In every country, including in your country of origin, finding the correct job can be difficult. You might need to find a job if you’re thinking about moving to Portugal, or you already have. That’s why we created this ultimate guide to finding jobs in Portugal for foreigners.
Jobs for expats in Portugal are varied greatly and depend on many variables such as
- Skills
- Experience
- Qualifications
- The sector you want to work in
This article will allow you to get an overview of the Portuguese job market for foreigners. It will also offer tips on how to find jobs.
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Portugal Jobs for Foreigners: How to Find Them
You might be a student searching for a summer job. A digital nomad hoping to find remote work. A permanent resident trying to establish a career in Portugal. In any case, it’s always a smart idea to first do your research when trying to find a job.
We recommend that you read the information in this article about Portugal’s job market and the paths open to find jobs for expats in Portugal. You should equip yourself with some knowledge of employment opportunities in Portugal. That way you will be able to make better and more educated decisions about job alternatives in Portugal for foreigners.
The Portugal Job Market
The work market for Portuguese speakers is different from that for non-Portuguese speakers. However, don’t let this stop you. There are more and more businesses relocating to Portugal. Most of them are perfect to find jobs in Portugal for English speakers. In general, there would be more jobs for Portuguese speakers available in professional services. These may include:
- Architects
- Accountants
- Account managers
- Health professionals
- Sales and marketing experts
- Engineers
- Lawyers
Another thing to know about the Portugal job market is the emergence of the IT field. IT is a relatively new business field. However, it is one of the jobs in Portugal for English speakers that is available to expats. A large number of jobs are currently available in the IT business in Lisbon. So if you’re in the IT or social media industry, you might be able to find a job easily.
Over the past five years, Lisbon has become something of a start-up center. This has increased the number of Portugal jobs for foreigners. This momentum in the start-up scene has certainly been supported by being the host of the Web Summit. Web Summit could be really helpful to find Lisbon jobs for expats and build a network.
Other than these areas, Portugal is experiencing a boom in the tourism and hospitality market. The tourism business, especially restaurants, bars, and hotels is actively searching for English speakers. They are one of the English speaking jobs in Lisbon. Though if you have even the most basic grasp of Portuguese, you can really improve your chances here. Keep in mind, however, that compared to professional hospitality jobs abroad, these jobs might not pay as well.
If you’re looking for a summer job, you can easily get a job at one of the many Lisbon-based call centers. The only requirement for getting work in that industry in Portugal is learning English. In some cases, knowing some other European languages won’t hurt your case. Therefore jobs in Lisbon for foreigners may be a perfect fit for you.
Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners: Most Common Ones
Portugal’s economy is ever-growing, which is why the job market is always looking for professionals to join from all around the world. You can always find an English speaking job in Lisbon. Here’s a table of the most demand professionals and their monthly average salary:
| Profession | Monthly Average Salary |
| Accountant | $1900 |
| Architect | $1800 |
| Doctor/ Health Professional | $2400 |
| Help Desk Technician | $900 |
| Hotel Manager | $7400 |
| Marketing Manager | $2500 |
| Nurse | $1100 |
| Product Manager | $3575 |
| Receptionist | $1200 |
| Software Engineer | $2000 |
| Teacher | $1200 |
| UX Designer | $2000 |
| Web Developer | $1400 |
Keep in mind that there are a number of businesses searching for people who speak multiple languages, such as German, French, or Spanish. Here in Portugal, it is a bonus for almost any professional industry if you can speak and write in two or more languages.
Job Opportunities in Portugal for English Speakers
Many expats moving to Portugal only speak English. This means jobs in Portugal for expats are various. If you search for a job in Portugal, you’ll see that jobs in IT and technology companies are abundant for English speakers. An understanding of the English language, including excellent written and verbal skills, is often compulsory. If you take a coding class, you’ll increase your chances of getting a job tenfolds.
The other way to go is to look at international companies with offices in Portugal and check for English-based positions. Finding a job in Portugal with an international company is often the best way to start.
Some co-working spaces in Lisbon could be an excellent place for networking. Second Home Lisboa, Startup Lisboa, and Heden are good examples. You can even chat with a founder in the coffee room and get yourself a job with their team that way. It’s a perfect start to finding jobs in Lisbon for foreigners.
