Working in Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide for Expats

Job Types for Foreigners in Portugal

There are various job opportunities in Portugal for expats who speak English or any other foreign language. Popular jobs across IT, tourism, education, and technology offer well-paid positions for skilled workers.

Lisbon and Porto have the biggest job market for non-Portuguese speakers. Their booming tourism industry, startup ecosystem, and manufacturing sectors attract foreign specialists from around the world.

Also, seasonal work is easy to find in Portugal, especially in popular job sectors across the hospitality and agriculture industries. Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto have the highest hiring rates for seasonal work due to the influx of tourists.

English teachers are in demand, alongside healthcare workers, IT and software experts, engineers, skilled construction and trades workers, and digital marketing specialists.

Requirements for Working in Portugal as a Foreigner

Getting a job in Portugal is a relatively straightforward process that you can either do online or in your country of residence.

Non-EU nationals need a work permit to work in Portugal. This involves applying at a Portuguese consulate, providing the necessary documents, and sometimes attending an interview.

If you are a citizen of the EU, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, you don’t need a work permit. You can start working in Portugal as soon as you arrive. To stay longer than three months as an EU citizen, you can receive a residence certificate (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) by registering at the local city hall (Câmara Municipal).

Essential documents for employment

One of the first steps before relocating to Portugal is to prepare a complete package of all the necessary documents. These include:

• Valid passport
• Portuguese tax identification number (NIF or Número de Identificação Fiscal)
• Certificate of a clean criminal record
• Proof of housing
• Work contract or job offer letter (if applicable)
• Residence certificate (if applicable)
• Professional resume (Curriculum Vitae)
• Completed application form (based on the visa application process)

To apply for a Portugal NIF number, you can go to a Finanças office (tax authority) or a local civil registry office. Non-residents can also apply through a tax representative who submits it on their behalf.

Knowledge of the Portuguese language

Speaking Portuguese will definitely boost your application, but it’s not mandatory to land a job in Portugal. The tourism and hospitality sectors often list English-speaking jobs in Portugal, and there are also opportunities for professionals with other European languages.

From customer service agents to technical support advisors, you can find English-speaking positions in both Portuguese and multinational companies. If you’re interested in picking up Portuguese, there are private language schools available to help you improve your Portuguese language skills.

Visa Options for Working in Portugal

Portugal offers several visa options for foreigners who want to work in the country. Each visa fits a different situation, so it’s important to choose the right one based on your goals. For further information, check our ultimate guide to Portugal visas.

D1 Work Visa (Standard Work Visa/Subordinate Worker Visa)

The Portugal D1 Visa is for people who already have a job offer from a Portuguese employer. The company must be registered in Portugal and provide a valid contract. This is the most common option if you plan to live and work in Portugal long-term.

D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Workers)

The Portugal D3 Visa is for qualified professionals like engineers, doctors, teachers, and scientists. To apply, you need a university degree and relevant work experience. This visa is a strong option if you work in fields like tech, healthcare, or research.

Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa allows you to enter Portugal without a job and look for work. It is valid for up to six months. Once you find a job, you can switch to a work visa and stay longer.

Digital Nomad Visa

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) is for remote workers and freelancers. You don’t need a Portuguese employer, but you must show that you earn a stable income. This makes it a great choice if you are working abroad in Portugal.

D7 Visa

The Portugal D7 Visa is for people who have passive income, such as rent, pensions, or investments. You need to prove that you have financial resources to support yourself. The Passive Income Visa is a popular option for retirees or remote workers who don’t rely on the local job market in Portugal.

D2 (Business) Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Portugal. To apply, you need a clear business plan and proof that your idea can succeed. This visa lets you invest and operate a Portugal company and even hire foreigners.

Temporary Work Visa

The Portugal Temporary Work Visa is for short-term or seasonal jobs that often last up to one year. You can use it if you plan on finding work in Portugal in industries like tourism, agriculture, and hospitality.

Wage and Average Salary in Portugal

When it comes to wages in Portugal, the average salary is around €26,000 per year, or around €1,741 per month, which is considerably lower than in the United States or the United Kingdom.

Professionals in the tech sector, especially in software development or data analysis, can earn a lot more, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and Braga, where the average salary in Portugal varies from €2,000 to €3,500 per month.

The consulting and finance sectors also offer higher-than-average pay, with senior positions earning over €3,000 per month.

As of 2026, the minimum wage in Portugal is about €920 per month (gross), which means that, after taxes and social contributions, most workers’ take-home pay is around €1,200–€1,400 per month.

Work Culture in Portugal

Portuguese work culture is relaxed and people-oriented. Compared with many other European countries, work tends to be less rushed, and Portuguese employers value good relationships and a healthy work-life balance. National holidays are important, with around 13 public holidays and at least 22 vacation days per year, you can get plenty of time to rest and enjoy life outside the office.

