Focus on Portugal immigration, focus on Portuguese etiquette:
The Portuguese are accustomed to adding titles before names to show politeness and respect. It is common to address men as Mr., women as Mrs. or Ms., and unmarried women as Miss or Ms. For heads of state, speakers of parliament, presidents, ministers, members of parliament, ambassadors, supreme court judges, mayors, governors, military generals, and leaders of cultural organizations, the term "Excelência" should be added before their names.
When using the second person, use "Vossa Excelência." When using the third person, use "Sua Excelência." In writing, abbreviations are not used to show respect for heads of state.
For religious leaders such as the Pope or Archbishops, the term "Excellency" should not be used; instead, use "Santidade" or "Eminência." The former is used for the Pope, and the latter for Cardinals; both are equivalent to "Your Holiness" or "Your Eminence."
The Portuguese have a strong sense of family and tend to take things slowly, so arrangements should be made in advance to accommodate their relaxed pace. In social interactions, it is considered rude to be impolite or lack etiquette toward women. Racial discrimination is not tolerated. In business negotiations, it is not advisable to apply pressure; it is better to present business terms conservatively. During conversations, guests should avoid discussing politics and government issues.
Business cards are typically exchanged between senior company staff. Appointments are agreed upon by both parties, and while one should not miss an appointment without prior notice, waiting 15-30 minutes is not uncommon. Most meetings are arranged in the client's office, where the host may offer a drink, coffee, or a non-alcoholic beverage, which the guest should accept. Although Portuguese is the national language, people also speak English and French, and English is the most common language for business negotiations. However, when visiting small, family-run companies, it is advisable to confirm whether to bring a small gift, such as a bouquet of flowers.
Over 97% of Portuguese people are Roman Catholic. Roman Catholic doctrine is the foundation of Portuguese social structure and lifestyle. People in northern Portugal are generally gentler and more honest, treating others with sincerity, while people in the Lisbon area are relatively more reserved, and their living habits and lifestyles do not differ much from other Western European countries. The Portuguese dress quite formally for official events. They are accustomed to being late for appointments. Football is the number one sport in Portugal; whether in cafes, schools, or among friends, the conversation often revolves around football.
