Portugal has become a popular choice for US companies looking for a base in Europe. The country offers a skilled workforce, good international connectivity and a time zone that overlaps with both the US East Coast and the rest of Europe. Getting set up smoothly still takes planning.
This checklist covers the practical business and technology steps. It is not legal, tax or immigration advice, and you should work with qualified local advisors on those areas.
Strategy
- Define what the Portugal operation will do: sales, support, engineering or a regional hub
- Decide on the location based on talent, travel and cost
- Set a realistic budget and timeline for the first 12 months
Advisors and partners
- Engage a local lawyer and accountant early
- Identify recruitment partners familiar with your roles
- Shortlist local IT, telecom and facilities vendors
Office, technology and connectivity
- Plan internet and backup connectivity before signing a lease
- Extend your Microsoft 365 or cloud environment securely to the new site
- Set up devices, security policies and support arrangements
- Plan voice and collaboration tools that work across both countries
People and ways of working
- Agree working hours that allow overlap with US teams
- Plan onboarding, including travel between offices
- Set clear reporting lines and decision rights
Running it
- Assign one owner for the overall project
- Track milestones and risks in a single plan
- Review progress with leadership every few weeks
With the right preparation and local partners, a Portugal operation can be up and running smoothly and become a strong base for European growth.
Need help with this? Talk to Creative Contact Consulting Group about your situation.
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