How to work in Portugal: Opportunities and requirements

Work in Portugal and discover a place where professional growth meets an exceptional lifestyle. With its warm climate, amazing food and relaxed pace, Portugal has become a favorite destination for people seeking both career opportunities and a high quality of life. This guide explains what makes working in Portugal so appealing, the main requirements, the most sought after jobs, how salaries compare to living costs and where to find the best opportunities for you.

Keep reading and discover how to take each step to get your next job in Portugal with all the information you really need.

Advantages of working in Portugal

Working in Portugal has many real benefits that apply both inside and outside the workplace. Here is a well-founded summary:

• High quality of life at a reasonable cost: Portugal stands out for its excellent quality of life, offering accessible services such as great education, high standard public healthcare, safety and a relaxed atmosphere, all at a reasonable cost of living.
• Solid labor protection: The country has well established labor laws that guarantee fair working conditions, including minimum wage, paid vacation, health and maternity leave, workplace injury coverage and unemployment benefits, all supported by a strong social security system.
• Comprehensive social security system: If you contribute to the Portuguese system, you’re covered by a comprehensive network of benefits that includes healthcare, unemployment support, retirement, maternity leave and other essential protections.
• Tax advantages for NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) expats: Portugal offers a special tax regime that can exempt foreign income from taxation or apply a lower flat rate, making it an attractive option for skilled professionals and retirees alike.
• Environment conducive to foreign talent and entrepreneurship: Portugal stands out in Europe for its strong integration of professionals with technical or scientific backgrounds, supported by government initiatives, language training and vibrant entrepreneurship networks, particularly in the tech sector.
• Access to a vibrant international community: More and more foreigners are choosing to settle in Portugal, creating a rich cultural mix and collaborative environments that make it easy to share ideas, build connections and discover new opportunities.

Requirements for working in Portugal

To start working in Portugal, the requirements vary depending on whether you’re a citizen of the European Union or from outside the EU. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need to know:

If you are a citizen of the EU/EEA/Switzerland

• You do not need a visa or work permit. You are free to live and work in Portugal without any prior formalities.
• If you plan to stay longer than three months, you need to register and obtain a Residence Certificate at the local town hall within your first 30 days in the country.
• You will also need a NIF (tax identification number) and a NISS (social security number), which your employer will usually arrange for you.
• It is also a good idea to open a local bank account and register with the health system if you plan to stay for the long term.

If you are a non-EU citizen

• First, you need a job offer or signed employment contract in order to start the work visa process.
• In Portugal, the employer is responsible for applying for a work permit with the labor authorities, such as AIMA or IEFP, or in some cases, the EU Blue Card if you are a highly skilled professional.
• With this permit in place, apply for a work visa (Type D) or a temporary visa, depending on the duration of the employment (short term or more than six months).

Documents usually required

• Valid passport
• Passport-size photos
• Employment contract or job offer
• Health insurance
• Proof of financial means
• Criminal record
• Proof of residence (rental or ownership)
• Certificates of education or experience, if applicable
• After arriving in Portugal, you must obtain your NIF (tax identification number) and NISS (social security number) and apply for a temporary residence card with the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service).
• There are special visas such as the D2 (entrepreneurs), D3 (highly qualified), and D7 (passive income), depending on your profile.

Tips for starting work in Portugal

Moving to a new country and looking for a job can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to help make the transition smoother and ensure you feel confident and prepared.

• One of the first challenges when arriving is getting reliable internet. Holafly’s monthly plans are a great solution, offering eSIMs with unlimited data so you can stay connected as soon as you land, without having to find a local provider or deal with physical SIM cards. It’s a fast, flexible option that keeps things simple from day one.
• Have your essential documents ready, including an updated CV, academic certificates, employment contracts or offer letters if you already have them, and proof of residence or accommodation. If any documents need translation or an apostille, it’s best to take care of that in your home country to save time.
• While English is widely used in many industries, especially tech and tourism, knowing basic everyday phrases or key terms in Portuguese can help you build trust with colleagues and speed up administrative tasks. It also shows that you are eager to integrate.
• Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups for expats, and Portuguese job forums are great ways to connect with companies, meet people who are already living in the country, and discover potential job opportunities.
• In addition to traditional jobs, Portugal has plenty of opportunities for remote work, freelance projects, or through programs like the digital nomad visa. Consider which options suit your profile and explore those paths.
• Whether it’s opening a bank account, registering your residence, or enrolling in the healthcare system, having a clear guide from the start makes the whole adjustment process much smoother.

