Industrial Warehouse Security: Companies, Costs and Solutions
Comparison of the main security companies in Portugal, costs per solution and how to reduce your industrial warehouse insurance premium.
- Burglaries in commercial and industrial buildings increased 21.7% in 2024 (RASI 2024).
- Private security market in Portugal: EUR 1,210 million in 2024, with 77 licensed companies.
- CCTV for a warehouse (4-8 installed cameras): EUR 750-4,500; monitored alarm: from EUR 25/month.
- 24h human surveillance: ~EUR 25,000/month; patrol rounds and remote monitoring cost a fraction of that.
- Discount on multi-risk insurance: up to 15% with alarm, up to 40% with combined measures (Ageas, Credito Agricola).
- Main operators: Prosegur (~6,500 employees), Securitas (~5,800), PowerShield (~4,000), Grupo 2045 (~3,700), Grupo 8 (~3,000).
Burglaries in commercial and industrial buildings increased 21.7% in 2024 compared to the previous year (RASI 2024). If you have merchandise, equipment or raw materials in a warehouse, the question is not whether you need security, but which solution is right for your case and how much it will cost.
This article compares the main security companies in Portugal, details the real costs of each solution (alarms, CCTV, access control, human surveillance) and shows how your security investment can reduce your multi-risk insurance premium by up to 40%.
What Security Solutions Exist for Warehouses
Before comparing companies, it is worth understanding what is available. Solutions fall into four categories, which can be combined according to risk and budget.
Alarms and intrusion detection. Motion sensors, magnetic contacts on doors and windows, and sirens connected to a 24h monitoring center. When the alarm triggers, the center verifies (by video or contact) and activates the response: contacting the owner, dispatching a guard or calling the authorities.
Video surveillance (CCTV). IP cameras with NVR recording and remote app access. The most recent systems include video analytics with artificial intelligence: motion detection in restricted zones, facial recognition and automatic alerts. For warehouses with high clear height, beam detectors provide efficient coverage without needing cameras in every corner.
Access control. Biometric systems (fingerprint, facial recognition), RFID cards or PIN codes that record who enters and exits, and at what times. Essential for warehouses with high-value merchandise or multiple shifts.
Human surveillance and patrol rounds. From permanent surveillance (24h with rotating guards) to shared mobile patrols among multiple clients in the same industrial zone. The cost difference is enormous: permanent surveillance costs ~EUR 25,000/month, while shared patrols cost a fraction.
Shared mobile patrol rounds are the most common solution for medium-sized warehouses. A guard makes regular passes through multiple clients in the same industrial zone, combining a deterrent physical presence with a much lower cost than permanent surveillance. Securitas describes this service as having a "very affordable price."
How Much Does It Cost to Protect Your Warehouse
Costs range from a few hundred euros per month (basic monitored alarm) to tens of thousands (permanent human surveillance). This table summarizes the benchmark values for Portugal.
| Solution | Installation cost | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Monitored intrusion alarm 24h | EUR 100-650 | EUR 25-50/month |
| CCTV 4 IP cameras + NVR (installed) | EUR 750-1,500 | EUR 50-100/month (monitoring) |
| CCTV 8 IP cameras + NVR (installed) | EUR 1,500-4,500 | EUR 100-600/month (monitoring) |
| Biometric access control (up to 50 users) | EUR 600-1,200 | Maintenance ~8%/year of investment |
| Card/PIN access control (per door) | EUR 100-300 | Minimal |
| Automatic fire detection (SADI, 2 zones) | EUR 2,000-3,000 | Annual maintenance ~EUR 150 |
| Perimeter metal fencing | EUR 18-50/linear meter | -- |
| Shared mobile patrol rounds | -- | Variable (custom quote) |
| 24h human surveillance (permanent) | -- | ~EUR 25,000/month |
For most warehouses in Greater Lisbon, a mid-range package (monitored alarm + 4-6 CCTV cameras + access control) costs between EUR 2,000 and EUR 4,000 for installation and EUR 150-300/month for monitoring.
If the budget is limited, the priority should be an intrusion alarm connected to a 24h monitoring center with video verification. It is the solution with the best return: costs from EUR 25/month and can secure a 10-15% discount on insurance, which often covers the cost of the service itself.
