How to do business in Portugal

Portugal is a sovereign country member of the European Union, constituted as a democratic state of law. Its territory, with capital in Lisbon, is located in southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. For this reason it is one of the most important import and export markets in Spain. Doing business in Portugal is simple, especially since the entry of the Euro, but we must take into account some important cultural aspects.

one

The language, keep in mind that the Portuguese understand more or less the Spanish but it will not be a language they use to do business, especially in the capital. The Portuguese speak English well.

two

According to Doing Business 2011 Portugal is the 31st country in the world best for doing business, with a per capita income of almost € 21, 000. Keep in mind that they are numbers similar to Spain, the only thing that the market size is smaller, 11 million vs 45 from Spain.

3

Dress tag for business in Portugal. Business men and women dress elegantly, and at formal social events and dinners in elegant restaurants, formality prevails. Normally, only executives and executives usually exchange business cards in companies.

4

The worst months for business trips are those that coincide with the summer holidays: July and August. Office hours: From 09:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Friday.

5

Portuguese foreign trade plays a prominent role in the country's economy, contributing on average between 55% and 70% of GDP over the course of the last decade (more than 67% in 2002). The relative weight of trade with the EU in the whole is close to 80%, after having grown very significantly in recent years.

6

Although one of the advantages of Portugal is certainly its diversity, there is no doubt that the capital of Lisbon is crucial in the field of business tourism. In addition to its fairgrounds and its spaces equipped for smaller meetings and meetings, the Lisboa Congress Center, located near Belém, stands out clearly.

7

Spain is, at a great distance from the rest, the first supplier of Portugal and one of its first customers, and bilateral trade, traditionally favorable to Spain, has experienced uninterrupted growth and diversification since 1986, with notable opportunities for Spanish products.

8

Commercial information Associação Comercial de Lisboa Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Portugal, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 89, 1169-022 Lisbon, Portugal Tel: 2132 24050. Website: www.port-chambers.comConfederação do Comércio e Serviços de Portugal (CCP) Avenida Dom Vasco de Gama 29, 1449-032 Lisbon, Portugal Tel: 2130 31380. Website: www.ccp.pt