects the improvement in Portugal's public finances, including a projected path for public debt reduction and fiscal balances that are significantly stronger than those of other countries, supported by a solid political commitment to fiscal prudence. The agency notes that while Portugal still has a high inherited public and external debt, political prudence, consistently better-than-expected fiscal performance, and persistent current account surpluses have increased economic resilience and the capacity to absorb shocks. In September 2025, the same credit rating agency had upgraded Portugal's rating from A- to A. Fitch is deciding on Portugal's rating, with analysts believing an upgrade is possible, while S&P maintains Portugal's rating at A+ but improves its outlook to positive.

Finance Minister Miranda Sarmento comments on the credit rating upgrade by Fitch, marking a positive economic milestone for the country.

The rating agency Fitch is set to review Portugal's sovereign debt rating today, with the possibility of an upgrade.

Fitch Ratings is expected to review Portugal's credit rating today, with analysts anticipating potential updates.

The A+ rating with a positive outlook is not just a technical number; it is a sign that the country has moved from being a risky periphery to becoming a destination for stable capital.

Standard & Poor's is expected to review Portugal's credit rating, with analysts providing their predictions on the potential outcome.


The credit rating agency KBRA warns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East represents a significant risk factor that could negatively impact the credit quality of Portuguese sovereign debt.

Moody's will announce its credit rating assessment for Portugal this Friday. Kevin Warsh takes office as the new chair of the Federal Reserve. The informal meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) and the Eurogroup meeting begin in Nicosia, Cyprus, while the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in...

If Aston Villa wins the Europa League, the club that finishes second in the Portuguese league will go directly to the Champions League. Additionally, cartoonist João Abel Manta has died at the age of 98.

The article discusses Portugal's political and economic landscape over the past decade, highlighting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's tenure, which is concluding this Monday. It reflects on his leadership style, characterized by “affection,” and reviews key events and developments during his time in office. Additionally, the article covers Portugal's recent credit rating stability and outlook improvements by Fitch, as well as ongoing economic challenges such as rising fuel prices. Overall, it provides an overview of Portugal's political stability, economic status, and notable moments from the last ten years of President Marcelo's presidency.

The article highlights Portugal's recent economic outlook, noting that Fitch Ratings has maintained Portugal's credit rating and improved its outlook to “positive.” It also mentions a notable incident involving a TAP flight diverted to Ponta Delgada due to odors. Additionally, the piece reflects on Portugal's political landscape, with President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa preparing to leave office after a decade of leadership, and discusses broader international issues such as the Middle East conflict and global economic trends like rising fuel prices.

The article highlights Portugal's recent economic and political developments. Fitch Ratings has maintained Portugal's credit rating and improved its outlook to positive, signaling economic stability. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, known as the “president of affections,” is set to leave office on Monday, marking the end of a decade of leadership. Additionally, Portugal experienced a flight incident caused by odors, leading to a diversion to Ponta Delgada. The country also faces rising fuel prices, with diesel expected to surpass gasoline in cost again. Overall, Portugal is navigating economic stability amid political transitions and external challenges.

The article highlights Portugal's recent economic outlook, noting that Fitch Ratings has maintained Portugal's credit rating while improving its outlook to “positive.” It also covers Portugal's ongoing challenges and developments, including the impact of global events such as the war in Ukraine and regional geopolitical tensions. Additionally, the article mentions Portugal's participation in international financial markets and economic indicators, reflecting a cautiously optimistic economic trajectory amid external uncertainties.

In August, the credit rating agency P upgraded Portugal's rating to 'A+', changing the outlook from positive to stable.

The article reports that S&P has maintained Portugal's credit rating at 'A+' while upgrading its outlook from stable to positive. This change reflects the resilience of Portugal's economy and a reduction in its debt levels.

DBRS has decided to keep Portugal's rating unchanged at 'A' (high), also leaving the outlook stable, warning of the risks to economic growth, according to the decision published today.

This Friday will be marked by DBRS's review of Portugal's credit rating; the visits of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to Brazil; President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's meeting with the President of Estonia, Alar Karis; and the release by Statistics Portugal (INE) of key figures for December 2025, ...
