On September 27, the Palácio dos Aciprestes in Linda-a-Velha hosted a compelling speech by the Mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais, who emphasized the significant achievements of the Municipality and the clear strategic vision driving its progress.
During his address, the Mayor emphasized Oeiras as an emerging urban center, a driving force in the transformation of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, and an example of planning, stability, and innovation. With the second-largest economy in Portugal, Oeiras has consolidated itself as a territory of sustainable growth, boasting exceptional indicators in safety, quality of life, education, employment, and the environment.
The speech also highlighted the essential contributions of the institutions and companies comprising the Oeiras Valley ecosystem, stressing the value of public-private collaboration in the municipality’s achievements.
In this context, the Oeiras Valley Investment Agency (OVIA) has played a key role as a driver of economic development and internationalization, supporting its member companies and promoting investment, innovation, and competitiveness throughout the territory.
Through strategic partnerships and by promoting the Oeiras Valley brand both in Portugal and abroad, OVIA actively contributes to strengthening the business fabric, attracting talent and investment, and positioning Oeiras as a national success story.
With major projects advancing in housing, mobility, environment, science, culture, and economic development, Oeiras stands out as a model of efficient, forward-thinking governance, proving it is possible to unite economic prosperity with social well-being and environmental sustainability.
OVIA is proud to be part of this journey, working alongside the Municipality to support companies and reinforce Oeiras’ position as an example of leadership, vision, and innovation in Portugal.
For further details, below are the data and highlights shared by the Mayor during the session:
#1 – Oeiras is Different
Oeiras is now a city in consolidation, an emerging urban center and a driving force in the transformation of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.
However, its metropolitan scale presents the greatest challenge for the future — the inability of surrounding municipalities to keep pace with Oeiras’ dynamic growth generates functional tensions.
State inefficiency = lack of agility and excessive centralization.
Key indicators: 2nd largest economy in Portugal.
Success = persistence, work, planning, stability.
#2 – Population and Safety
2024: approximately 178,000 inhabitants
Between 2021 and 2024, the population grew by 3.5%, above the national average of 3.2%.
11th most populous municipality, with the 5th highest population density.
Around 11.2% of residents are foreign nationals, with 119 nationalities coexisting harmoniously in Oeiras.
Oeiras has one of the lowest crime rates in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (26%), below Portugal’s national average (33%) and Greater Lisbon (34%). Oeiras is a safe territory.
#3 – Housing
Between 2017 and 2025, 424 families were rehoused under supported rent schemes.
Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR):
- €88 million for the rehabilitation of municipal housing buildings
- €160 million for the construction of new homes
- 92 homes already delivered
- 420 under construction
- 233 in the tender phase
#4 – Social Support and Development
Only 0.4% of residents receive social integration income (RSI).
Main social support measures include:
- Social Emergency Fund
- Adapted Transport Service
- Oeiras Está Lá! Programme
- Home Teleassistance Service
- Oeiras 65+ Card
- Oeiras Saúde+ Card / Medicine Co-payment
- Doctor at Home Service
- School transport for children with special educational needs
- FitSenior and Turismo Sénior programmes
- Youth Support Office – #CHAT
#5 – Education and Science
- 33% of Oeiras residents hold a higher education.
- 8 years of scholarship programmes: 5,000 grants awarded, totaling €7 million.
- Special Educational Recognition Award.
- The 5th municipality in Portugal with the most public and private R&D units.
- Taguspark – City of Knowledge.
- Strong agenda for science and technology.
#6 – Economic Dynamism and Employment
- Over 29,400 companies (21% more than in 2017).
- 2nd largest business volume in Portugal: approx. €36 billion (+44% since 2020).
- 2nd highest Gross Value Added in the country.
- 168,000+ jobs generated in Oeiras.
- Unemployment below 3.5%.
- Highest gross income per capita in Portugal: approx. €15,862.