Self-Employment in Portugal

There are various ways to be self-employed in Portugal, and the initial hurdle you’ll face is determining the most suitable business structure for your needs. In Portugal, companies are generally classified into two categories based on the number of employees:

• Pessoa Singular: This refers to businesses with a single employee, which is ideal for most freelancers or solopreneurs.
• Pessoa Colectiva: This category applies to companies with more than one employee.

Working as a freelancer or sole trader in Portugal

Freelancing or becoming a sole trader in Portugal offers a path to business ownership with some key considerations. Before any work commences, registering your business with the tax authority, Finanças, is mandatory.

Freelancers can often benefit from a simplified tax regime for businesses with a turnover below €200,000, potentially reducing administrative burdens.

Overall, there are two main ways to run a business in Portugal. The first is Empresário em Nome Individual (sole trader). It’s simple and easy to set up, but there’s a catch – you’re personally responsible for any debts, so your own money and assets could be at risk.

The second is Unipessoal Limitada (single-owner company). This option separates you from your business, so your personal assets are protected. However, it’s a bit more complex to set up and usually requires some initial investment, and you may lose some tax benefits. We highly recommend consulting with a tax advisor before working in Portugal.

Owning a company in Portugal

Starting a business in Portugal is relatively easy, as the country offers a variety of legal structures for companies with employees, catering to different needs. From the widely used Sociedade por Quotas (Private Limited Company) to the Sociedade Anónima (Public Limited Company), each structure presents its own advantages. Choosing the right one can be daunting, so the first step is to visit the Finanças (Tax Office). However, for a smooth setup and ongoing tax management, consulting with an experienced accountant is highly recommended.

Practical Information about Working in Portugal

When working in Portugal as an expat, you can expect similar labor laws and rights as the rest of the European Union. Portugal has social security benefits, maternity leave, and other benefits that make it a popular country to work in for foreigners.

Labor laws and rights in Portugal

In Portugal, the standard workweek is 40 hours, Monday to Friday. Full-time employees get 22 days of paid leave, plus public holidays.

Most people work from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM with a lunch break, but hours can vary by company. Weekends are usually days off, unless your employment contract says otherwise.

There are different types of contracts, including full-time, part-time, fixed-term, and temporary, similar to the rest of Europe.

Maternity and paternity leave

According to the Portuguese public services portal, the Portuguese labor authorities entitle workers who pay social security contributions to maternity and paternity benefits. For maternity leave, new mothers may take up to 30 days’ voluntary leave before birth and 42 days (6 weeks) of compulsory leave after birth.

For paternity leave, new fathers are entitled to 28 days’ leave, taken consecutively or non-consecutively. The first 7 days must be taken consecutively and immediately after birth, while the remaining 21 days must be taken within 6 weeks (42 days) of the birth.

Notice periods in Portugal are contingent upon the duration of service, with minimum periods set as follows: 15 days for employees with less than one year of service, 30 days for employees with 1-5 years of service, 60 days for employees with 5-10 years of service, and 75 days for employees with over 10 years of service.

Social security benefits

The Portuguese government grants expats legally employed in Portugal and registered taxpayers access to benefits in case of unemployment and invalidity.

Foreign workers who are legally residing in Portugal can get a Número de Identificação de Segurança Social, or NISS for short.

This is a unique 11-digit social security number issued by the Portuguese social security system and is a vital number that serves as your identification for both employment and unlocking a number of social security benefits offered by the Portuguese government.

As a Portuguese taxpayer, based on your social security contributions, you are entitled to health insurance and support in various situations, including unemployment, work-related injuries or illnesses, general sickness, and even retirement through an old-age pension.

Additionally, the NISS safeguards you during maternity and paternity leave, offers aid in case of disability, and provides support to your loved ones in the event of your passing.

Cost of living in Portugal

Given the costs of groceries, rent, and transportation in Portugal, you can expect lower living costs than in many Western European countries.

Overall, the cost of living in Portugal is 27.8 percent lower than in France, 28.7 percent more affordable than Germany, and 27.7 percent cheaper than in the United Kingdom.

When compared with the United States, Portugal has 29.6 percent lower overall living expenses (without including rent), 37.4 percent cheaper rental prices, and 37.3 percent more affordable grocery prices.

Goldcrest: Who We Are

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Equipped with local knowledge, exclusive networks, and international experience, we provide expert, impartial advice on real estate investments and how to buy property in Portugal. From scouting out the perfect property to property acquisition and beyond, we have you covered throughout the process.

Why choose Goldcrest?

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