French investment reinforces Porto’s role as a strategic business hub
Companies in Porto continue to attract high-value operations in technology, finance and engineering
French investment in Portugal has reached €18.8 billion, making France the country's second-largest foreign investor, with more than 1,700 subsidiaries employing around 130,000 people nationwide.
The growing economic relationship is increasingly reflected in the Porto region, where several French companies have established strategic operations that go beyond traditional business activities. Porto Leading Investor Natixis, for example, has built one of its largest international centres in Porto, employing more than 3,000 professionals in areas such as technology, engineering, finance and digital transformation.
Bilateral economic relations have also been strengthened through the Porto Treaty, signed in Porto in February 2025 and in force since April 2026. The agreement underscores both countries’ commitment to closer cooperation in areas including innovation, competitiveness and strategic industries. According to Pierre Debourdeau, the Franco-Portuguese partnership is anchored in strong political trust, a substantial business presence and complementary economic strengths, providing a durable platform for further collaboration across Europe.
Portugal's growing attractiveness for international investment is driven by its highly skilled workforce, strong English proficiency, business-friendly environment and increasing role as a centre for innovation and engineering. These factos have helped position Porto as a preferred destination for companies seeking access to talent and high-value business functions, reinforcing the city's reputation as one of Southern Europe's leading hubs for technology, innovation and international investment.
