Santarém, Portugal
with open doors to the future

with open doors to the future

The Santarém Polytechnic University is a polytechnic public higher education institution, at the service of society, committed to the high level qualification of the citizens, destined to the production and diffusion of the knowledge, creation, transmission and diffusion of the knowledge of professional nature, Science, technology, the arts, guided research and experimental development, emphasizing centrality in the student and the surrounding community, within an international frame of reference.

Santarém Polytechnic University is recognized as a pole of development and a reference in training, culture and research developed in the region, created in the 70’s, currently comprises five High Schools, four in the city of Santarém and one in the city of Rio Maior.

Since 2024, Santarém Polytechnic University is the leader of the European University ACE2-EU, Applied, Connected, Entrepreneurial and Engaged – European University, a transnational alliance of European universities working together to promote a model of higher education that is more applied, connected, entrepreneurial, and socially engaged.

The Municipality of Santarém promotes the region as a territory of opportunity for investment, benefiting from its strategic location in the heart of Portugal, with easy access to the A1 motorway and close proximity to the capital, Lisbon. The new revision of the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) defines new industrial and logistics zones, designed to attract companies and foster job creation. The municipality encourages projects in sectors such as logistics, commerce, and services, as demonstrated by recent investments of €25 million in a logistics hub covering more than 34,000 m², and €50 million in a new commercial area created to support the hospital and urban expansion. In addition, valuable urban spaces such as the riverfront along the Tagus River are undergoing regeneration, with funding secured through the Portugal 2030 programme. For investors, Santarém offers a dynamic and expanding environment: land with new economic purposes, excellent road connections, and a municipality committed to facilitating favourable conditions for business establishment. In summary, Santarém stands as a solid platform for those seeking growth, competitiveness, and connection to major national markets.

The NERSANT – Business Association of the Santarém Region is a non-profit organization that represents and supports the business fabric of the Santarém district. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Torres Novas, its mission is to promote regional economic development by encouraging business association, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the internationalization of companies.

The association provides technical and strategic support, professional training, consultancy for applications to European funding programmes, and mentoring for startups through Startup Ribatejo. It also organizes fairs, business meetings, and international missions aimed at promoting investment and fostering cooperation among companies.

As the representative body of the region’s enterprises, NERSANT advocates for their interests before public and private entities, contributing to sustainable growth policies. With more than three decades of activity, it stands today as an essential pillar of economic and business development in the Ribatejo region.

Santarém, Portugal

Santarém, located in the heart of Portugal, is a historic city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and strategic position overlooking the Tagus River. Known as the “Capital of Gothic,” Santarém boasts an impressive collection of medieval churches and monuments that reflect its significance throughout Portuguese history. Once a royal residence and a key center during the Age of Discovery, the city harmoniously blends tradition and modernity. Today, Santarém stands as a vibrant regional hub for education, agriculture, and culture, offering visitors a unique combination of historical charm and contemporary vitality. With its panoramic views, architectural treasures, and welcoming community, Santarém represents both the historical depth and the forward-looking spirit of Portugal.