Most English-Speaking Jobs Are Seasonal
Unsurprisingly, it’s easier to work in Portugal for English speakers during the summer break. In the Algarve, for example, there are plenty of hostels, hotels, surf camps, and bars that search for summer employees. Particularly those with a good grasp of the English language.
Needless to say, it’s easier during the summer vacation to find English-speaking jobs in Portugal. For example, there are plenty of hostels, hotels, surf camps, and bars in the Algarve that will be actively searching for summer workers. Particularly those with a good understanding of the English language. If you want to find a job in winter or autumn, job opportunities in Portugal for foreigners are limited.
Teaching Language in Portugal for Foreigners
There are a high number of teaching jobs in the Portuguese job market available for foreign individuals. It’s one of the jobs in Portugal for Expats that suits you well. You can find English-speaking jobs at educational institutions all over Portugal. This may mean teaching English privately or teaching it through a school. You may also apply for some administrative positions depending on your experience. However, for these, Portuguese may also be required.
Some of the institutions where you’re most likely to find English teaching jobs are
- British Council
- Oxford School
- Wall Street English
- Royal School of Languages
A TOEFL (Teaching Of English as a Foreign Language) course is always a good idea to participate in. This increases your chances of getting a teaching job almost anywhere in the world.
Freelance Jobs for Foreigners in Portugal
Since the recent COVID-19 Pandemic, freelancing has become a large part of the economy.
A high number of freelancers prefer to live abroad. Freelancing, while living in a haven like Portugal sounds like a dream. Sunny days, breezy lifestyle, and making your own work schedule. Doesn’t that sound like the best life ever? Freelancing can be easier to find Portugal jobs for expats.
There are a couple of freelancing opportunities with companies in Portugal, such as
- Marketing
- Graphic design
- Social media management
- Copywriting and content creation
You might not have a very high salary freelancing in Portugal. However, you might want to consider being a global freelancer while choosing Portugal as your home base. You can work at coworking spaces in Lisbon. Thus, you can meet new people and improve your network.
Portugal CV Tips for Foreigners
Finding a job as a foreigner in Portugal can be challenging. Here’re some tips to get a job in Portugal successfully.
Three components make up the most frequent Portuguese CV. Your personal information is listed first, next with your latest working experience and degrees and certifications.
Short CVs are preferred—one page can do to establish your suitability for a post. Other professions, on the other hand, may demand you to expand on certain technical specifics. They may be two to three pages long.
- Begin with your personal information.
- It is not essential to note your marital status or full address.
- Remember to use only relevant job roles and identify the work tasks.
- Your education and qualifications should be listed in reverse chronological order in the third area.
- If you like, you may make a list of your soft and hard abilities. Interests can be included.
- If you can not speak Portuguese, you can send your CV in English or in the languages necessary for the job.
Thus, a great CV may be helpful to work in Portugal for foreigners.
Cover Letter Tips
Cover letters aren’t essential, however, it needed for the job opportunity and your area of expertise. A cover letter may not be required for more technical employment, but it would be required for occupations that need communication. Finding Portugal jobs for expats could be easier with a well-made cover letter.
Interview Tips
Presentation is very important to the Portuguese. Even if unsure, choose somewhat more professional interview attire. As a result, pay close attention to the culture of the company. Are the employers speaking to you in a formal or casual manner? What will be the dress code?
When presenting yourself at face-to-face interviews, give a firm handshake. In a business context, the traditional greeting of two kisses on the cheek is inappropriate.
These tips can be helpful to find Lisbon jobs for expats.
Networking Ideas
When it comes to networking, you’ll find it to be a valuable resource when seeking work in the nation. Once you’ve settled locally, take advantage of opportunities to network with colleagues and possible employers by attending industry-related events. You can find the expat communities from events to know someone already working in Portugal.
Owning a Company in Portugal
If you want to start a firm with more than one worker, you can form a Public Limited Company (sociedade anónima), a Private Limited Company (sociedade por quotas), and a Limited Liability Partnership (sociedade em comandita), or a cooperative, along with other legal entities.
