Latest news and stories about investment in finance in Porto, Portugal for expats and residents.
Three prominent businesswomen in the luxury sector discuss how reducing tax burdens and improving professional training are essential for industry growth, while also highlighting the strategic importance of new infrastructure like airports.
The office market in Porto is experiencing high demand, with one-third of the 98,600 square metres currently under construction already reserved.
TAP is investing €20 million to build a new aircraft maintenance hub and hangar in Porto, a project due to take two years and expected to create about 200 jobs. The move is intended to increase the carrier’s maintenance self-sufficiency, reduce outsourcing and boost operational autonomy as the airline undergoes privatisation, while Porto’s network will be strengthened with services to Terceira, Praia, Tel Aviv and an enhanced link to Boston.
Ageas has concluded the deal to purchase 25% of AG Insurance from BNP Paribas Fortis for approximately 1.9 billion euros, now holding the entire capital of the Belgian insurer. The completion of the agreement was announced this week and follows the signing of a framework agreement between the BNP Paribas and Ageas groups in December last year for the sale of this stake. At the same time, BNP Paribas Cardif, the French group's insurance subsidiary, increased its stake in Ageas from 14.9% to 22.5%, following an investment of 1.1 billion euros, contributing in particular to the capital increase of Ageas completed on April 28, according to a document sent today by BNP Paribas. The two groups also signed a relationship agreement that will define the governance framework of their partnership, with a duration of five years, renewable automatically. With the completion of the acquisition, AG and BNP Paribas Fortis have renewed their bancassurance partnership (savings, protection, and life and non-life insurance) for another 15 years. The Ageas insurance group's profit fell 13.1% to 953 million euros in 2023.
Land for the construction of 130 housing units and two apartments are the real estate component for sale in the auction of Boavista's assets
Nuno Melo expects the signing of SAFE contracts soon and guarantees that the delay in the Strategic Defence Concept does not hinder investments.
Prime residential prices in Porto rose by 8.5% in 2025, the best performance among the Portuguese markets analysed by Knight Frank in The Wealth Report 2026, even ahead of Marbella in Spain. Quinta do Lago, in the Algarve, saw a 5.2% increase, while Lisbon grew by 2.7%. It is concluded that Portugal continued to attract international buyers. The real estate sector...
The allocation of the Norte 2030 programme for the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) rises from 365 to 406 million euros. No PRR funds will be lost, including those in the education sector.
Real estate developer and asset manager Âncora Investments has announced a partnership with PMA – Paulo Merlini Architects to develop two large-scale residential projects in the Porto Metropolitan Area, located in Canelas (Vila Nova de Gaia) and Águas Santas (Maia). The initial investment is estimated at 180 million euros, with the potential to increase as the projects progress. The developments are expected to total over 80,000 m² of above-ground construction and approximately 650 homes aimed at the mid-market segment. Construction is scheduled to begin within the next 12 months and will be carried out in phases.
Sogrape, the family-owned wine group behind brands like Ferreirinha, Sandeman, and Mateus, is advancing its 'Seed the Future' sustainability program. The company reported a 3.7 million euro investment in sustainability initiatives last year, focusing on renewable energy, water conservation, and carbon footprint reduction. Mafalda Guedes, representing the fourth generation of the founding family, highlights that the group's vineyards in Portugal currently sequester 116% of their direct carbon emissions, while the company continues to work toward long-term decarbonization and operational efficiency across its global supply chain.
Rocket engine producer Hypermetal has raised three million euros and is taking new steps towards future projects with the French company Dassault Aviation, both in the space sector, for the Vortex orbital vehicle, and in defence, with fighter jets. The company is also developing a project in the field of nuclear fusion.
The government's proposal to eliminate the Court of Auditors' prior approval for public contracts up to 10 million euros has sparked a divide between the executive and the Court's president, Filipa Urbano Galvão. While Prime Minister Luís Montenegro frames the measure as an administrative simplification, the Court of Auditors warns of risks to public finance oversight. However, mayors from Porto, Matosinhos, and Évora argue that the current system causes excessive delays and that the change will unlock investment without sacrificing accountability.
The Oporto Metropolitano, a project bringing a mixed-use concept of housing, hospitality, retail, and services to the Greater Porto market with an investment exceeding 30 million euros, will begin operating its 50 serviced apartments at the end of the summer. The residences, ranging from studios to one-bedroom apartments, offer amenities such as 24-hour concierge, regular cleaning, a restaurant, a grocery store, a gym, and nearby medical assistance. Located near the AEP roundabout in Matosinhos, the development is divided into two blocks with different investment models. Block A, housing the serviced apartments, has over 50% of its units sold, with prices ranging from 198,900 to 285,000 euros, while Block B is already fully sold. The project offers investors a guaranteed minimum return of 5% for the first two years. Jorge Santos, leader of the bbgourmet Group, notes that the project reflects a shift in how people view housing, prioritizing convenience and flexibility.
