An outward attitude

The global influence of Portugal, a slender country, the land mass of which covers western Europe’s extremity, belies its modest size. Borders defined by rivers and mountains have changed little since the 12th century, and with a seaboard stretching hundreds of miles – and being the birthplace of some of the world’s pre-eminent navigators and explorers – it has always looked outwards.

Conquests made from the 15th to 17th centuries turned Portugal into a great colonial power, before a catastrophic earthquake in 1755 laid waste to Lisbon and did much to snuff out the country’s overseas exploits. Since then, Portugal has survived a number of economic depressions, and even a fascist dictatorship, but has a habit of bouncing back.

Diplomatic bonds between the UK and Portugal stretch back 650 years. Last year, the two countries celebrated the Treaty of London, an alliance formed in 1373 between King Edward III and King Ferdinand and Queen Eleanor of Portugal, committing the nations to ‘peace, friendship and alliance’. Anglo Portuguese relations were further underpinned in 1703 by the Methuen Treaty, a military and commercial agreement signed during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Portugal’s reputation these days is as a tolerant, outward-looking country, with its heart in the EU. The rupture of Brexit was felt keenly by the UK’s oldest ally, culturally and commercially. However, the two countries moved swiftly to try to salvage what they could and, in 2022, they signed a bilateral agreement to explore opportunities in research collaboration, cooperation in education and science, business connections, tourism, and much else.

So, what of Brexit’s impact on removals? ‘It certainly added complexity to our trade with the UK, because of new customs regulations and administrative procedures,’ says Wesley Thomé, President of One Moving. ‘However, our expertise in international relocations has enabled us to navigate this.’

This sense of a Brexit burden is echoed across Portugal’s FIDI membership. ‘Despite the challenges, the UK remains an important trade partner for us,’ says Global International CEO Jorge Gomes. Meanwhile, Fábio Manuel, founder and CEO of Invictus Relocations, is making the best of the situation, having ‘leveraged experience and knowledge to adapt’. ‘We have also strengthened partnerships with trusted UK agents to mitigate potential disruptions.’

Portugal’s colonial past remains a big driver of removals. It was from Brazil – once the biggest Portuguese colony – that One Moving took over Premier International Movers in January. ‘Since acquisition, we’ve identified significant growth opportunities within Portugal and abroad, particularly Brazil and other former territories,’ says Thomé. ‘These regions continue to be significant two-way destinations for us.’

Manuel sees Brazil and other former Portuguese territories as ‘very significant’ in terms of two-way trade.

‘A shared language and cultural ties facilitate the natural flow of moving citizens and business transactions,’ he says. ‘Some former colonies experiencing different crises – whether political, crime or financial difficulties – see Portugal as their go-to country. A safe haven near the ocean becomes very attractive. They look for the proximity and a relatively easy immigration process.’

Thomé believes a detailed knowledge of Brazilian and Portuguese markets gives Premier International Moving its competitive edge. Primary areas of business include international residential relocations, fine arts transportation, corporate moves, and storage. The company is ever alert for fresh opportunities – ‘we see emerging markets and the increased mobility of global workforces as key growth drivers’, says Thomé.

For Invictus, the increased appetite for mobility services is driven by corporate expansions and the growing numbers of expats. ‘We’re focusing on key markets, such as the United States, South America, Australia, Europe, and Asia, where demand is increasing,’ says Manuel.

In 2012, having been buffeted by economic downturns – especially the global banking crisis – Portugal created its “Golden Visa” scheme in an effort to revive its fortunes. This granted residency to people who bought properties worth a minimum of €500,000 or who created at least 10 jobs in the country. Although plagued by bureaucracy and legal wrangles, the scheme has done FIDI members a power of good.

Government figures released in 2020 claimed new arrivals had bought more than 8,200 properties and invested more than €500m. By far the greatest number of residence permits – 4,500 out of 8,700 – went to Chinese nationals.

Recently, however, Portugal began rowing back on the policy. ‘The most significant change is removing real estate purchases as a qualifying investment,’ says Gomes. ‘It’s likely to affect property demand, potentially reducing the number choosing Portugal via this route.’

He remains optimistic, however. ‘Other avenues – such as investment funds and company creation – remain attractive for foreign investors,’ Gomes points out. ‘Despite the changes, the country remains committed to supporting and attracting qualified individuals who follow the proper channels. These measures aim to prevent the influx of illegal immigration while ensuring Portugal continues to benefit from the skills and contributions of professionals who meet the necessary criteria.’

Global’s services range from international moves, relocation and immigration services to pet transportation and storage. ‘Recently, we identified significant potential in the niche market of fine-art transportation and museum installations,’ says Gomes. Making the most of that will, he adds, reinforce the company’s focus on strengthening its market presence within Portugal.

