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Portugal has emerged as a dynamic hub for technology and innovation, garnering global attention for its highly skilled workforce, competitive costs, and vibrant tech ecosystem. Lisbon, in particular, stands out as one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems globally and a prime destination for tech startups. Hosting events like the Web Summit, Lisbon has become synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship. The city has seen a significant rise in startup investments, growing by 30% annually since 2016, which is double the European average.
As of 2022, startups based in Lisbon were collectively valued at €21 billion, marking a 26-fold increase since 2016. Remarkably, Portugal has birthed more unicorns than Spain, Italy, and Greece combined, underscoring its emergence as a key player in the European tech landscape. With such rapid growth and investment, the demand for specialized IT recruitment agencies in Portugal has become crucial for businesses aiming to harness the advantages of this burgeoning tech scene.
In this piece, we will delve into the top five IT recruitment agencies in Portugal, showcasing their expertise, services, and the distinctive value they offer to both employers and jobseekers in the tech sector.
As for the top three picks, we’ve chosen the following companies:
Do you have IT recruitment needs?
Company size: ~60 employees
Founding year: 2016
Website: www.devsdata.com
Pricing model: Success fee
DevsData LLC, a well-established technology recruitment firm in Lisbon, has built a solid reputation over the past 8 years by focusing on tech recruitment. The company has successfully matched skilled professionals with suitable job opportunities aligned with their expertise and career objectives, maintaining a large database of over 65,000 meticulously vetted IT specialists from Europe.
One of DevsData LLC’s key strengths is its ability to collaborate with a wide array of global enterprises, including startups from various countries such as the US, Poland, Israel, Germany, etc. As a government-authorized provider of recruitment and staffing services, the company has positioned itself as a trustworthy partner in the IT recruitment sector.
DevsData LLC operates on a success fee-only pricing model, where clients are only required to pay if they are satisfied with the new recruit during a guaranteed period, with no upfront fees to initiate the recruitment process.
In addition, the company offers legal assistance to businesses entering the Portuguese market by providing guidance on contract establishment. DevsData LLC’s partnerships with reputable clients like underscore the effectiveness of its client retention strategy.
DevsData LLC’s rigorous interview process ensures a personalized approach for every position, reflecting the company’s dedication to finding the most suitable candidates for their clients. The company has a highly skilled team in the US, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of global market requirements.
Notably, seven out of ten clients return with new projects or recruitment needs, reflecting the high level of satisfaction among the company’s clientele. The company has been featured in prominent media outlets such as MarketWatch, USA Today, Bloomberg, and Yahoo, highlighting its innovative IT recruitment and technology consulting approach.
To contact the company, email general@devsdata.com or visit their website at www.devsdata.com.
Address:
DevsData IT Recruitment Agency Lisbon
50 R. Alexandre Herculano,
Lisbon 1250-048, Portugal
portugal@devsdata.com
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Company size: ~90 employees
Founding year: 2011
Website: https://www.experis.pt
Experis is a prominent professional resourcing and project-based workforce solutions organization in Lisbon. It specializes in attracting, assessing, and placing specialized talent in various fields, including IT, Finance and accounting, Engineering, Sales and Marketing, and Healthcare.
Their expertise includes human resources, HR consulting, commercial, marketing, finance, accounting, engineering, IT, recruitment and selection, and outsourcing.
Their mission is to deliver precise and in-demand talent for mission-critical positions, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the organizations and individuals they serve.
Do you have IT recruitment needs?
Company size: ~45 employees
Founding year: 2019
Website: https://crosstaff.com/
With over 15 years of experience in the recruitment and HR management industry, Crosstaff specializes in providing a wide range of Human Resources solutions. The agency offers temporary, “temp-to-hire,” and direct placement staffing services to meet all their clients’ recruitment and human resources needs.
Their primary goal is to assist their customers in operating their businesses more efficiently by delivering focused, detailed, and cost-effective staffing solutions.
Crosstaff has earned a reputation for delivering quality service and maintaining professional integrity. It emphasizes establishing long-term partnerships based on trust and understanding.
Their areas of expertise include aviation and transport, warehouse and logistics, civil construction and public works, administration and office, business, telecommunications, and other business activities.
Company size: ~10 employees
Founding year: 2012
Website: http://www.placementinportugal.com
Placement in Portugal is a recruitment agency located in Lisbon that has been in operation since 2012. Their focus is on assisting companies in finding talented international interns and helping students and young professionals secure internships in Portugal.
Job opportunities or internships abroad can provide a valuable professional experience while enhancing one’s CV and language skills. The agency’s website features current vacancies, for which individuals can apply directly.
Alternatively, companies can utilize the agency’s services to find talent that aligns perfectly with their specific needs, leveraging their expertise to recruit candidates based on their skills, education, and preference
Company size: ~80 employees
Founding year: 2015
Website: https://hyphenteam.com
Hyphen is dedicated to creating exceptional digital experiences by connecting skilled professionals with top digital transformation projects. ‘Digital experiences’ encompass the seamless integration of technology to enhance interactions between businesses and their customers, improving usability, accessibility, and overall satisfaction.
The company has played a crucial role in the growth of various industries in the digital sphere, including banking, IT, and telecommunications. Hyphen has been a part of Grupo Tangível since 2017.
