Managers in Portugal declare just 5% more than employees
Managers in Portugal declare just 5% more than employees
Work: Investment news in Portugal
Latest news and stories about investment in work in Portugal for expats and residents.
Latest news and stories about investment in work in Portugal for expats and residents.
Managers in Portugal declare just 5% more than employees
The Confederation of Portuguese Business (Confederação Empresarial de Portugal or CIP) said planned defence spending could double the sector's workforce from 40,000 to 80,000 jobs over the next decade. CIP called on the government to ensure domestic companies participate in military contracts as Portugal prepares to invest €10 billion in defence. The business confederation estimated that half of the projected positions would require university degrees.
CIP is the Confederation of Portuguese Business (Confederação Empresarial de Portugal), the main employers’ association that represents companies and sector groups in Portugal. It lobbies government on economic and labour policy and its statements are watched by investors, employers and workers when debates arise over funding rules and labour reforms.
Global asset manager BlackRock has appointed João Robalo Martins as the new Head of Business for Portugal. Based in Madrid, Martins assumes the role this Monday, marking the second leadership change for the firm's Portuguese operations in less than a year.
Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has announced that the company is considering deeper restructuring measures, which could include closing four factories and cutting up to 100,000 jobs worldwide. Blume cited significant industry pressures, including the transition to electric mobility and geopolitical risks. While there is currently no indication that the Autoeuropa plant in Palmela will be affected, the announcement has triggered protests.
President of the Republic António José Seguro has called for a new approach to regional development, emphasizing the need to increase the size of Portuguese companies. He noted that over 90% of firms are small or medium-sized, which limits their ability to offer competitive salaries and contributes to young people emigrating to find better opportunities.
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and the current President of the Portuguese Republic, inaugurated on March 9, 2026 after winning the two-round presidential election in January–February 2026.
Career: He led Socialist Youth (1990–1994), served as MEP (1999–2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001–2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004–2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and a decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025 and won the presidency in February 2026.
Political philosophy: Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, advocating financial responsibility while opposing austerity. As President, he has emphasized institutional trust, efficient governance, and a collaborative relationship with the government while maintaining rigorous constitutional oversight.
The Portuguese Development Bank (Banco Português de Fomento or BPF) and the Mutual Guarantee Society (Sociedade de Garantia Mútua or SGM) have launched a new 1.5 billion euro financing line called 'Impulsar Portugal'. The initiative supports corporate treasury and investment with funding of up to 25 million euros per company. Applications are available through participating commercial banks and are divided into four pillars, including new business creation and technical guarantees.
The Development Bank in Portugal refers to the state-backed development institution, Banco Português de Fomento (Portuguese Development Bank), which provides financing tools, guarantees and co-investment for strategic public-interest projects. In the housing context it can issue guarantees and support loans for construction or refurbishment of affordable homes and for housing cooperatives, so budgeted sums from the bank directly affect affordable housing schemes.
The Canadian IT consultancy CGI announced the opening of its first Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in Portugal. The new facility will focus on generative AI and agent-based technologies, with the company planning to hire 100 people annually to support digital transformation projects.
Swedish manufacturer Saab is exploring the possibility of assembling components for its Gripen E/F fighter jets in Portugal as part of its bid to replace the Portuguese Air Force's aging F-16 fleet. The company already collaborates with Portuguese firms like Critical Software and OGMA on technology and maintenance. Saab officials argue that this partnership would strengthen Portugal's digital sovereignty and industrial capabilities.
OGMA (Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal) is a major aerospace company based in Alverca that specializes in the maintenance, repair, and manufacturing of aircraft components. It is a joint venture between the Brazilian company Embraer and the Portuguese state, and it serves as a key facility for international defense contracts, including potential assembly work for fighter jets.
Bankinter has announced a five-year plan to become one of the six largest banks in Portugal by overtaking competitors like Banco Montepio. The bank's head in Portugal, Alberto Ramos, stated the strategy focuses on growing corporate lending and expanding digital services. The branch, which entered the market ten years ago, currently reports higher efficiency levels than its Spanish parent company.
Alberto Ramos is the Country Manager of Bankinter Portugal, leading the bank's operations since it entered the Portuguese market in 2016. He oversees the branch's strategy to grow its market share in corporate and retail banking, aiming to compete with major domestic banks like Crédito Agrícola and Banco Montepio.
