Can I work in Lisbon as an expat?

Thinking about moving to Lisbon for work but not sure where to start planning? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to kick-start your career in the Portuguese capital.

It’s a good idea to understand whether the benefits and average salaries in this destination match the lifestyle you’re aiming for. At the same time, it’s also important to get a clear sense of how the job market works so you can access better opportunities.

Without further ado, let’s explore the job market in Lisbon, Portugal.

Benefits of working in Lisbon

Lisbon is currently one of the most dynamic job markets in Europe. This has attracted a growing number of international workers who see the city as a dual opportunity: securing well-paid jobs while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of living in Portugal’s capital.

To help you better understand the advantages Lisbon offers to foreign workers, we’ve outlined each of them below.

1. Work-life balance: Unlike many other European capitals where life feels fast-paced and intense, Lisbon takes a more relaxed approach, prioritizing a healthy work-life balance. This allows people to spend quality time with family and friends and pursue personal interests outside of work.
2. Lisbon is establishing itself as the region’s technology hub: Portugal’s capital has become one of Europe’s leading innovation hubs, attracting companies, events, and international workers who help drive and energize the city’s job market.
3. Warm climate and after-work well-being: Another advantage of working in Lisbon is its climate, with at least 300 days of sunshine a year, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities after work.
4. Flexible work arrangements: Lisbon has widely embraced remote and hybrid work models, offering greater flexibility in schedules and mobility, with a stronger focus on results and goals rather than hours worked.
5. Not knowing Portuguese is not a barrier for workers: In corporate environments, English is commonly used, so it doesn’t really act as a barrier to professional growth.

Requirements for working in Lisbon

The requirements for working legally in Lisbon can vary widely depending on your nationality, education, and level of experience. For non-EU citizens, the Portuguese government has introduced several immigration pathways to make it easier for professionals to move and work in the country. Here’s an overview of them.

Documents

• Visas for workers from outside the EU: Job Seeker Visa (valid for 4 months, with the possibility of extension), Residence Visa for Employment (D1) for those who already have a job offer or signed contract in Lisbon, Highly Qualified Worker Visa (D3) for professionals with higher education and high salaries, and the CPLP Residence Permit, designed for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries such as Brazil, Cape Verde, or Angola.
• EU citizens: They do not need a visa or work permit. However, if you plan to stay in Lisbon for more than three months, you must apply for the CRUE (Certificate of Registration for EU Citizens) at the Lisbon City Council.
• NIF: The Tax Identification Number is required for all workers in Lisbon and must be obtained through a tax office.
• NISS: Social Security Identification Number, which you can request through Segurança Social Direta. If you already have a job contract, your employer can usually take care of the process for you.
• Housing contract: You must register with the Portuguese immigration authorities, for which you need to have a confirmed address.
• Health insurance: You need to have health insurance that covers medical expenses until you obtain your Social Security Identification Number, which will give you access to public healthcare as a worker in Lisbon.

Tips for starting work in Lisbon

Starting a job in another country can feel confusing at first, especially when it comes to paperwork, procedures, and figuring out what to prioritize. That’s why we’ve put together a set of tips to help you focus on the key things you shouldn’t miss when you begin working in Lisbon.

• Prioritize important paperwork: Getting your NIF and NISS from the start will save you from delays and complications when signing rental agreements, opening bank accounts (NIF), or accessing public healthcare (NISS).
• Be punctual: Be punctual for job interviews. It not only creates a good impression, but it can also help you connect with people who might lead you to other job opportunities.
• Learn some Portuguese: It’s important to improve your Portuguese skills every day so you can communicate better with your coworkers.
• Take advantage of networking: Connect with the city’s remote worker communities to expand your job opportunities. Spend time in coworking spaces or other popular spots where professionals gather, so you can network and make yourself known.
• Optimize your resume: It’s important to have your CV in both English and Portuguese. Focus on highlighting your ability to adapt.
• Don’t run out of internet: Holafly’s monthly subscription plans offer a convenient solution for your first months in Lisbon. You can choose between 25 GB or unlimited data, both of which allow you to share your connection with other devices and work in over 160 countries in case your trip to Portugal includes layovers. There’s also the Lisbon eSIM option, which gives you unlimited data for exactly the number of days you need.

