Top 5 IT Recruitment Agencies in Lisbon

Ani Gasparyan

Last updated on July 12, 2024 | 33 min read

Ranking

Lisbon is rapidly becoming a hub for tech talent, attracting companies and professionals from around the globe. This vibrant city, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is now making waves in the tech industry, emerging as a key player in the global IT market. The combination of a high quality of life, a relatively low cost of living, and a thriving startup ecosystem makes Lisbon an ideal destination for tech professionals and businesses.

The city’s strategic location within Europe, coupled with a growing number of tech events and conferences and a supportive governmental framework, has created a fertile ground for innovation and growth. Whether you’re a startup looking for fresh talent or an established company aiming to expand your tech team, Lisbon offers a diverse pool of highly skilled professionals ready to drive your business forward. Below, you can watch an interesting video about the Portuguese startup ecosystem.

However, navigating the competitive tech talent market in Lisbon can be challenging. The key to success lies in partnering with the right recruitment agency that understands your needs and can efficiently connect you with the best candidates. The right agency saves you time and resources and ensures you find the perfect match in terms of skills, experience, and cultural fit.

This article highlights the top 5 IT recruitment agencies in Lisbon that stand out for their expertise, network, and ability to connect businesses with top-tier tech talent. These agencies have a proven track record of helping companies build strong, innovative teams that propel them to new heights.

1. DevsData LLC – Top Pick: Best overall
2. Randstad: Best for enterprise
3. Hays: Best for executive search

1. DevsData LLC – Top Pick: Best overall

   

   Website: www.devsdata.com
   Team size: ~60 employees
   Founded in: 2016
   Headquarters: Brooklyn, NYC and Warsaw, Poland

   DevsData LLC is a leading IT recruitment agency in Lisbon, specializing in sourcing top-tier tech professionals for startups and established companies. Renowned for its meticulous approach, DevsData LLC excels at understanding the intricate demands of the tech sector and delivering candidates who perfectly align with those requirements. DevsData LLC is also celebrated for its personalized service, ensuring clients and candidates receive dedicated attention and support throughout the recruitment process.

   Key highlights

   • DevsData LLC is a leading IT recruitment agency with over eight years of industry experience. The company operates globally and has a strong presence in Lisbon, Portugal.
   • The company boasts a robust database of over 65,000 pre-screened IT professionals.
   • DevsData LLC holds an official government-approved license for recruitment services.
   • Their team includes IT specialists from the US and over 40 senior technical recruiters. They can deliver top talent to clients in under ten days.
   • Partnering with hedge funds, multinational companies, and top American and Israeli startups, they offer access to candidates with exceptional technical and communication skills. As a result, the company has a high client satisfaction rate on Clutch (5/5), supported by publicly available testimonials.
   • DevsData LLC has a rigorous interview process, with less than 6% of candidates getting approved. This process includes multiple stages, featuring a stringent 90-minute session led by experienced professionals and a problem-solving algorithm assessment.

   
   
   

   Why choose DevsData LLC?

   DevsData LLC distinguishes itself in the tech recruitment industry in Lisbon with a unique value proposition that sets it apart from larger firms. Operating on a more compact scale helps DevsData LLC minimize overhead costs compared to its larger counterparts. This efficiency enables them to offer competitive pricing without compromising on service excellence or the quality of recommended candidates. Their dedicated team excels at swiftly delivering top talent, and their personalized approach allows them to adapt quickly to meet specific client needs, ensuring each recruitment project is distinctive and highly effective. Read about their success stories here to uncover more.

   For additional details about DevsData LLC, contact their team at [email protected] or visit their website at www.devsdata.com.

   Address:
   DevsData IT Recruitment Agency Lisbon
   50 R. Alexandre Herculano,
   Lisbon 1250-048, Portugal
   [email protected]Copy Email

2. Randstad: Best for enterprise

   

   Website: https://www.randstad.pt/
   Team size: ~1,100 employees
   Founded in: 1960
   Headquarters: Lisbon, Portugal

   Randstad is a well-known name in the recruitment industry, having a robust presence in Lisbon. They are highly regarded for their comprehensive staffing solutions spanning multiple sectors, prominently in IT. Their versatility in offering temporary and permanent staffing solutions makes them particularly advantageous for enterprises with diverse recruitment requirements.
   

   Do you have IT recruitment needs?

   🎧 Schedule a meeting

   Key highlights

   • Extensive database of candidates across multiple industries.
   • Utilizes cutting-edge technology to match candidates with job opportunities.
   • Flexibility to meet both short-term and long-term staffing needs.

3. Hays: Best for executive search

   

   Website: https://www.hays.pt/
   Team size: ~24,300 employees
   Founded in: 1968
   Headquarters: London, England

   Hays is a global recruitment agency with a strong foothold in the IT sector in Lisbon. Known for their professional approach and deep industry expertise, Hays excels especially in executive search services tailored specifically for the IT industry. They specialize in sourcing highly qualified professionals for pivotal roles in software development, IT management, data analysis, and beyond. This makes them ideal for companies seeking top-tier talent in these domains.

