Why Choosing Portugal

To choose Portugal as a possible destination for your investment project is the right decision because it’s a prime location to invest, do business and live.
We look forward to welcoming you to Portugal and help you making the correct investment on the Portuguese Real Estate Market.

Location

Portugal has a fantastic strategic location.
Located at the west of Europe along the Atlantic Ocean; Portugal represents the perfect gateway to the European Continent and a perfect hub for air and sea transportation linking Europe to the Asian, African and American Continents.
Portuguese market is far larger than it may initially appear. It has 10.6 million people in the mainland and in Madeira and Azores islands, but it is also a gateway to a market of about 250 million people in the Portuguese speaking countries.
Portuguese is the 5th most widely spoken language in the world shared by countries like Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, São Tomé and Principe, Guinea-Bissau and East Timor.

Key facts about Portugal’s location:

• Nearest European country to the American continent time zones
• 3 hours from Brazilian, Argentine and Russian time zones
• Same time zone as UK and Ireland

People

Portugal has today a strong pool of workforce with high level of education in a wide range of fields, especially in Business and Administration, with high motivation and adaptability. Although we have a highly qualified and motivated workforce, our wages continue to be competitive when compared to various other EU countries.

The Portuguese workforce is specially “language skilled”. Forty-two per cent of the population can hold a conversation in, at least, one foreign language and 23% can do it in at least 2 languages. The most widely spoken language in the country is English followed by French and Spanish.

Key facts:

• Growing number of students enrolled in Portuguese universities
• Measures in place to keep upgrading qualifications of Portuguese workforce
• High skilled and motivated workforce with competitive wages
• Language skilled workforce

Infrastructures

Our country is very well known for being among those with some of the most advanced communication systems. Portugal ranks 7th in fastest broadband speed and 9th in terms of price according to ITIF Broadband Rankings.
When it comes to making businesses move, we have what it takes. By air, sea or land we have the speed you need to make your products flow worldwide.
Portugal has three international airports in the mainland besides others in the Azores and Madeira Islands with regular daily flights to all major world cities.
By sea, we have several main sea ports in the mainland, all receiving international traffic: Sines, Leixões and Lisbon are the most important ones. These 3 ports have regular cargo lines, linking Portugal to the North, Central and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and Middle East and dedicated train lines to expedite goods. On the other hand Lisbon at the moment is one of the most important European touristic cruise destinations.

Portugal has probably the best highway network the cavers the all country, making it easy and fast the connections by land either internally or to Spain and Europe.

Key facts:

• Several international airports
• Daily flights to major cities around the world
• Several main sea ports
• Several international railway lines
• Extensive highway network with several routes to Europe
• Advanced communication system

Business Environment

Portugal joined the EU in 1986 and since then the country went through a period of strong reforms and investments, mainly in infrastructures, that contributed to a rapid acceleration in Gross Domestic Product.

Costs

If “time is money” you are immediatly saving money by opening a company in Portugal. Due to the On the Spot Companies innovative system the incorporation of a new company takes on average, only 46 minutes. Far less then the average time required in the OECD countries.

The procedures to set up a company, in Portugal, are not only fast, but also getting less and less expensive.

The cost of set up procedures have been reduced to a quarter of the previous level.

Quality of life

Portugal, one of the world’s most ancient nations, is experiencing extensive and dynamic changes

Our country is the homeland of companies that develop some of the finest technologies that are impacting our world. Some examples are the following: Portuguese technologies permit the owners of electric cars to be informed, by a text message, of the need to recharge their cars. Solar roof tiles that absorb the sun rays that heat your house water. The production of the world’s most efficient clean energy wind tower. Software that allows you to purchase a ticket, by mobile phone, at the movie theater of your choice.

Portugal’s profile also goes beyond innovation. It is also made of recognition that some of the best traditional products have our country as a birthplace. For example, Portuguese wine brands and olive oil brands are among the best in the world.

Portugal is also a safe country with great logistic infrastructures, advanced communication systems, and a friendly economic environment. These are some of the reasons why many world leading companies are choosing Portugal to invest. Danone is planning to install the biggest European center of drinkable yogurt. Pescanova invested in the largest turbot production unit. Cisco is installing a “super” sales and support center and Nokia Siemens Networks inaugurated recently a new Global Networks Solutions Centre. But please do note, these are just a few examples because just recently  Google took the decision to chose Portugal to locate a new service center and technology hub to cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Furthermore, Portugal is not only a good country to invest but also a most desirable  place to live. A place to visit and enjoy.  You can find here a safe, environmentally responsible, with privileged nature, rich leisure and culture and with high quality healthcare facilities. Portugal is blessed by abundant sunlight and warm temperatures that, certainly, makes you feel motivated and productive.

References

Portugal Global (2018)