In 2017, there were 6 455 foreign affiliates in Portugal, corresponding to 1.6% of the total number of non-financial companies, 0.1 p.p. less than the previous year. These companies represented 25.3% of the Turnover, 24.1% of the GVA and 15.2% of the persons employed (25.6%, 24.7% and 15.2%, respectively, in 2016). These variables increased in nominal terms by 7.3%, 5.3% and 5.0%, respectively. The increases were higher in the national companies, except for the persons employed (respectively 8.8%, 8.0% and 4.9%).
The average apparent labour productivity was higher in the foreign affiliates in about EUR 18.1 thousand compared to national companies. The average monthly wage by employee registered EUR 1 351 in 2017, the highest value for the period under analysis. The investment rate was also higher in foreign affiliates, reaching 24.2% (20.6% in national companies).
Approximately 75% of the foreign affiliates were controlled by companies headquartered on European Union member states, with particular emphasis on Spain, France and Germany.
The foreign affiliates with an exporting profile accounted for 37.3% of the GVA of the overall foreign affiliates in 2017.