Portugal is today one of the preferred destinations for French companies expanding internationally. Its cultural proximity, EU membership, dynamic economy and investor appeal make it a strategic market.
Why grow your business in Portugal?
Portugal attracts many French companies in construction, renewable energy, industry, automotive, aerospace, digital, IT, shared service centres, real estate, hospitality and tourism, international trade, healthcare, logistics.
Which status should you choose?
Secondment — maintains French social security affiliation during a temporary assignment; widely used in construction, engineering, industrial maintenance and services.
Expatriation — when the assignment becomes long-term, the employee generally falls under the Portuguese social security scheme.
Local hire — for a lasting set-up, direct recruitment under a Portuguese contract may be preferable.
Social protection and taxation
France and Portugal apply European rules coordinating social security systems. Taxation depends on tax residence, length of stay, place of work, and the France–Portugal tax treaty.
International telework
Portugal has become a popular destination for international telework. Before authorising remote work from Portugal, it's essential to assess consequences for social security, tax residence, reporting obligations, payroll and labour law.
Key figures
Capital: Lisbon. Currency: Euro (€). Official language: Portuguese. EU and eurozone member. Time zone: UTC +0 (+1 in summer).
Frequently asked questions
Can an employee be seconded to Portugal? Yes, subject to European rules and administrative formalities.
Is Split Payroll common? Yes, used by many international companies to split remuneration between France and Portugal.
Besoin d'un accompagnement pour Portugal ?
Nos experts en paie internationale réalisent un audit personnalisé de votre projet de mobilité vers Portugal.