   Key highlights

   • Regular reports and updates on industry trends.
   • Dedicated teams for different sectors, including IT.
   • Custom recruitment strategies to align with client needs.

4. Michael Page: Best for niche searches

   

   Website: https://www.michaelpage.pt/
   Team size: ~10,020 employees
   Founded in: 1976
   Headquarters: Weybridge, England

   Michael Page is a leading recruitment agency known for its high standards and effective recruitment processes. It has a strong presence in Lisbon and a dedicated IT recruitment team that excels in comprehensive and niche searches. Michael Page offers recruitment services for various IT roles, including cybersecurity, software engineering, project management, and IT support, ensuring businesses find the right talent to drive their technological initiatives forward.

   Key highlights

   • Teams with deep knowledge of the IT sector.
   • A large pool of pre-screened candidates.
   • Handling every step of the recruitment process, from initial consultation to final placement.

5. Robert Walters: Best for accessing international candidates

   

   Website: https://www.robertwalters.pt/
   Team size: ~6,100 employees
   Founded in: 1985
   Headquarters: London, England

   Robert Walters is an internationally acclaimed recruitment firm with a specialized IT division in Lisbon. The company is considered an exceptional choice for companies seeking top-tier IT professionals. Their consultative approach and expansive global network ensure they can cater to even the most specialized recruitment requirements. Robert Walters offers expert recruitment services across various IT positions, from entry-level to senior management.
   

   Do you have IT recruitment needs?

   🎧 Schedule a meeting

   Key highlights

   • Works closely with clients to understand their specific needs.
   • Access to a vast network of international candidates.
   • Provides tailored recruitment solutions that align with client objectives.

Practical tips when hiring in Lisbon

Top tech universities in Lisbon

Lisbon hosts several top-tier universities renowned for their excellence in technology and innovation. Let’s have a look:

In addition, Portugal is home to a range of prestigious tech universities in other cities that attract students from around the world seeking advanced education in fields like engineering, computer science, and digital transformation. These institutions contribute significantly to the country’s reputation as a technological education and research leader. Learn more here.

Time zone differences

Explore more with World Time Buddy to discover how time zones affect Lisbon and other cities.

How to call Lisbon, Portugal, from the US or Canada

Calling Lisbon, Portugal, from the US or Canada is as easy as dialing a few digits:

• First, dial the international access code, which is “011,” in the US and Canada.
• Next, dial Portugal’s country code, “351”.
• Lisbon’s area code is “21”. If you are calling a landline in Lisbon, you’ll need to dial this after the country code. However, if you are calling a mobile phone, you may skip this step.
• Finally, dial the local phone number of the person or business you wish to reach in Lisbon. Local Lisbon numbers typically have 9 digits (including landline area code).

For example, dial 011-351-21-123-4567 if you are calling a landline or 011-351-91-987-6543 if you are calling a mobile phone in Lisbon, replacing “123-4567” with the specific local number for the landline and “91-987-6543” for the mobile phone.

How to call Lisbon, Portugal, from Australia

Calling Lisbon, Portugal, from Australia involves similar steps:

• First, dial the international access code, which is “0011” in Australia.
• Second, dial Portugal’s country code, “351”.
• Next, dial Lisbon’s area code, “21”. If you are calling a mobile phone, you may skip this step.
• Finally, dial the local phone number of the person or business you wish to reach in Lisbon.

For example:

• For a landline, dial 0011-351-21-123-4567 (replace “123-4567” with the specific local number).
• For a mobile phone, dial 0011-351-91-987-6543 (replace “91-987-6543” with the specific mobile number).

You can also utilize other popular international communication options like Skype and WhatsApp.

How to pay contractors from Lisbon

Ensuring compliance with local laws in Lisbon is crucial for managing contractor payments effectively. One recommended strategy is utilizing the employer of record (EOR) service. Here are several options that streamline legal payment processes and navigate Lisbon’s employment regulations:

• DevsData LLC
• Deel
• Remote
• Plane
• Oyster HR

Additionally, it’s important to choose reputable services for international money transfers. Consider platforms like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and Payoneer, which reduce administrative burdens and enable your business to thrive globally.

Estimated tech salaries in Lisbon

The technology sector in Portugal is experiencing rapid growth, especially in Lisbon, which is becoming a dynamic center for creativity and skilled professionals. There is a significant increase in demand for tech experts such as software developers and data scientists, leading to higher wages. While specific earnings can differ based on experience and expertise, skilled tech workers often earn competitive salaries that mirror Portugal’s rising influence in the global tech industry. It’s advisable to consult platforms like Plane or Levels.fyi for precise salary information. Here are some average figures to consider for now:

Valuable insights about Lisbon

Reasons to hire tech talent in Lisbon

There are many reasons why hiring tech talent in Lisbon is advantageous. The city benefits from a flourishing tech ecosystem and a large pool of highly skilled professionals. Competitive costs, an excellent quality of life, and a strategic location further contribute to its appeal. Overall, Lisbon offers a promising environment to develop and expand your tech team.