Invictus has also enjoyed a Golden Visa-driven boost. ‘Tightening the Golden Visa rules has had a mixed impact,’ says Manuel. ‘While it’s slowed down the influx of new applicants, it has also led to a more stable and sustainable market.’

One Moving has been adapting its strategy to cope. ‘We continue to see interest from overseas clients looking to Portugal for its quality of life and investment opportunities,’ says Thomé. ‘But immigration restrictions are likely to impact the ease with which international staff can move. However, our approach to planning and compliance ensures we’re prepared to handle these changes.

‘We’ve expanded our consultancy services. This includes offering tailored advice on alternative investment options that still qualify for the Golden Visa, such as rehabilitation projects in urban regeneration areas. We’ve also strengthened partnerships with local real estate experts, legal advisers, and financial consultants, to provide a comprehensive relocation package.’

One Moving is also targeting non-EU markets that still qualify for the Golden Visa, such as the US, Brazil, and various Asian countries. ‘By showcasing opportunities in Portugal, we help maintain a steady influx of relocations, despite the regulatory changes.’

The four-year economic recovery Portugal enjoyed after seven lean years was brutally derailed by COVID. The EU responded with its National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which, in Portugal, focused on the longstanding need to improve skills and increase competitiveness, plus other priorities, notably climate and digital transitions. In July 2024, the EU announced that Portugal would receive €22.2bn in non repayable support and loans – 10.7 per cent of the country’s 2019 gross domestic product (GDP). That said, a resurgent tourism industry was – and still is – driving recovery, with GDP growth projected at 4.3 per cent this year. In fact, GDP has been rising since 2022.

For FIDI members in Portugal, as elsewhere, COVID triggered emergency measures and improvisations that are now standard industry practice. ‘There’s been a shift towards greater flexibility in scheduling and service delivery, to accommodate health and safety concerns,’ says Thomé. ‘The pandemic has highlighted the importance of adaptability.’

Digital is here to stay – virtual surveys and consultations to reduce physical contact are ubiquitous. ‘The pandemic also heightened the importance of hygiene and sanitation, leading us to adopt more rigorous cleaning protocols,’ says Gomes. ‘These remain in place.’

It’s much the same at Invictus, where virtual surveys that ‘became essential’ offer ‘enhanced convenience and operational efficiency’. The firm’s dash towards new technology now includes using AI-driven logistics management systems. ‘The pandemic also highlighted the importance of adaptability,’ says Manuel.

‘We’ve become more agile. The ability to adapt has strengthened our resilience and preparedness for future challenges.’

Research conducted last year by the Spanish bank Caixa declared that Portugal’s labour market has now entered ‘a golden age’ – ‘the unemployment rate at rock bottom… job vacancies at a peak.’ However, the difficulties FIDI members face in recruiting good staff anywhere in the world are well documented. ‘Attracting new talent can be challenging, but also presents an opportunity,’ says Thomé. ‘The working culture here emphasises a strong balance between professional and personal life, which appeals to many. We focus on continuous training and career development to attract and retain skilled professionals.’

Global International makes a point of setting out its stall to prospective employees. ‘We don’t just rely on the market – we showcase career opportunities,’ says Gomes. ‘Our benefits package includes psychological support, transportation subsidies, or monthly happy hours.’

Invictus promotes the ‘dynamic and rewarding nature’ of the work – from logistics and operations to customer service and sales – appealing to ‘a wide range of skill sets and interests’. ‘In Portugal, the working culture is characterised by a strong sense of community and collaboration,’ says Manuel. ‘We emphasise teamwork, provide employees with training and development, and highlight opportunities for international exposure and cultural exchange – employees can work with clients from around the world, gaining valuable insights and experiences.’

Manuel is keen to differentiate between the established strengths of FIDI members and the ‘recent influx’ of new moving companies trying to get a foothold in the domestic market. ‘It’s crucial to understand that Portugal presents unique professional and cultural challenges that many [industry] newcomers may not be prepared for,’ he says.

‘Setting up a business here, particularly in relocation, is far from straightforward. Navigating the bureaucratic landscape requires not only patience, but also a deep understanding of local regulations and licensing requirements.’ Companies operating without licences and business permits ‘not only undermine the integrity of the industry, but also pose significant risks to customers.’ Often, Manuel adds, they lack professionalism and accountability.

‘Cultural nuances in Portugal demand a level of adaptability and respect that can only be acquired through experience. Misunderstandings can arise easily, and without a solid grasp of local customs and expectations, new businesses may struggle to establish trust and rapport with clients.’

The Portuguese relocation market should be approached with ‘bravery and diplomacy’. ‘Success requires more than business acumen,’ Manuel says. ‘It demands a commitment to understand and integrate into the culture. It’s not for the faint-hearted.’