Comparison of the Main Security Companies in Portugal
The private security market in Portugal generated EUR 1,210 million in revenue in 2024, an 8.5% growth over the previous year (ECO, 2024). There are 77 licensed companies, but the market is concentrated: the top 5 hold more than half the revenue.
| Company | Origin | Employees (PT) | Surveillance | Alarms | CCTV | Patrols | 24h Center | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Securitas | Sweden | ~5,800 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (SOC) | Yes |
| Prosegur | Spain | ~6,500 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Verisure (formerly Securitas Direct) | Sweden | ~800 | Via dispatch | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Grupo 2045/Galia | Portugal | ~3,700 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Strong Charon (Trivalor) | Portugal | 1,000+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Grupo 8 | Portugal (100%) | ~3,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (24/7) | No |
| PowerShield | Portugal | ~4,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (SOC) | No |
| Eulen | Spain | n/a | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Securitas
Present in Portugal since 1966, it is the market benchmark with around 4,100 corporate clients and revenue of EUR 136 million in 2024 (Noticias ao Minuto, 2025). Technology now represents more than 50% of the business. The Securitas Operation Center (SOC) provides 24h remote monitoring with the ability to call security forces. Highlight: remote access control where operators verify by camera and authorize entries remotely. Note: Securitas AB is a separate company from the former Securitas Direct, which since October 2025 operates under the Verisure brand.
Prosegur
With 6,500 employees, it is the largest employer in the sector in Portugal. It offers a holistic industrial security model designed for industrial units, combining physical, electronic and cybersecurity. Prosegur business alarms start at EUR 24.99/month (first 3 months) with a 36-month contract, including installation and guard dispatch for alarm verification.
Verisure
Since October 2025, the former Securitas Direct operates in Portugal under the Verisure brand, aligned with the group's global identity following its listing on the Stockholm stock exchange (Construir, 2025). European leader in monitored alarms, with 200,000 clients in Portugal. Focused on alarms and video surveillance (not proprietary human surveillance), but includes guard dispatch when the alarm is verified. Through the partnership with NOS, business plans start at EUR 32.51/month. Best suited for smaller warehouses that do not need permanent surveillance.
PowerShield
Founded in 2013, PowerShield is the most impressive growth story in Portugal's security sector: in just over a decade it went from startup to the 5th or 6th largest private security company in the country, with around 4,000 guards, EUR 72 million in revenue in 2024 and average growth of EUR 10 million per year (Security Magazine, 2025). It holds licenses A, B and C and ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certifications. It operates its own SOC for alarm and CCTV monitoring, and with the acquisition of Imatrix now offers sale, installation and maintenance of electronic security equipment in an integrated manner. The company is betting heavily on technology: it is developing the AI software "Power Vision" in partnership with Nvidia for automatic video-based theft detection. National coverage including Madeira and Acores, with 80% of revenue from the private sector (half in retail) and 20% from the public sector.
Portuguese companies: Grupo 2045, Strong Charon, Grupo 8
If you prefer to work with a 100% Portuguese company, Grupo 8 (founded in 1972, ~3,000 employees) is the largest fully national option, with services including patrols, K9 and cash-in-transit. Grupo 2045/Galia (~3,700 employees) stands out for security consulting and auditing. Strong Charon (Grupo Trivalor) positions itself as the largest national security solutions company.
Procura o Armazém Ideal?
Explore a nossa seleção de armazéns industriais na Grande Lisboa. Espaços com documentação verificada e prontos para a sua operação.
What the Law Says
Private security in Portugal is regulated by Lei n.o 34/2013, amended by Lei n.o 46/2019, and governed by Portaria n.o 273/2013 (PSP). Here is what you need to know.
Generic warehouses are not legally required to install alarms or CCTV. The legislation imposes mandatory security systems only for specific establishments (banks, jewelry stores, pharmacies, shopping centers over 20,000 sqm, fuel stations). However, if the warehouse stores high-value merchandise or is considered a "risk to public safety," you may be required to adopt measures.
Video surveillance: GDPR and image retention. Cameras on private property do not require CNPD authorization, but must comply with the proportionality principle. Images may be retained for a maximum of 30 days and must be deleted within 48 hours thereafter (CNPD). Visible signage is mandatory in monitored areas.
Alarm registration. Systems with an exterior siren or panic button must be registered at the local police station within 5 business days of installation. At least one annual on-site maintenance by an authorized entity is mandatory (since February 2021).
Installers. All entities installing intrusion, CCTV or access control systems must have Prior Registration with the PSP.
Hiring individuals without a license for security functions is a crime, punishable by up to 4 years in prison (Lei 34/2013). Always verify that the company has a valid license issued by the PSP. The list of licensed companies is available on the SIGESP platform.
Security and Insurance: How to Save on Your Premium
One of the most immediate returns on security investment is the reduction of the industrial multi-risk insurance premium. Insurers offer significant discounts for installed protection measures.
| Protection measure | Typical premium discount |
|---|---|
| Intrusion alarm connected to monitoring center | 10% |
| Prosegur alarm (specifically) | 15% |
| Permanent human surveillance (24h) | 15% |
| Fire hose network and/or SADI with fire brigade connection | 15% |
| Automatic sprinkler system | 15% |
| Combined measures (maximum) | Up to 40% |
Source: Ageas Segurtrade conditions (Ageas, 2025) and Credito Agricola Multi-risk.
