The project was presented at AICEP – the Portuguese Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade – where the pharmaceutical company outlined its growing footprint in the country and detailed plans for long-term investment and job creation.

The Lisbon hub will serve as a key pillar in AstraZeneca’s global operations, providing high-value services across multiple business functions. These include Project Management and Process Analytics, Contracting and Legal, Human Resources Services, and Procurement. Designed to support global markets, the hub reinforces Portugal’s position as an attractive destination for innovation-driven and knowledge-based industries.

AstraZeneca has committed to a total investment of €600 million over a 10-year period, from 2024 to 2033. Of this amount, around €60 million has already been invested, demonstrating the company’s confidence in the Portuguese market and its long-term vision for the hub.

Currently, AstraZeneca employs 579 professionals in Portugal, with plans to grow that number to 750 by the end of the first quarter of 2026. This expansion not only reflects the company’s operational growth but also highlights the increasing importance of Portugal as a centre for global healthcare services and pharmaceutical excellence.

The hub’s development aligns with Portugal’s broader strategy of attracting foreign direct investment in high-skilled sectors. The focus on value-added functions such as legal, analytics, and human capital management reinforces the role of Portugal in AstraZeneca’s global structure.

During the announcement, AICEP emphasized its continued commitment to supporting AstraZeneca’s operations in Portugal. The agency underlined its intention to strengthen institutional collaboration and facilitate future reinvestment efforts, ensuring that Portugal remains a reliable and competitive partner for multinational companies.

This project represents more than just a business expansion; it marks a strategic partnership between Portugal and one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. By choosing Lisbon as a hub for critical global services, AstraZeneca sends a strong message about the country’s talent, infrastructure, and economic potential.

As the hub continues to scale, it is expected to contribute not only to job creation and economic growth but also to the development of Portugal’s expertise in pharmaceutical services and innovation. The project underscores the country’s ability to host complex, global operations that are essential to the success of leading companies in the life sciences sector.

Author

Paulo Lopes is a multi-talent Portuguese citizen who made his Master of Economics in Switzerland and studied law at Lusófona in Lisbon - CEO of Casaiberia in Lisbon and Algarve.

Paulo Lopes