EY Attractiveness Survey Portugal 2025
The EY Attractiveness Survey Portugal 2025 shows a more moderate trajectory in foreign direct investment (FDI), with a decline in the number of announced projects in 2024, in line with the broader European trend. Despite an 11% decrease compared to the previous year, Portugal remained in the top 10 most attractive investment destinations in Europe. The software, IT, and professional services sectors continue to lead, albeit with a smaller share, highlighting a more challenging environment and the need to strengthen the country’s attractiveness.
- The EY Attractiveness Survey Portugal 2025, which assesses foreign investors’ perceptions of the country’s appeal, reveals that the number of new FDI projects increased by 21%.
- While new projects rose, the number of expansion projects fell — although not enough to push Portugal out of Europe’s top 10 ranking.
- The macroeconomic and political uncertainty across Europe, coupled with regional and global tensions, is weighing on investor confidence.
- Although the Lisbon region continues to lead as the top FDI destination, the Centro region has strengthened its second position, while Alentejo made a remarkable leap from seventh to fourth place.
- Job creation linked to FDI projects grew slightly, bucking the sharp downward trend observed across Europe.
- With 196 FDI projects, Portugal ranks 9th, following the European pattern of contraction.