In practice, a warehouse with an annual premium of EUR 5,000 can save EUR 500-2,000/year simply by having an alarm and fire detection installed. If the alarm costs EUR 300/year (EUR 25/month), the insurance discount can cover the cost entirely.
Before contracting security, ask your insurance broker for a simulation with and without the protection measures. The premium discount helps justify the investment, and in many cases, the solution pays for itself in the first year.
How to Choose the Right Solution for Your Warehouse
The choice depends on three factors: the warehouse size, the value of stored merchandise and the risk level of the area.
| Profile | Recommended solution | Estimated monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small warehouse (under 500 sqm), medium-value merchandise | Monitored alarm + 4 CCTV cameras | EUR 75-150/month |
| Medium warehouse (500-1,500 sqm), multiple shifts | Alarm + 6-8 cameras + access control + patrols | EUR 300-600/month |
| Large warehouse (over 1,500 sqm), high-value merchandise | Alarm + AI-enabled CCTV + biometric control + dedicated patrols | EUR 600-2,000/month |
| Logistics with premium merchandise | All of the above + permanent human surveillance | EUR 25,000+/month |
For most industrial warehouses in Greater Lisbon, the mid-range solution (alarm + CCTV + access control + shared patrols) offers the best balance between protection and cost. If you have a warehouse in industrial zones like Sacavem, Prior Velho or Bobadela, the concentration of businesses in the area means shared patrols are particularly efficient, as the guard serves multiple clients on the same route.
When negotiating the warehouse lease, clarify with the landlord who is responsible for structural security (perimeter fencing, exterior lighting, gates) and what falls to the tenant (alarm, CCTV, access control). For more guidance on lease agreements, see our complete guide to renting a warehouse in Greater Lisbon.
When visiting warehouses, assess the existing security: does the industrial park have fencing? Is there exterior lighting? Is there a gatehouse or entry control in the park? A warehouse in an industrial zone with shared security can save you thousands of euros in individual measures.
If you need help finding a warehouse with good security conditions in Greater Lisbon, Durgesta's spaces in Sacavem, Prior Velho and Loures are located in established industrial zones.
Precisa de Ajuda Especializada?
A Durgesta ajuda-o com toda a documentação técnica e legal, negociação de condições e acompanhamento personalizado.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average CCTV installation cost in Portugal is EUR 2,000, with values ranging from EUR 450 to EUR 4,500 depending on the number of cameras and complexity. A system with 4 IP cameras, NVR and remote access costs around EUR 750 to EUR 1,500 installed. Remote monitoring adds EUR 50 to EUR 600 per month.
Permanent human surveillance (24h/365 days) costs approximately EUR 25,000 per month, as it requires about 5 guards in rotation to cover all shifts, weekends and holidays. The contracted hourly rate is approximately EUR 35 plus VAT per guard. For most warehouses, shared mobile patrol rounds are a much more affordable alternative.
Yes. Portuguese insurers offer discounts of 10 to 15% on the industrial multi-risk insurance premium for warehouses with an alarm connected to a monitoring center. With combined measures (alarm, fire detection, sprinklers), the discount can reach 40%. A warehouse with an annual premium of EUR 5,000 can save EUR 500 to EUR 2,000 per year.
The largest are Prosegur (6,500 employees in Portugal), Securitas (5,800 employees, EUR 136 million revenue in 2024), PowerShield (4,000 guards, EUR 72 million revenue), Grupo 2045/Galia (3,700 employees) and Grupo 8 (3,000 employees). The private security market in Portugal generated EUR 1,210 million in 2024, with 77 licensed companies.
No. Portuguese legislation (Lei 34/2013 and Portaria 273/2013) mandates security systems only for specific establishments such as banks, jewelry stores, pharmacies and shopping centers over 20,000 sqm. Generic warehouses do not have this obligation, but insurers offer significant discounts and may require minimum measures for high-value coverage.
The maximum retention period is 30 days, under the GDPR and Portuguese legislation. Images must be deleted within 48 hours after that period. Visible signage is mandatory in monitored areas and systems with an exterior siren must be registered at the local police station within 5 business days.
Monitored business alarms start at EUR 25 per month with a 36-month contract (Prosegur). Verisure, through the NOS partnership, offers plans from EUR 32.51 per month. Installation costs between EUR 100 and EUR 650, although some companies include the equipment in the monthly contract.
Pronto para Começar?
Defina os seus requisitos e encontre o armazém que se ajusta perfeitamente à sua operação. Sem surpresas, sem perda de tempo.
Explore mais artigos sobre:
Categorias
Localizações