See these regulations below.
It is worth paying attention to the following points at business meetings in Portugal:
- As a general rule business behavior in Portugal is similar to that in the rest of Europe, a handshake at the beginning and end of the meeting is an accepted custom. Care should be taken to shake hands with everyone present at the meeting.
- Immediately after a handshake at the start of the meeting, it is customary to exchange business cards. Make sure that you take sufficient business cards with you.
- In addressing people, mainly people with an academic degree or members of a profession, it is customary first to address him/her by the degree or title and afterwards with the surname, An example of an address to a man, Senhor Dr. Luis.
- The accepted dress for business meetings is a business suit for both men and women.
- Most business people in Portugal have good command of English, However a few words in Portuguese will easily break the ice and create a friendly atmosphere.
- Acceptable gifts for business meetings are items for the office, quality pens (including pens with your company logo) as well as specially selected wines.
- Despite the ban on smoking in most public places you will often find areas where smoking is permitted.
- A fairly long time is needed to set up a business meeting. Take into account that you will need 3 or 4 weeks to plan a business meeting.
- Use of red ink on official documents is an unwelcome habit in Portugal.
- You are recommended to avoid business meetings in the months of July and August or around the times of national holidays.
