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Portugal Flag

Portugal🕣

  • Greeting
  • Introduction
  • Exchange of Business Cards
  • Small Talk: Overview
  • Preferred Topics
  • Taboo Topics
  • Personal Space
  • Communication Specifics
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State in southwest Europe. Official name – Portuguese Republic. Population – 10.1 million (as of April 2021). Capital – Lisbon. Official language – Portuguese. Government type – parliamentary republic. Main religion – Catholicism.

Portugal Flag

Portugal

Reference is required when using materials from the site https://stage.geo-culture.com
The materials on this website are intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The information is general in nature, does not claim to provide a complete description of cultures, and should not be regarded as stereotypes or universal rules. Cultural practices and perceptions change over time and may differ across communities. The website administration does not guarantee the relevance, accuracy, or applicability of the materials to specific situations and is not responsible for any potential consequences of their use. The information does not constitute advice (including psychological, legal, or other professional advice) and does not constitute an offer.

Greeting

During the greeting, the parties shake hands (not too firmly), maintaining eye contact.

Men who are close friends or relatives may, as part of the greeting, give each other a slight hug or pat on the back before shaking hands. Women in such situations exchange kisses (on each cheek, starting with the right cheek). As a rule, interlocutors just lightly touch each other's cheek.

When greeting a woman, men should wait until she extends her hand to greet him.

Coming to some event, greet everyone present. Handshakes are also exchanged at the end of the event when saying goodbye.

Common forms of greeting are: "Bom dia!" (Good morning! or Good afternoon!) is used in the morning; "Boa tarde!" (Good evening!) is used in the afternoon (approx. from 15.00 to 21.00); "Boa noite!" (Good night!) is used in the late evening, starting at 21.00.

A less formal greeting is "Ola!" (Hello!).

Introduction

The Portuguese have a rather complex naming system, which includes the mother's surname and the father's surname, as well as one or two first names. The mother's surname is given first and the father's surname last, e.g. Joana Filipa Santos Cunha.

During the introduction and later contacts, it is the father's surname that is used, it must be preceded by the polite form Senhor (or Mr.) w...

Exchange of Business Cards

In Portuguese business practice, it is customary to exchange business cards, usually at the beginning or end of a business meeting.

It is advisable that the text of the business card, at least on one side of the card, is in Portuguese.

If you have an academic degree or professional qualification, write it on your business card. This will enhance your status in the eyes of the P...

Small Talk: Overview

The communication style in general, especially at the early stages of a relationship, is rather formal. You can see it in the use of insignia - degrees, titles, professional qualifications, and job positions.

Although Portuguese society is traditionally hierarchical, young people are moving towards a more egalitarian style of communication, placing less importance on differences in sta...

Preferred Topics

Sport is one of the preferred topics of communication in Portugal. The only thing you should not rush into is mentioning your favorite team (e.g. in football) - it's worth clarifying first which team your Portuguese partner supports.

Travelling and tourism, especially trips to different regions of Portugal.

Portuguese culture, art, and history.

Portuguese cuisine, restau...

Taboo Topics

All religious topics are generally taboo. If the topic of religion comes up in conversation, be respectful, emphasizing the role of the Catholic Church and the Christian tradition in general in the development of the State.

Avoid criticizing or complaining about events, rules or actions of the authorities in Portugal.

Do not raise topics related to the situation of sexual minor...

Personal Space

During the conversation, Portuguese people stand closer to each other when compared to some European (especially in central and northern European) cultures - the distance can be half a meter to a meter).

Physical touching and physical contact in general should be avoided in business meetings. However, outside the official context, the Portuguese are lively and emotional communicators,...

Communication Specifics

The style of communication in Portuguese society can vary from region to region: in the north, communication can be characterized as more pragmatic, direct, and less formal than in Lisbon and the south of the country.

Clear differences can also be seen in the business culture and communication between domestic and international companies. In the latter, hierarchical relationships and fo...

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The materials on this website are intended solely for informational and educational purposes. The information is general in nature, does not claim to provide a complete description of cultures, and should not be regarded as stereotypes or universal rules. Cultural practices and perceptions change over time and may differ across communities. The website administration does not guarantee the relevance, accuracy, or applicability of the materials to specific situations and is not responsible for any potential consequences of their use. The information does not constitute advice (including psychological, legal, or other professional advice) and does not constitute an offer.