Finanças are the foundation of all of these forms of businesses. It is strongly advisable that you get the assistance of an accountant to avoid any complications with picking the correct sort of company or even paying your taxes.
Portugal’s Best Self-Employed Jobs
When you think about freelance employment the best self-employed jobs in Portugal are similar to anywhere else in the world. Include accountants, designers, marketers, consultants, authors, developers, and data scientists, among other professions. Self-employed jobs can be easier work in Portugal for foreigners. You can find the benefits of self-employment
Benefits for Self-Employed People in Portugal
In Portugal, self-employed people who are lawfully compelled to report their earnings and pay social security obligations are entitled to so many of the same benefits as regular workers.
In the following conditions, self-employed people are covered by Social Security.
- Invalidity;
- old age;
- death;
- sickness and disease;
- paternity;
- work-related health problems
Unemployment benefits for empresários em nome person, owners of limited liability companies, and independent employees working primarily for one business are also included.
What is the Work Culture Like in Portugal?
Business culture in Portugal varies widely by sector and even by the firm. Startups are known for their fast-paced, lack of bureaucracy, and flexibility. These companies can be found in areas like Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Aveiro. They are competitive yet overall pleasant and welcoming.
Old-aged, more established businesses, on the other hand, could be stuck in their methods. These firms’ processes are strongly reliant on hierarchies, employees can place a high value on position and social standing. The entire culture could be fierce and inflexible.
Working Days and Hours in Portugal
A normal work week in Portugal should consist of 40 hours of labor from Monday to Friday. Although each employer is free to create its own timetables. Normally a workday in Portugal begins at 9:00 a.m. and finishes at 17:30 p.m., with a 1.5-hour lunch break between those. Unless your job contract specifies otherwise, you are not obligated to work on weekends, and also most Portuguese do not. The Portuguese are known for encouraging and putting their leisure time to good use.
Leaves of Maternity and Paternity
Despite having one of the most extensive social security systems in Europe, Portugal’s maternity leave is one of the lowest. It does, however, provide Portuguese taxpayers the opportunity to extend their parental leave in return for lower benefits and having shared parental leave.
Parental Benefits
The following is a complete list of parental benefits provided by the Portuguese government to its citizens:
- Parental benefit, which is granted to both the mother and the father while they are off from work;
- Parental benefit for pregnant employees who earn less than 9,150 EUR (10,000 USD) per year;
- Benefits for grandparents caring for the kid;
- Prolonged parental benefits;
- Risk pregnancy benefits;
- Advantages of termination of pregnancy;
- Benefits of termination of pregnancy for parents with financial troubles.
Working In a Call Center in Portugal
It is extremely easy to get a job in a call center. It needs virtually no qualifications at all. Speaking English is the only qualification you need to work in Portugal for English speakers. Though, it’s always helpful if you speak another language. Keep in mind that working in a call center means being on the phone all day. This means that you need to be patient and be able to connect with people easily.
There are many call centers in Portugal that are regularly looking for workers. Some of these are:
Teleperformance
Teleperformance is a multinational call center with offices in Lisbon, Porto, Setúbal, and Convilhã. You can quickly look for jobs on their site and filter your search by language, including:
- Russian
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Italian
- German
Positions in Teleperformance are often directly for the company. Sometimes the company subcontracts other corporations. This is not limited to customer service, but also other positions for organizations like Microsoft, for example. Wages start at around €9 an hour depending on the job. Additionally, employees generally rate the work climate positively.
Apple
You might find the best job opportunities at Apple. In Portugal, the famous American company also has a call center. They are continually searching for skilled, talented professionals who want to work for one of the world’s leading businesses. You’d most probably be doing customer support work. Depending on the job, salaries in the call center start from around €9 to €10 per hour, and roles are available in more than one Portuguese region.
Connecta Group
Connecta Group has offices in Lisbon and Viseu. It is one of the top call centers in Portugal. They actively look for English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking employees. You may apply for a job directly through their website.
Sitel
Sitel is one of Portugal’s largest call centers. You can find a large number of openings, mainly in Lisbon and Porto. With more than 10,000 employees spread around the world, this organization is often searching for more workers. Salaries start at €9 hourly, and the company is known for its very comfortable work environment.
