Official Visit to Porto
On 12–13 February 2026, Porto hosted an official visit as part of Portugal’s bid to host the future headquarters of the European Union Customs Authority (EUCA).
Over two days, the programme showcased the city’s strategic assets, its long-standing connection to international trade and customs activity, and its strong European and global outlook.
José Manuel Durão Barroso, former President of the European Commission (2004-2014) and former Prime Minister of Portugal, supports Portugal’s bid to host the EUCA headquarters.
With a distinguished political career and extensive experience in European diplomacy and international relations, Durão Barroso recognizes that Portugal, and particularly the city of Porto, are the partners Europe needs to modernize and strengthen its Customs Union.
“At a particularly challenging time for Europe, marked by geopolitical tensions and profound changes in the global economic landscape, it is essential that our continent strengthens its strategic autonomy. To this end, the European Union must equip itself with effective border control and management mechanisms capable of ensuring not only the security of its citizens, but also the economic and commercial vitality that underpins the European project.
The reform of the Customs Union, which also includes the creation of the new European Union Customs Authority, is an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, enhance risk management and ensure that Europe keeps pace with the digital transformation.
This is a step that requires leadership, vision and a legacy.
With a long customs tradition, a privileged geographical position and modern infrastructure, Portugal is prepared, once again, to assume its role as a strategic partner in defending European interests. The city of Porto, the historic cradle of economic and transatlantic trade relations, symbolizes this legacy and the vision for the future.
Strengthening the Customs Union means strengthening Europe and Portugal is the right partner to actively contribute to this common ambition.”
Health
Education
Lifestyle
Airport
Technology
EUCA
in Porto
Exclusive
Headquarters financed by the Portuguese State
Health and Education
High quality, widely accessible
Safety
7th safest country in the world
Global Peace Index
Accessibility
A strategic platform for European and global connectivity
Customs Expertise
Recognised in Europe for innovation and efficiency
Privileged Position
A commercial gateway between continents
City Profile
Population
Demographics
Climate
~21-25 ºC
~9-10 ºC
Why
Portugal?
As the westernmost country in Europe, Portugal occupies a strategically important position for controlling the EU’s external borders and facilitating international trade.
Portugal’s privileged geographical position, as well as its centuries-old history of openness to the world, makes the country – and especially the city of Porto – an unparalleled bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Within this context, Porto stands out as a highly connected and globally oriented hub, with unmatched quality of life and a welcoming atmosphere, where tradition, culture, innovation and authenticity meet.
Once established in Porto, EUCA would benefit from geographical advantages and one of the most technologically advanced Customs Authorities in Europe.
Paulo Rangel
Minister of State and Foreign Affairs
“When you look at the location of this city,
When you look at its historic relation with all countries of Europe,
When you look at its ties to Africa, North and South
America, Middle east, India, Far east,
When you look at its infrastructure, transports, education, and culture, and when you look at its deep rooted tradition of trade,
It feels as if the Romans founded Porto, the Port of Europe, already envisioning that one day the headquarters of EUCA would be here.
Two thousand years waiting for this destiny.
Help us make Porto’s destiny come true.”
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento
Minister of State and Finance
“As the westernmost country in Europe, Portugal has long stood at the crossroads of maritime routes and global trade. This heritage, combined with decades of accumulated expertise in customs management and border control, makes Portugal a strategic partner in safeguarding the European Union’s external borders.
The excellent work carried out by the Portuguese Customs Authority is widely recognized both nationally and internationally, having received multiple awards in several areas. As one of the most innovative and technologically advanced customs administrations in Europe, our Authority is well known for its high standards of quality and efficiency in tax and customs management.
Hosting EUCA in Porto will be an exceptional opportunity to further consolidate this expertise and reinforce Portugal’s leadership in the customs domain.”
Why
Porto?
Pedro Duarte
Mayor of Porto
“Porto is a city shaped by the river and the sea, where a maritime culture and an outward-looking spirit have grown over centuries of trade. This geography made Porto a historic gateway for people, goods and ideas, forging a tradition of openness that continues to define the city today. The Old Customs House (Casa do Infante) and the New Customs House (Alfândega do Porto) remain enduring symbols of this long connection to global commerce and customs administration.
This legacy endures in a modern city with a strong international outlook, a dynamic economy and an environment that attracts talent, creativity and innovation. Porto offers stability, excellent healthcare, a resilient school network, rich cultural and leisure opportunities and solid connectivity – conditions that make it exceptionally well placed to host the headquarters of the European Union Customs Authority.
What ultimately distinguishes Porto, however, is its spirit. The city has resisted the homogenisation that shapes so many urban centres, remaining authentic and deeply connected to its community. It is this combination of institutional strength and human warmth that makes Porto not only a capable host for the EUCA, but a place where its staff and families can genuinely thrive.”
Access to Europe and Beyond
Porto occupies a strategic Atlantic position with fast, direct access to major European markets. Its time zone, multimodal transport network and proximity to global routes make the city an efficient gateway for international teams and institutional operations.
Air Connectivity
WHERE QUALITY OF LIFE
MEETS EUROPEAN PURPOSE
Porto offers everything that makes a city truly liveable: a welcoming community, vibrant culture, abundant green spaces, efficient transport, modern health and educational infrastructures, human scale, lively street commerce, outstanding gastronomy, safety, mild climate, and a thriving job market.
The city of Porto embodies Portugal’s tradition of openness and tolerance, standing out as an excellent hub for people from all over the world, offering excellent connectivity to Europe and the rest of the world.
The Porto region is increasingly being recognized as a centre of industry, innovation, investment, and tourism, offering ideal conditions not only for the effective operation of EUCA – the European Union Customs Authority – but also for a pleasant and safe life environment offered to its staff and their families.