Booming tech ecosystem

Lisbon boasts a thriving and continuously expanding tech ecosystem. The city has become a hub for startups, tech giants, and innovative enterprises, creating a fertile ground for collaboration and growth. The city hosts events like Web Summit, one of the largest tech conferences globally, attracting thousands of innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs each year.

Abundant talent pool

Portugal’s education system produces a steady stream of highly skilled tech professionals. Lisbon, in particular, attracts talent from across the country and beyond thanks to its quality of life, cultural appeal, and career opportunities. Portugal ranks second in the EU for the percentage of engineering graduates, with over 20% of all graduates earning a STEM degree, a significant portion of which is attributed to Lisbon’s contribution.

Competitive salaries and cost-efficiency

Compared to other major European tech hubs, such as London or Berlin, Lisbon offers competitive salaries while maintaining a lower cost of living. This cost efficiency makes it an attractive option for both employers and employees. On average, the cost of living in Lisbon is 37.1% lower than in London.

Quality of life

Lisbon is famous for its exceptional quality of life, featuring a pleasant climate, beautiful surroundings, and a rich cultural heritage. This lifestyle appeal helps attract and retain top tech talent worldwide.

Strategic location

Lisbon is on the Atlantic coast and provides strategic access to European and global markets. Its favorable time zone, the closest to US time zones in Europe, enhances connectivity and facilitates collaboration with teams spanning continents. This advantageous geographical and temporal positioning optimizes operational efficiency and strengthens Lisbon’s appeal as a global hub for international business and partnerships.

Supportive government initiatives

The Portuguese government actively supports the tech sector through various initiatives, including tax incentives, startup grants, and favorable regulatory frameworks. These measures encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. Foreign individuals benefit from the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) statute, paying a fixed 20% rate on their income for 10 years, making it an attractive option for international professionals relocating to Lisbon. In comparison, local income tax rates for residents range from 13.25% to 48% based on income brackets.

Language and cultural diversity

Portugal’s proficiency in English, along with its multicultural environment, promotes seamless integration for international tech professionals. This diversity fosters creativity and cross-cultural collaboration within teams.

Growing international recognition

Lisbon’s rise as a tech hub has garnered international attention, enhancing its reputation as a center of excellence for technology and innovation. In recent years, the city has attracted a significant amount of international tech talent, and Portuguese startups in 2022 achieved valuations 3x higher than 5 years ago. This trend continues, solidifying Lisbon’s status as one of the leading tech hubs in Europe.

The history of the tech market in Lisbon

Over the past few decades, Lisbon has transformed remarkably into a burgeoning tech hub, carving out a niche within Europe’s competitive tech landscape. Beginning with initial investments in infrastructure and governmental support in the 1990s, Portugal’s capital steadily cultivated its technology sector, fostering the growth of startups and attracting multinational corporations seeking European bases. The early 2000s saw the emergence of incubators and accelerators that supported nascent tech ventures and laid the groundwork for a robust ecosystem that would flourish in the following decades.

In the 2010s, Lisbon experienced a pivotal moment with the relocation of Web Summit, one of the world’s largest tech conferences. This move spotlighted Lisbon on the global stage and catalyzed further investment and interest in the city’s tech scene. Subsequently, the city’s focus on innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth has propelled it forward. Today, Lisbon attracts top talent and investment, supported by a collaborative network of startups, established tech giants, research institutions, and a forward-thinking government committed to nurturing a thriving tech ecosystem. With ongoing advancements in infrastructure and connectivity, Lisbon’s future as a leading hub for technology and innovation looks promising and poised for continued expansion.

Bottom line

Our top pick for exceptional IT recruitment services in Lisbon is DevsData LLC. In contrast to larger enterprises, DevsData LLC leverages its smaller size to deliver a distinctive blend of agility, customization, and cost-effectiveness. Despite being compact, DevsData LLC boasts 8+ years of experience serving corporate clients. They maintain and often surpass high service standards through a rigorous recruitment process and a vast network encompassing 65,000 developers.

Moreover, DevsData LLC can tailor the recruitment process to accommodate specific client preferences, offering a level of personalized service that larger firms typically cannot match. Due to lower overhead costs, they also provide competitive pricing. This combination of superior service quality, personalized approach, and economic efficiency positions DevsData LLC as an ideal partner for businesses seeking exceptional IT recruitment services in Lisbon.

DevsData LLC has a local presence in Lisbon, Portugal, and specialized proficiency in EOR services. The company is prepared to support various requirements, such as legal and tax advisory services. Their comprehensive grasp of local regulations allows them to offer expert counsel on employment law and HR advisory, crucial for enterprises considering local recruitment or establishing a presence in Lisbon. Additionally, they provide business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions to optimize client operations and boost productivity.

Contact:
For further insights into how DevsData LLC can empower your organization’s objectives, please visit www.devsdata.com or reach out directly at [email protected].

Address:
DevsData IT Recruitment Agency Lisbon
50 R. Alexandre Herculano,
Lisbon 1250-048, Portugal
[email protected]Copy Email

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