TAP Air Portugal
If you like traveling, TAP Air Portugal is a fantastic place to look for a job. They have many opportunities for employment, including a call center. TAP is a highly respected company, and they care about their employees.
Minimum Wages and Working Conditions
A full-time job in Portugal is equal to approximately 40 hours a week. Most full-time jobs require their employees to work around eight hours daily.
Portugal’s minimum wage is lower than that of most European countries and is currently set at €700 on the basis of 12 payments per year, or €580 on the basis of 14 payments. These types of wages are usually in the hospitality sector and call centers. Although, you may have a big boost to your revenue in tips depending on where you work in hospitality.
If you work in a start-up or in skilled services, the pay can jump up very steeply.
We hope our guide will help you to find jobs in Portugal for foreigners.
FAQ
What sort of jobs are common in Portugal?
The tourism and hospitality sector has the most common kinds of jobs in Portugal. Other common jobs include sales, restaurants, customer service, resorts, and hotels. In Portugal, tech-related jobs are also on the rise, and call-center work is in high demand. It’s a question of finding the appropriate business, really.
What is the process of getting a job in Portugal?
In Portugal, the process of working depends on where you come from. You need to apply for a visa to live and work in Portugal if you come from outside the EU (European Union). If you have a prospective employer who will fund your visa, this is better. EU citizens don’t need a special work visa in most cases.
Do I have to speak Portuguese to work in Portugal?
No, in order to work in Portugal, you don’t need to speak the national language. There are plenty of job opportunities for non-Portuguese speakers, especially in the hospitality and tourism sector. There are usually call-center positions for you if you speak a language other than English.
How can I get a work visa to get a job in Portugal?
Having a job offer from a Portuguese employer is the best way to secure a work visa for Portugal. Your work offer will be submitted by the manager to the Portuguese authorities, and they will begin the visa process. In your home country, you then complete a visa application and present it to your local consulate.
Do I need a work visa to work in Portugal?
If you are a citizen of an EU country, you don’t need a visa. However, for citizens of other countries, you need one.
How can I get a residency and a work visa in Portugal?
There are a number of ways to get a residence permit in Portugal. Along with the residence permit, you also get the right to work in Portugal. One of the easiest and most popular ways to get a residence and a work visa in the country is the Portugal Golden Visa program. The Portuguese government allows investors to make an investment and receive a temporary residence permit.
Is moving to Portugal easy?
For citizens of the EU, it’s as easy as getting on a plane and landing there. For citizens from other countries, you might need some time to work on your visa. The process shouldn’t take so long, as the Portuguese authorities make it fairly easy to move there. If you need more information about it you can read our Living in Lisbon article.
Do I have to pay Social Security in Portugal?
Yes, you do. However, your employer will often take care of your social security payments for you. If you’re a freelancer, you might want to ask a local law firm for help with your social security payments.
How to find a job as a foreigner in Portugal?
As a foreigner looking for work in Portugal, you may find the process to be a bit different than what you’re used to. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Make use of online resources: There are several websites that list job openings in Portugal, such as Indeed and JobisJob.
2. Check with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country: They may have information on job opportunities in Portugal, as well as helpful advice on working and living in the country.
3. Network: Get in touch with friends, family, and acquaintances who may already be living and working in Portugal. They may know of job openings that haven’t been advertised publicly.
4. Consider teaching English: There is always a demand for English teachers in Portugal, so this could be a good option if you’re qualified.
5. Be patient: The process of finding a job in Portugal may take a while, make sure to be patient throughout the process.
Where are jobs for foreigners in Portugal?
There are a number of ways to find jobs for foreigners in Portugal. One way is to search online job boards or websites that specialize in employment for foreign nationals. Another way is to contact companies directly and inquire about open positions or opportunities for foreigners. Additionally, there are many recruitment agencies that focus on placing foreigners in jobs in Portugal.
Do I need a work visa to work in Portugal?
If you want to work in Portugal, you will need a work visa. You can apply for a work visa at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country. If you already have a residence permit in Portugal, there’s a good chance that will allow you to work in Portugal. Check with where you were issued the permit.
Do you need to speak Portuguese to work in Portugal?