Porto combines rich history with forward-looking modernity — a place where tradition meets technology. Hosting the EUCA in Porto would bridge past and future, a place where European identity, progress, and inspiration converge.
A strong international and multilingual education ecosystem
The city of Porto offers diverse multilingual and European-oriented educational opportunities through private international schools, public bilingual programmes, and additional language support initiatives.
International Schools in Porto
All institutions follow European or international curricula such as the French Baccalauréat, German Abitur, British IGCSE, IB Diploma, and Cambridge AS/A-Level, promoting multilingual proficiency, European perspectives, and intercultural competence.
The Lycée Français International de Porto, Deutsche Schule zu Porto and CLIP – Colégio Luso-Internacional do Porto are located at a distance of less than 5 kilometres from the premises, offering easy daily access to high-quality international education.
Public Bilingual Schools
The Portuguese-English bilingual programme for primary education is focused on multilingual skills, European-oriented teaching and intercultural competence.
The school is located at a distance of less than 10 kilometres from the premises.
Complementing this offer, all public schools provide “Português Língua Não Materna” (PLNM), a structured programme designed to support students whose first language is not Portuguese, reinforcing both academic progress and social integration.
In Porto, multilingual education is not an exception but a standard — a city where languages open doors and every learner finds the support they need to succeed.
Excellence and accessibility in Healthcare services
Porto ranked in the Top 20 worldwide for healthcare in World’s Best Cities 2026.
Hospital Network
27 of these units are located within 5 km of the EUCA site.
Coverage & Accessibility
- Porto has one of the highest family doctor coverage rates in Portugal.
- Non-urgent situations are supported by the SNS 24 helpline (triage, advice, and guidance also available in English).
- SNS 24 psychological counselling.
Social Protection for EU Staff Families
- Portugal offers a structured system that ensures access to medical care and social protection for family members of European employees, provided residency and registration criteria are met.
Public Hospitals includes São João and Santo António, both national reference centres (excellent clinical outcomes + short waiting times).
A safe, welcoming and stable European city
International assessments of safety & livability
- Porto is widely recognised as a trustworthy and welcoming city for families and international professionals.
- Top 10 in Safety & Security — Expat Insider 2025
- Listed among the safest cities worldwide for female digital nomads — Holidu 2025
- Identified as one of the best cities in Europe for family living — Sumo Finans (2021)
Demographics & openness to the world
In 2024, Porto hosted 58,000 foreign residents, representing 22% of the population.
This number is four times higher than in 2019, demonstrating the city’s increasing attractiveness and international openness.
A supportive environment for EUCA families
Porto offers a stable and community-oriented urban environment, supported by:
effective public services
strong social cohesion
a culture of openness and inclusion
Porto is
the best fit.
Welcome benefits for families in Porto
Tax Benefits
EUCA staff will benefit
from tax and customs exemptions, including tax-free salaries, duty-free import of personal belongings and vehicles, and exemption from visas and administrative charges. Additional advantages include exemptions on property acquisition or leasing, selected goods and services above €100, and on electricity, gas and fuel.
Portugal also offers eligible professionals a 20% flat personal income tax rate for 10 years for high value-added activities.
Mobility, Daily Life and Health Care
Porto offers accessible mobility for residents, including free public transport for under-23s, discounted travel through the Porto Card, and a wide network of public services.
The Porto Card (free for residents) provides discounts across transport, culture, sport and municipal facilities, making daily life easier and more affordable.
Residents also benefit from universal access to Portugal’s National Health Service, ensuring reliable and comprehensive healthcare.
International Education
Families benefit from favourable conditions in Porto’s international schools, many of which offer multi-child tuition discounts.
Examples include:
- Lycée Français International de Porto: 10% off (2nd child), 20% (3rd), 40% (4th+)
- Deutsche Schule zu Porto: ~5% (2 children), ~15% (3), ~50% (4)
Integration Support
Dedicated municipal services help international families settle smoothly in Porto by providing practical assistance, language support and guidance on key areas such as education, housing and employment. Through initiatives including intercultural mediation, mentoring programmes and community workshops, the city ensures newcomers feel welcomed, informed and fully integrated into local life, reinforcing Porto’s reputation as an open and supportive European city.
An exclusive home for EUCA
1. A Dedicated European Headquarters
Viva Offices will serve as the exclusive headquarters for the EUCA fully covered by the Portuguese State.
The B Building offers 7,140 m² of next-generation workspace across five floors, designed for single-tenant security, controlled access levels and future expansion. Its layout enables full integration of all programme areas required for an European authority.
2. Strategic Location and Exceptional Connectivity
Located in Porto’s Business District, one of the city’s fastest-growing areas, Viva Offices provides direct, effortless access to key transport hubs.
Two metro stations within a five-minute walk ensure rapid connections to the airport (17’), the city centre (10’) and major business areas. The site also benefits from direct links to the A28, VCI and A1, guaranteeing efficient mobility across the metropolitan region and beyond.
Located in Porto’s Business District, one of the city’s fastest-growing areas, Viva Offices provides direct, effortless access to key transport hubs.
Two metro stations within a five-minute walk ensure rapid connections to the airport (17’), the city centre (10’) and major business areas. The site also benefits from direct links to the A28, VCI and A1, guaranteeing efficient mobility across the metropolitan region and beyond.
3. A Sustainable, High-Performance Campus
Designed by Broadway Malyan, the complex meets the highest standards of innovation, sustainability and user comfort.
It holds LEED Platinum and WiredScore certifications, features 10,000+ m² of landscaped green areas and 300+ parking spaces, including EV charging and bicycle parking.
With 24/7 secured access, advanced monitoring and a rooftop leisure space, Viva Offices delivers a modern, resilient and future-ready headquarters for an European authority.