Types of jobs in Portugal for foreigners

If you are coming from abroad, these are the areas where there are usually more opportunities and a good fit for international profiles:

• Technology: Portugal has a steady demand for IT professionals, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. Developers, data engineers, DevOps specialists, and project managers benefit from strong opportunities due to the shortage of skilled ICT talent.
• Multilingual support: Many multinational companies have hubs in Lisbon and Porto for customer service, finance, HR, and IT. They often require English plus another European language such as German, French, or Dutch. The sector continues to grow thanks to competitive costs and a multilingual talent pool.
• Tourism: It is one of the main drivers of employment, with seasonal peaks in spring and summer, especially in the Algarve and major cities, covering roles in reception, front of house, kitchen, and hotel operations.
• Construction and trades: There is a shortage of skilled workers and there is both residential and renovation work available; certificates and previous experience are valued.
• Healthcare: The healthcare system needs professionals and usually requires certification and membership of a professional association depending on the role.
• Manufacturing and industry: There is a strong focus on automotive and metallurgy, along with supply chains and administrative support linked to these sectors.
• Renewable energy and sustainability: With a strong focus on renewable power generation, there are opportunities in operations and maintenance, project engineering, and technical support.
• Education and languages: International academies and schools are looking for language teachers and specialists (e.g., Business English), especially in urban areas.
• Agriculture and seasonal work: Grape harvesting and other harvests in regions such as Alentejo or Douro offer temporary contracts (sometimes including accommodation).

Types of jobs in Portugal for foreigners

If you are coming from abroad, these are the areas where there are usually more opportunities and a good fit for international profiles:

• Customer support agent: Hubs handling brands from around the world. They typically require B2–C1 level English and another European language, and value experience with CRM systems and service KPIs. Roles can be hybrid or involve relocation.
• Social media content reviewer: Responsible for checking ads, videos, and posts to ensure they follow platform policies, typically requiring strong writing skills in your native language, working knowledge of English, and the ability to handle sensitive content. 
• Technical support specialist: Providing assistance to software and e-commerce clients, handling troubleshooting, ticket management, and clear communication in English plus another language.
• Full-Stack Developer, Data Engineer/Analyst, and DevOps/Cloud: These are key roles in the tech hubs of Lisbon and Porto, where companies are looking for modern tech stacks, data pipelines, and experience with AWS or Azure. The shortage of IT professionals is officially acknowledged.
• Hospital and Geriatric Nurse: There is steady demand due to staff turnover and international placements. You will need professional certification and licensing, along with functional Portuguese for clinical practice.
• Renewable energy technician: Training and job openings in sustainability are being promoted; occupational risk prevention and field experience are required.
• Bricklayer: The construction industry reports a shortage of skilled labor and ongoing projects (housing and infrastructure).
• Industrial electrician: Jobs are available in factories, retail, and logistics centers. Certifications and safety training are valued, and basic Portuguese helps you integrate more quickly into shifts.

Salaries and cost of living in Portugal

In 2025, the minimum wage in Portugal is around $1,100 per month. Actual salaries vary by sector and city: in BPO and multilingual support, entry level positions usually range from $1,030 to $1,300 gross per month; in tech (Lisbon and Porto), total compensation for a software engineer is typically around $34,500–61,500 per year; and in hospitality, many roles are near the minimum wage, with typical ranges of $1,080–1,500 gross per month, excluding tips. These figures can help you set realistic expectations and negotiate with concrete data.

The cost of living varies greatly depending on the city. As a reference, a one-bedroom apartment in Lisbon usually costs around $1,400–1,600 per month, while in Porto it’s about $860–1,130. Utilities add roughly $130–160 per month for an 85 m² apartment, food around $210–370 depending on habits, and transport with the Navegante Metropolitano pass costs $43 per month. A single adult in Lisbon typically spends about $810 monthly without rent; including rent, a realistic budget is between $1,830 and $2,480 per month, while in Porto it usually ranges from $1,510 to $1,940. Adjust these numbers based on your lifestyle and whether you share accommodation.

Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Where can I find job opportunities in Portugal?

To navigate the job market effectively, combine public services, specialized portals, recruitment agencies, and events. Start with the official channels: IEFP, the public employment service, posts thousands of vacancies and lets you register to receive guidance and job opportunities across the country.

Combine general job portals with a high volume of listings, such as Net-Empregos, SAPO Emprego, and Expresso Emprego. For tourism and hospitality roles, check out Turijobs Portugal. If you are in tech, ITJobs.pt and Landing.Jobs host a large share of local demand, including remote, hybrid, and relocation opportunities.

Another very effective route is recruitment agencies, which do not charge candidates. Companies like Hays, Michael Page, Randstad, and Adecco operate nationwide and handle hiring in IT, finance, engineering, sales, and customer service. Create your profile and set up alerts to get interview opportunities.

Don’t overlook networking through fairs and events, such as IEFP’s Work in Portugal or industry and university events in Lisbon and Porto. They are perfect for quick interviews and making direct connections.

Frequently asked questions about working in Portugal

Plans that may interest you

eSIM Switzerland

From

$3.79

USD

eSIM Greece

From

$3.79

USD

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! ✈️🌍

Read full bio