#7 – Mobility
- BRT Corridor on the A5
- North and South Longitudinal Roads (VLN & VLS)
- SATUO and LIOS transport systems
- Municipal participation in Carris (public transport company)
- Expansion of cycling infrastructure — including a corporate bike lane reaching Taguspark and the Estrada Militar linking Barcarena to Carnaxide
- 16 new parking facilities (4,500 spaces; 2,700 built during this term)
- Growth of the electric vehicle charging network
- Studies on a river link between Oeiras (Algés) and Almada (Trafaria)
- Transformation of the Algés Transport Hub
#8 – Environment
- Over 800 hectares of green structure (42 m² per inhabitant); 280 ha maintained, 80 ha with smart irrigation; goal: 900 ha by 2030.
- Leader in climate action and sustainability.
- 150,000 trees planted.
- Urban Agriculture Action Plan.
- Bio-waste collection: 40,744 households enrolled.
- 1,232 ecological waste islands installed, with 450 more planned.
- 218 tons of waste are collected per day.
- Over €100 million invested in environmental initiatives.
#9 – Sports and Culture
Sports:
- 72% of the population practices physical activity weekly.
- Wide network of sports facilities.
Culture:
- 2nd highest number of tickets sold in Portugal.
- 784 cultural performances per year.
- Heritage restoration and cultural infrastructure revitalization.
#10 – Tourism
- 2024: over 500,000 overnight stays (+43% compared to 2019).
- Top foreign visitors: Spain (20%), France (10%), Brazil (7%).
- Strong focus on business tourism, cultural and sports events, and wine tourism.
#11 – Human Resources Development and Employee Support
- 115,000 training hours held between 2021–2025.
- Financial support for higher education (master’s, postgraduate, specialization courses).
- 55,000 medical consultations, plus cancer screening, vaccination campaigns, maternity support, and workplace wellness initiatives.
- Over €5 million in social and educational support for employees’ children.
#12 – Citizen Engagement
- 275,000 citizens are assisted annually, with a 90% satisfaction rate.
- Citizen involvement and participation.
- Simplification and digitization of administrative procedures.
- First Citizen’s Shop opening in 2026.
- Balcão 360º – 24-hour online digital services.
#13 – Municipal Forum
More than a new space — a new organizational culture.
Focus areas: Leadership, Innovation, and Digitalization.
Modern, inspiring work environments promote interaction, collaboration, and creativity.
A new benchmark in public buildings in Portugal.
#14 – Municipal Budget and Tax Management
- Average budget execution rate above 85%.
- Average annual municipal investment: 8.4%.
- Minimum property tax rate (IMI) saves citizens €17 million per year, totaling around €70 million.
#15 – Strategic Projects for the Future
- 2,500 new public housing units.
- Rossio de Porto Salvo: Health Center, Library, and Commercial Spaces.
- Congress, Fair and Exhibition Center in Paço de Arcos.
- Praça da Música and Linda-a-Velha Cultural Center, with a Grand Auditorium.
- Largo Alves Redol and Quinta Real de Caxias redevelopment.
- Carnaxide Civic Center revitalization.
- School rehabilitation across the municipality (12 projects ready for launch), construction of new Educational Centers (Barcarena, Porto Salvo, Linda-a-Velha), and expansion of nursery and preschool capacity.
- Rehabilitation of Fábrica da Pólvora (Upper Complex).
- Parque das Fontainhas in Oeiras.
- Nursing Home and Day Center in Bairro 25 de Abril, Linda-a-Velha.
- New UFOPAC headquarters in central Oeiras.
- New CERCI Oeiras facility in Porto Salvo.
- New roundabouts on the Marginal Road (Giribita/Caxias; Torre/Oeiras) and grade-separated crossings improving pedestrian access to Santo Amaro Beach.
- SATUO and LIOS mobility systems; Avenue of the Volunteer Firefighters, Ribeira de Algés, Portas de Algés.
- North and South Longitudinal Roads, Barcarena Bypass.
- Seafront Promenade (Paço de Arcos – Caxias section).
- Green and Blue Corridor (Sra. da Rocha – Valejas; Valejas – Queluz de Baixo sections).
- Estrada Militar Cycle Path, linking Queijas and Valejas.