Types of jobs in Lisbon for foreigners

Foreign workers in Lisbon are increasingly present across a wide range of sectors, holding positions from management roles to entry-level operational jobs. However, there are still certain types of roles that are especially common among international professionals.

Information technology and development

In Portugal’s capital, you’ll find job openings in areas like web development, data engineering, and cybersecurity, driven by the country’s growing tech sector and the arrival of international companies. These roles place a strong emphasis on technical problem-solving skills and the ability to work in global environments.

Shared service centers

Lisbon is home to several multinational companies that outsource non-core functions such as human resources, finance, and technical support. As a result, these areas are often handled by external firms that actively hire foreign workers with the right skills and language abilities.

Multilingual customer service

This sector is one of the most accessible for foreign workers, especially those who can provide technical support or handle sales over the phone or online in languages such as German, French, Spanish, and even Nordic languages.

Digital marketing and sales

Sales and service multinationals aim to expand their brand presence and products worldwide, and to do so they need specialists in areas like SEO and SEM, as well as account managers who understand how to reach international markets.

Hospitality and tourism

As a top tourist destination, Lisbon’s hospitality sector often hires foreign workers for roles in reception, facility maintenance, and assisting visitors from around the world. Once again, language skills are essential.

The most in-demand jobs in Lisbon for foreigners

The most in-demand roles for foreigners in Portugal’s capital have one thing in common: a lack of local workers. As a result, companies often hire internationally to bring in talent from abroad and fill shortages in specific areas.

Customer service roles, for example, often require knowledge of multiple languages beyond English and Portuguese. For this reason, companies frequently hire international staff to provide specialized support, handle sales, or respond to requests in different languages.

This enables local and foreign companies based in Lisbon to expand their products and services to other countries.

Similarly, there is a shortage of professionals in software development and IT in Lisbon, so companies often rely on hiring foreign specialists in technologies like Java, React, and Python. There is also strong demand for cloud engineers and cybersecurity experts, especially within multinational companies.

Other jobs that commonly rely on foreign workers include hospitality roles such as maintenance, reception, kitchen staff, and customer service. The real estate sector also hires professionals from different nationalities to advise buyers and potential tenants in multiple languages.

Salaries and cost of living in Lisbon

Understanding salaries in Lisbon and how they compare to the cost of living is key to assessing how competitive they are with other cities.

It’s also key for understanding whether they meet your expectations for the kind of lifestyle you want day to day. Below, we’ll go over the typical salaries for different types of jobs.

Professional salaries generally cover basic monthly expenses more comfortably than those of operational roles in Lisbon. For example, the tech sector offers gross monthly salaries ranging from about €2,500 to €4,500 ($2,700–4,900), depending on your experience and academic qualifications.

Meanwhile, customer service jobs usually pay around €1,200-1,800 gross per month ($1,300–1,950), depending on language skills, which is generally above Portugal’s minimum wage of roughly €920 per month ($990).

Compared to the high cost of living in Portugal’s capital, average salaries provide some support, but still fall short of fully covering people’s needs.

On average, a single person’s monthly expenses in Lisbon come to about €2,000 ($2,150), depending largely on factors like the type of housing they choose and their overall lifestyle.

A typical monthly breakdown of expenses looks roughly like this: housing costs around €850–1,200 ($915–1,290), utilities about €120 ($130), food and leisure between €280–300 ($300–325) depending on lifestyle, and transportation up to around €50 ($55).

Where can I find job opportunities in Lisbon?

Job hunting in Lisbon is mostly done online, using platforms that make it easy to filter and quickly find openings based on your professional interests.

To make the most of these opportunities, it’s important to keep your work profile up to date, which helps you access more job options in the city. Here are the main websites and apps to get you started.

• Net-empregos: Portugal’s largest and most well-known job portal, offering numerous job openings at major companies in Lisbon.
• Emprego.sapo.pt: On this website, you can find job listings in Lisbon, other cities in Portugal, and internationally across various industries.
• LinkedIn: It’s one of the main job-search apps, widely used by large companies and multinationals, where you can not only apply for jobs but also connect directly with recruiters and even company executives.
• Indeed: It’s a globally known job search app where you can filter roles by position, salary, and job type. It’s suitable for all kinds of profiles and professions.
• Landing.jobs: This job portal features job listings exclusively for the tech sector, with a particular focus on startups.

Frequently asked questions about working in Lisbon

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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