Aquitex, a Portuguese chemical company, announced on Monday, the 6th, that Iberis Capital has become its majority shareholder in a move to drive growth and international expansion. While the deal value was not disclosed, Iberis Capital has taken control of the company, with Jorge and Matilde Faria remaining as minority shareholders and executive managers. Founded in 1963 and based in Maia, Aquitex manufactures and markets chemical products for the textile, ceramic, detergent, and cosmetic industries. The company plans to use this partnership to accelerate expansion, develop new products, and explore new business segments, while maintaining the current management team and strengthening the Board of Directors.
Iberis Capital has purchased a majority stake in the chemical company Aquitex, which specialises in the production and sale of chemical products for the textile, ceramic, detergent, and cosmetic industries, to support it in the development of new products and the exploration of other business segments. The entry of the Lisbon-based private equity firm into the capital of the Maia-based company...
Lektou Cortés provided legal advice to the Barrière Group regarding the public tender for the exclusive concession to operate games of chance in the Póvoa de Varzim gaming zone. The Barrière Group is internationally recognised as an operator in the gaming and entertainment sector. The adjudication process...
Greater Porto will gain 51,000 square metres of new office space this year, according to Sofia Pires, head of Commercial Real Estate at Dils in Porto. She notes that 70% of this new supply is already taken, as companies increasingly encourage employees to return to the office to foster collaboration and culture. Developers are responding to this demand, with 130,000 square metres of office space expected to reach the market by 2028, including major projects like HOP - Heart of Porto, Spark Matosinhos, and various redevelopments by Avenue, Sonae Sierra, Grupo Ferreira, and Mota-Engil. These new developments prioritise sustainability, ESG standards, and green certifications to attract and retain talent. Last year, commercial real estate investment in Portugal reached €2.8 billion, with the Northern region, particularly Greater Porto, attracting significant international interest.
The current concessionaire of the Leixões container terminal, Yilport, considers the project for the construction of the new North terminal at the Port of Leixões to be the “worst option”, “unsustainable in the medium and long term”, and at risk of becoming “obsolete even before recovering the investment”. The company argues that...
Cerejeira Namora, Marinho Falcão advised the Porto-based engineering and architecture consultancy firm VHM on the acquisition of a majority stake by Groupe IDEC, one of the largest operators in the French real estate sector with an average annual turnover of 500 million euros. The advisory services covered the entire process of...
The chronic housing shortage and high market prices in Portugal are driving investment toward cities on the periphery of Lisbon and Porto. In Vila Nova de Gaia, property values are rising due to strong demand, proximity to Porto, and scenic views. Experts note that while average prices for high-end homes range between 4,500 and 6,000 euros per square metre, prime locations such as Canidelo, Madalena, Santa Marinha, and Afurada offer significant growth potential, with some areas seeing appreciation exceeding 50%. Gaia currently accounts for 24% of transactions in the Porto Metropolitan Area, benefiting from prices 28% lower than those in Porto city.
Several grey and black circles are carefully aligned next to the glass wall that marks the entrance to the Optimal Group unit in Alcabideche, in the municipality of Cascais. They are discreet and almost go unnoticed when, upon entering, one spots in the background, next to the sofas, a car door with bullet holes or further ahead...
Porto airport needs investment in its expansion to avoid having to 'fight against losses' in the future, said the president of Porto and North Tourism, Luís Pedro Martins, today.
On the day the Bank of Portugal releases the March Economic Bulletin, the president of the Court of Auditors is heard in Parliament regarding the RRP, and the INE releases the Housing Bank Valuation Survey for February. This Wednesday, the city of Porto will find out if it will host the headquarters of...
The first joint project between Sonae and Casais will be located in Porto and will feature approximately 200 apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Sonae will handle management and development, while Casais will oversee construction.
Sonae CEO Cláudia Azevedo and CFO João Dolores addressed the potential impact of the Middle East conflict on food prices, noting that while inflation is currently controlled, the geopolitical situation remains a major uncertainty. The group reported a strong 2025 performance with a 14% increase in turnover, while highlighting a shift in consumer behaviour towards private-label products, which now account for one-third of Continente's sales. Additionally, the company announced a €100 million investment in built-to-rent housing projects in Portugal and Spain.
The President of the European Council gave a speech at the University of Porto and argued that doubling funds for R&D could raise Portugal to a new level of competitiveness.
“Three years ago I was here and promised a lot of growth for Porto and I kept my promise. We will support you and continue to invest in this hub,” guaranteed Sven Schneider, CFO of Infineon Technologies, before an audience mostly composed of employees from Infineon Technologies Business Solutions (ITBS), at the new building in TecMaia – Science and Technology Park.
For the former Prime Minister of the country, “the increase in investment in science is fundamental to strengthen competitiveness in an innovation-driven economy.”
European Council President António Costa stated at the University of Porto that the 2028-2034 EU budget framework offers a historic chance for Portugal to advance in competitiveness, particularly through increased investment in research, development, and innovation. Costa highlighted the new European Competitiveness Fund and emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between universities and the business sector to boost the country's economic value and job quality.
Financial services company Baker Tilly has strengthened its presence in the Portuguese market with the acquisition of the audit firm Anjos & Associados. The tax consultancy's deal is part of a new strategic plan to reach an annual turnover of 100 million euros by 2028. The purchase agreement for the Portuguese firm Anjos – a company...
