Over the past few years, Portugal has experienced remarkable growth in the European IT market. Attractive tax incentives, combined with the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa in 2022, have positioned the country as a key destination for investors and tech companies looking to establish operations.
While major cities like Lisbon and Porto continue to thrive, this growth is increasingly spreading to smaller cities across the country.
If you’re planning to expand your tech business into Portugal or hire IT talent, understanding which cities are driving this growth is essential. As a recruitment agency specialising in the Portuguese IT market, we’ve outlined the key tech hubs for companies and professionals alike.
Lisbon, with its strong international outlook, remains the top choice for investors entering the Portuguese market.
Since 1991, the city has been home to LisPolis, one of Portugal’s leading technology hubs, hosting over 120 companies ranging from startups to multinational corporations. Lisbon is also a major destination for global tech events such as the Web Summit, attracting thousands of industry professionals every year.
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and has traditionally relied heavily on tourism. However, in recent years, it has been actively diversifying its economy and investing in new growth areas.
Offering a similar level of modernity and international appeal as Lisbon—but at a lower cost of living—Porto has become an increasingly popular choice for both companies and professionals relocating to Portugal.
The city is also home to one of the country’s leading universities, contributing to a strong pipeline of highly skilled talent.
Coimbra is widely recognised for the prestigious University of Coimbra, making it an ideal location for research and development-focused businesses.
Each year, the university produces thousands of graduates in engineering, science, and software development, creating a strong and consistent talent pool. The launch of Coimbra iParque in 2011 further strengthened the city’s position, providing a large-scale innovation space for startups and established tech companies.
Traditionally known as a tourist destination, Aveiro has spent the last two decades evolving its economic model.
In 2009, the University of Aveiro helped establish the PCI (Science and Innovation Park), designed to attract new businesses to the region. Today, it supports over 40 startups and has been involved in more than 150 research projects, making it an emerging player in Portugal’s tech ecosystem.
Located close to Porto and near the Spanish border, Braga has become a strategic location for companies looking to operate across both Portugal and Spain.
The launch of InvestBraga in 2014 marked a turning point, with a strong focus on attracting investment and supporting business growth. Within this initiative, Startup Braga stands out as a key programme helping high-potential tech startups scale internationally.
As Portugal’s IT sector continues to grow, so does the demand for highly skilled talent. As specialists in IT recruitment in the Portuguese market, we support companies in identifying and attracting top professionals across the country.
If you’re looking to build or expand your team in Portugal, our recruiters can help you connect with the right talent in the country’s leading tech hubs.
Get in touch to find out how we can support your hiring needs in Portugal.
Alejandro Pino Alamillo – Recruitment Manager @E-Frontiers Spain alejandro.pino@e-frontiers.ie
Conoce al autor de este artículo aquí: Alfonso Moreiras – Senior IT Recruiter
