Foreign direct investment reaches record levels in Porto
Between 2020 and 2024, the city of Porto attracted 2.4 billion euros in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Technology and innovation, logistics and infrastructure, and tourism were among the sectors with the greatest weight during this period. Spain, France, and the United Kingdom lead the list of investor countries.
According to Rui Moreira, the Mayor of Porto, “Over the last few decades, the city has established itself as a destination of excellence for global companies, resulting from a combination of factors such as innovation, economic competitiveness, and talent. Today, due to local universities and research centres, Porto has a highly specialised and internationally recognised workforce.”
The mayor also highlighted a “significant evolution” that reflects the “growing interest on the part of international companies in establishing their operations in the city.”
Since 2020, FDI figures in Porto have shown remarkable growth, reaching 302 million euros in 2021, 583 million euros in 2022, and a record 1 billion euros in 2023, representing the peak of the post-Covid recovery period. In 2024, however, there was a decline to 300 million euros, in line with the “global downward trend.”
Regarding talent as a factor for Porto’s international attractiveness, data from the National Statistics Institute (INE) revealed that more than half of the graduates in science, engineering, and mathematics in the 2022/23 academic year graduated from colleges in Porto and the northwest region of the country.
“At the same time, Porto stands out for its quality of life, offering a balance between personal and professional life at more competitive costs when compared to other European cities. The vibrant local culture, safety, and hospitality are also factors that distinguish the city in the eyes of international investors. In terms of its commitment to mobility and accessibility, as well as smart infrastructures, Porto is positioning itself as an innovative centre that is ready for the future,” the Mayor added.
Porto is an excellent investment option for all those wishing to invest in Portugal, as the country is increasingly prepared to receive investments and grow along with companies. OportoAccounting is always on hand to provide expert advice, to help foreign entrepreneurs and investors to find their way around the business environment in Portugal, offering strategic solutions to maximize the success of their investments in the country.