No, you do not need to speak Portuguese to work in Portugal. However, it is useful to know some Portuguese as it will help you communicate with your colleagues and customers. The majority of people in Portugal speak English, so you will not have any trouble finding someone to help you if you need it. There are also many language schools in Portugal that offer Portuguese classes for foreigners.
How do I get a work visa for Portugal?
There are a few different types of work visas for Portugal, depending on your situation. If you’re coming from an EU country, you don’t need a visa. For all other nationals, you’ll need to apply for a work visa before coming to Portugal. The most common type of work visa is the ‘D’ visa, which allows you to stay in Portugal for up to one year. You can apply for a work visa at your nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy.
How to apply for a job in Portugal?
If you are interested in finding a job in Portugal, there are a few things you will need to do in order to be prepared. First, you will need to make sure that your CV is up-to-date and tailored specifically for the Portuguese labor market. It is also recommended that you brush up on your Portuguese language skills, as – although not required for some jobs – it would come in handy and exponentially increase the number of positions you may apply for.
How to be self-employed in Portugal?
There are a number of ways to be self-employed in Portugal, and the best way for you will depend on your skill set and desired lifestyle. If you’re looking for a more traditional job, consider finding work as a freelancer or consultant. There are also opportunities to start your own business in Portugal, either by purchasing an existing business or starting a new one from scratch. And finally, there are a number of ways to work remotely from Portugal, whether you’re running your own online business or working for a company based in another country.
What is the work culture like in Portugal?
The work culture in Portugal is very similar to that of other Western European countries. The work week is typically Monday through Friday, with a few hours on Saturday. Many businesses are closed on Sundays. Portuguese workers usually take their lunch breaks around 1 pm and return to work around 2 pm.
The average working week in Portugal is 44 hours.
What is the social security number in Portugal?
The Social Security Number in Portugal is a unique number assigned to every citizen in the country. It is used to track an individual’s social security contributions and benefits, as well as to provide identification for other purposes such as opening a bank account or applying for a loan. The number is also sometimes referred to as the Número de Identificação de Segurança Social (NISS).
How to get a Social Security Number in Portugal
If you are a foreigner moving to Portugal, you will need to get a Portuguese social security number in order to work and live there. The best way to do this is to go through the Portuguese social security office, which is known as Segurança Social. You can find your nearest Segurança Social office by visiting their website or by
How long is a parental leave in Portugal?
In Portugal, parents are entitled to up to four months of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. The leave can be taken all at once or in two separate periods. Parental leave is paid at 80% of the parent’s salary, up to a maximum of €1,154 per month. Parents can also take up to two months of unpaid leave.
What is the process of getting a job in Portugal?
The process of getting a job in Portugal is relatively simple. There are a number of ways to search for jobs, including online job boards, newspapers, and networking. The best way to find a job that suits your skills and qualifications is to contact a recruitment agency specializing in finding jobs in Portugal.
The first step in the process is to create a resume and cover letter that outlines your skills and experience. It is important to target these documents to the specific job you are applying for. Next, you will need to search for jobs that match your criteria. Once you have found a few potential positions, you can begin the application process.
The application process will vary depending on the position you are applying for. Some jobs may require you to submit a CV and cover letter, while others may require you to complete an online application form. Once you have submitted your application, the employer will contact you to arrange an interview.
If you are successful at the interview stage, the employer will offer you a job.
Is it hard to get a job in Portugal?
No, it is not hard to get an IT job in Portugal. The country has a strong tech scene, a strong economy, and a stable political environment, which makes it an attractive destination for foreign investors and workers. There are many opportunities for skilled workers in Portugal, especially in the tech sector. The government is also investing heavily in education and training, so there are good opportunities to pursue.
What is a good salary in Portugal?
The average salary in Portugal is around 1,000 euros per month. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on your profession, experience, and location. For example, a doctor or lawyer in Lisbon will likely earn much more than the average salary. Salaries also tend to be higher in the north of Portugal than in the south.
What professions are in demand in Portugal?
In recent years, Portugal has seen an influx of foreign workers in a variety of industries. According to the National Institute of Statistics, the number of foreigners working in Portugal increased by 12% between 2015 and 2016. The most in-demand professions among foreign workers are in the fields of health care, education, and technology.