Do you have IT recruitment needs?
In Portugal, the salaries for IT professionals differ based on their experience, skill set, and job responsibilities. Entry-level software developers typically make between €18,000 and €25,000 annually ($19,800 – $27,500), while IT support technicians (entry level) earn approximately €16,000 to €22,000 ($17,600 – $24,200).
Mid-level positions such as software developers and system administrators have salaries ranging from €25,000 to €40,000 ($27,500 – $44,000) and €22,000 to €35,000 ($24,200 – $38,500) respectively.
Senior software developers can expect to earn between €40,000 and €60,000 ($44,000 – $66,000), and IT managers between €45,000 and €70,000 ($49,500 – $77,000). Specialized roles like data scientists and cybersecurity experts generally earn between €35,000 and €60,000 ($38,500 – $66,000). Salaries are typically higher in Lisbon and Porto than in other regions.
Check out Levels.fyi or Glassdoor for more specific information.
When paying independent contractors in Portugal, it’s essential to comply with local regulations. One effective strategy is to engage the services of an employer of record.
Several EoR companies, such as Remote, Deel, Plane, and Oyster HR, can help facilitate lawful payment processes and provide guidance on labor laws in Portugal.
It is also worth mentioning that DevsData LLC, a trusted IT staffing agency, manages employment regulations, payroll administration, and business HR functions. This allows companies to operate in Portugal without the need to establish a separate legal entity, ensuring full compliance with local labor laws.
Additionally, exploring international transfer solutions like Payoneer and Wise is recommended for convenient and efficient transactions. Also, you can consider Zelle and PayPal; however, keep in mind that they are available not in all countries.
Hiring tech talent from Lisbon, Portugal offers several advantages.
The city is home to prestigious universities and technical schools that produce highly skilled technology and engineering graduates. Many tech professionals in Lisbon are proficient in multiple languages, including English, facilitating seamless communication with international teams. Lisbon’s growing tech ecosystem, with numerous startups, tech events, and incubators, fosters innovation and up-to-date industry knowledge.
Lisbon offers competitive salaries for high-quality tech talent, providing excellent business value compared to other Western European cities. Portuguese professionals are known for their strong work ethic, adaptability, and collaborative spirit, aligning well with diverse company cultures. Lisbon’s time zone is convenient for coordinating with European and American teams, facilitating smooth collaboration across continents.
Additionally, Lisbon’s attractive lifestyle, with its mild climate, rich culture, and high living standards, helps attract and retain top talent.
Here are some of the known universities in Portugal:
The University of Lisbon, with around 50,000 students, is one of the top computer science universities in Portugal. It offers a range of computer science programs and research opportunities. Its faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers, and the university maintains strong industry connections, providing students with practical experience and networking opportunities.
Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (~ 22,000 students) is another leading institution for computer science education. The university’s computer science programs are known for their innovative curriculum and focus on cutting-edge technologies. Students benefit from a dynamic learning environment and access to state-of-the-art facilities, contributing to a well-rounded education in computer science.
The University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE) (~9500 enrolled students) is renowned for its computer science and information technology programs. It offers a comprehensive range of courses covering diverse areas within computer science and providing students with a solid foundation for entering the tech industry.
To call Portugal from the US, follow these steps:
Here are the timezone differences between Lisbon and a few other cities:
| City | Time Difference from Lisbon |
|---|---|
| Lisbon | Same time |
| London | Same time |
| Zurich | 1 hour ahead of Lisbon |
| Tel Aviv | 2 hours ahead of Lisbon |
| New York | 5 hours behind Lisbon |
| Los Angeles | 8 hours behind Lisbon |
Do you have IT recruitment needs?
Portugal’s expanding tech sector is ideal for accessing top IT talent. Portugal’s leading IT recruitment agencies play a crucial role in connecting businesses with skilled professionals who drive innovation and growth. Leveraging these agencies’ expertise and extensive networks, companies can efficiently identify the right candidates to meet their technology needs.
DevsData LLC, with a local office in Lisbon, is our top recommendation. DevsData LLC tailors its processes to meet each client’s needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach common in larger firms. This adaptability ensures exceptional service, whether you are a startup or a large corporation. Despite its smaller size, the company has extensive experience with corporate clients.
It maintains consistent or superior service standards through a stringent recruitment process and a network of 65,000 developers, ensuring access to top-tier talent tailored to individual client requirements. The company also provides legal and tax advisory if needed and HR advisory for clients considering hiring people locally or opening a business entity. Additionally, they offer BPO service.
If you have questions or suggestions, contact them at general@devsdata.com or visit their website at www.devsdata.com.
Address:
DevsData IT Recruitment Agency Lisbon
50 R. Alexandre Herculano,
Lisbon 1250-048, Portugal
portugal@devsdata.com
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“I interviewed about a dozen different firms. DevsData LLC is truly exceptional – their backend developers are some of the best I’ve ever worked with. I’ve worked with a lot of very well-qualified developers, locally in San Francisco, and remotely, so that is not a compliment I offer lightly. I appreciate their depth of knowledge and their ability to get things done quickly. “
Nicholas Johnson
CEO of Orange Charger LLC,
Ex-Tesla Engineer,
Mentor at YCombinator
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