Pro Network Abroad: Strategies for Expats in Portugal

Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias

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Relocating to Portugal represents an exciting opportunity, but also a significant challenge for developing a new professional network. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, employee, or job seeker, the ability to build strong connections in your host country is crucial for your professional success. This article will guide you through effective strategies for creating and maintaining a dynamic professional network in Portugal, taking into account local cultural specificities.

Understanding the Importance of Networking in Portugal

Portugal, while modernized and open to the world, remains a society where personal relationships play a predominant role in business. Networking isn’t just a professional activity; it’s a way of life that fits into the Portuguese culture of “convívio” (conviviality). Portuguese people place great importance on trust-based relationships, often built over the long term.

For an expatriate, understanding this dynamic is essential. It’s not just about handing out business cards at formal events, but about cultivating authentic relationships that can turn into professional opportunities. Patience and perseverance are indispensable qualities for successful networking in Portugal.

Identifying Networking Opportunities

Portugal offers numerous opportunities to develop your professional network. Here are some avenues to explore:

1. Professional Events

The country, particularly major cities like Lisbon and Porto, regularly hosts trade shows, conferences, and seminars in various business sectors. These events are excellent opportunities to meet key players in your industry.

Web Summit, held annually in Lisbon, has become one of the largest technology gatherings in the world. It’s a must-attend for digital professionals, but also for anyone interested in innovation.

Meetups are also very popular in Portugal. Platforms like Meetup.com or Eventbrite list numerous professional events, often free or low-cost, in various fields.

2. Professional Associations

Portugal has many professional associations that can be valuable entry points for your network. Among the most influential are:

Ordem dos Engenheiros for engineering professionals – Ordem dos Advogados for legal professionals – Associação Portuguesa das Agências de Publicidade e Comunicação (APAP) for marketing and communication professionals

These associations regularly organize events, training sessions, and meetings that provide opportunities to establish valuable contacts.

3. Chambers of Commerce

Bilateral chambers of commerce play a crucial role in expatriate networking. They organize events, facilitate connections, and often provide support services to foreign businesses. Among the most active in Portugal are:

French-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce and IndustryAmerican Chamber of Commerce in PortugalBritish Chamber of Commerce in Portugal

These organizations are essential contact points for expatriates seeking to integrate into the local economic fabric.

Leveraging Professional Social Networks

In the digital age, professional social networks have become essential for networking, even in Portugal where in-person relationships remain preferred.

LinkedIn is widely used by Portuguese professionals. It’s essential to have an up-to-date profile, preferably in Portuguese. Join groups related to your industry and the expatriate community in Portugal. Participate in discussions, share relevant content, and don’t hesitate to request connections with people you’ve met at events.

Facebook, although less formal, remains an interesting tool for networking in Portugal. Many expatriate and professional groups are active there. They can be a valuable source of information and contacts.

Adopting Portuguese Networking Cultural Codes

To succeed in your networking efforts in Portugal, it’s crucial to understand and adopt certain specific cultural codes:

1. Prioritize long-term relationships: Portuguese people appreciate taking time to build trust before discussing business. Don’t expect to close a deal at the first meeting.

2. Master the art of conversation: Informal discussions on various topics (family, culture, sports) are often a necessary prelude to professional exchanges. Show curiosity and openness.

3. Learn Portuguese: Even though English is widely spoken in business circles, making the effort to learn Portuguese will be greatly appreciated and will facilitate your integration.

4. Be punctual, but flexible: Punctuality is appreciated in professional contexts, but expect some flexibility in informal appointments.

5. Adopt appropriate dress code: Professional dress code in Portugal tends to be quite formal, especially in traditional sectors. Observe and adapt to your environment.

Cultivating and Maintaining Your Network

Developing a professional network is only the first step. Maintaining it is equally important, if not more so. Here are some tips for sustaining lasting relationships:

1. Follow up regularly: After a meeting, send a thank you message and stay in touch regularly but not intrusively.

2. Offer your help: Networking isn’t one-way. Be ready to help your contacts when opportunities arise.

3. Participate actively: Get involved in professional associations, volunteer as a speaker at events, or write articles for industry publications.

4. Organize your own events: Once well-established, don’t hesitate to organize informal gatherings or small professional events. It’s an excellent way to strengthen your position within your network.

Leveraging Portugal-Specific Opportunities

Portugal offers unique opportunities for expatriate entrepreneurs and professionals. The country has experienced a startup ecosystem boom in recent years, particularly thanks to initiatives like the Startup Portugal program.

Coworking spaces, abundant in major cities, are excellent places for informal networking. Spaces like Second Home in Lisbon or Porto i/o in Porto are known for their dynamic community of local and international entrepreneurs.

Acceleration and incubation programs like Beta-i in Lisbon or UPTEC in Porto not only provide support to startups but also offer privileged access to a network of mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Developing a strong professional network in Portugal requires time, patience, and a fine understanding of local culture. By combining a proactive approach, open-mindedness, and a willingness to integrate, expatriates can not only create valuable professional opportunities but also enrich their personal experience in this welcoming country.

Remember that networking in Portugal goes beyond simple professional exchanges. It’s an opportunity to create lasting bonds, immerse yourself in local culture, and actively contribute to your adopted community. With perseverance and authenticity, your professional network in Portugal will become not only an asset for your career but also an invaluable source of personal enrichment.

Good to know:

Networking in Portugal relies on a subtle balance between professionalism and conviviality. Prioritize authentic, long-term relationships while remaining attentive to professional opportunities. Learning Portuguese and getting involved in the local community are major assets for successful professional integration.

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About the author
Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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