Jobs for Foreigners in Portugal: Everything You Need to Know (2023)

FAQs

Is IT easy to get a job in Portugal as a foreigner? ›

The growing number of international companies based in Portugal has made it easier for expats to work in the country. Job opportunities in the fields of IT, marketing, and in other online and tech jobs are increasing. Jobs in real estate and tourism have long been a safe option for expats.

You may find some obstacles to finding a job in Portugal. There are a growing number of graduates and so competition in the job market has increased, yet there are still shortages for high skilled workers and in growing industries. You can also read about finding jobs in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

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.

Easiest way to earn money in portugal - YouTube

Average salary in Portugal by level of education

In 2019 the average monthly base salary of a high-level executive was 2,104.3 euros, well over the national average (1,005.1 euros), according to the most recent figures provided by Pordata.

For Indian nationals to enter Portugal, you need to show you have at least €40 per day when applying for a Portugal Visa. Each time you enter Portugal's territory you must have funds of €75.

Is Portugal a cheap place to live? Yes, it's pretty reasonable. Portugal is considered one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Compared to the US, you'll be paying more than 60% less, thanks to low accommodation costs.

Once you have a Work Permit, you must apply for a work visa at the Portugal Embassy, which you will use to enter the country. You apply for a Portugal Residence Permit. Once you have arrived in Portugal, you must apply for your Residence Permit for Work at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

What kind of work is available in Portugal? ›

The most popular types of jobs in Portugal include tourism and hospitality-related work. You'll see lots of jobs in retail, restaurants, customer service, resorts and hotels. Tech-related jobs in IT are also on the rise in Portugal, and call center work is almost always available.

Although you can get by with English, learning to speak Portuguese will help you live a fuller life in Portugal. Because of the strong tourist infrastructure in the Algarve, most everyone you meet here speaks at least some English. Portuguese people are accommodating and they're happy to indulge in limited Portuguese.

Tavira. Served by two train stations (Tavira and Palma Nova), Tavira is a perfect destination for a car-free life in the Algarve. It takes around 40 minutes to get there, by regular train from Faro station. Tavira is a well-known destination for discerning tourists and international residents.

Employment contracts in Portugal

The minimum working age is 16 years. From the age of 18, a person can obtain an employment contract without completing school.

The average monthly salary, after taxes, is about USD$881-1,077. If you're committed to living frugally, you can live for less in Portugal. Many locals get by on less than USD$870-$1,060 a month. A couple can live in one of Portugal's smaller cities for about USD$990-$1,200 a month.

Portugal has become increasingly attractive to young skilled workers. The southern European country has good quality of life and safety, low cost of living, and a highly educated population; all factors that attract expats.

Salary Recap

The average pay for a Waiter/Waitress is €13,185 a year and €6 an hour in Portugal. The average salary range for a Waiter/Waitress is between €10,271 and €15,057. On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Waiter/Waitress.

Portugal's minimum wage per hour

The minimum wage in Portugal is based on a salary per month calculation. In 2019, employees on minimum wage who are paid 12 times a year can expect an hourly salary of €4.38. This is based on a 40-hour working week.

How much Uber driver earn in Portugal? ›

Uber's cut per trip is 25% of the total fee so you are left with 75% to pay for your expenses like fuel, car maintenance and insurance and hopefully make a little profit. After factoring in all those deductions, you should be able to earn around €700 per month in the big cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Estonia. Estonia is one of the easiest European countries to get a work visa for digital nomads. It offers an excellent visa program allowing you to stay in Estonia for a year as a tourist while working remotely.

After obtaining the relevant visa, the employee can travel to Portugal. They will have four months to convert the visa into a residence permit. An additional permit is required to work in Portugal legally.

U.S. citizens may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.

Portugal is among the most expensive countries in Europe for cars and transport. Furthermore, this high initial cost cascades down to the price of second-hand vehicles. One small trade-off is that Portugal's climate means that cars are less susceptible to rust.

Yes, Portugal does have state-provided healthcare, which is free for all citizens and legal residents in Portugal. Even though medical care is mainly free, you may have to pay some fees when visiting emergency rooms, your family doctor, or requesting ambulance services.

There are two fees for a work visa in Portugal, one for applying and one upon approval (a difference from many countries were the application fee is the total, and non-refundable). To apply the fee is about $US25, and after approved there is an additional fee of $85.

How much money do you need to immigrate to Portugal? The government usually makes it easy for Americans to obtain residency. Usually, you'll start by getting a visa for residence purposes which is valid for 120 days. For that visa, you need paperwork proving that you have at least $1,070 per month.

If you wish to stay in Portugal for longer than the tourist limit of 90 days out of every 180 days, then you will need to apply for a residence visa. There are several types of visas available, including visas for students, the self-employed, and investors.

Portugal's poor productivity reflects low investment in new technologies and, historically, high levels of bureaucracy that have limited entrepreneurship. In addition, the share of low-skilled workers is one of the highest in Europe (46% in 2017 compared to 17% in the EU).

What is a good salary in Lisbon? ›

Average Salary in Lisbon

Average wages in Lisbon are considerably higher than the official minimum salary. The average salary in Lisbon is around 1050 euros, which is the highest in Portugal. The average wages in Portugal are still rather low figures for Western European standards.

To stay and live in Portugal, you need to obtain a residence permit. You can get it if you find work in the country, enrol in a long-term course of studies, marry a Portuguese citizen or invest in the country's economy.

Also a romance language, Portuguese is widely spoken around the world and relatively easy for English-speakers to learn.

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Portugal. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. Teachers typically interview for jobs in-person in Portugal.

Yes. Portuguese citizens can own firearms for hunting, target shooting, pest control and collecting. Self-defense is not considered a legal reason for owning a firearm. Legally, only licensed gun owners can lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition.

Why are so many Americans moving to Portugal? Common reasons for many Americans to move to Portugal include more affordable cost of living compared to the US, access to state healthcare, lack of gun crime, better overall safety, and an excellent climate.

For Indian nationals to enter Portugal, you need to show you have at least €40 per day when applying for a Portugal Visa. Each time you enter Portugal's territory you must have funds of €75.

Is Portugal a cheap place to live? Yes, it's pretty reasonable. Portugal is considered one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Compared to the US, you'll be paying more than 60% less, thanks to low accommodation costs.

Portugal has become increasingly attractive to young skilled workers. The southern European country has good quality of life and safety, low cost of living, and a highly educated population; all factors that attract expats.

Can I work in Portugal without a visa? ›

Once you have a Work Permit, you must apply for a work visa at the Portugal Embassy, which you will use to enter the country. You apply for a Portugal Residence Permit. Once you have arrived in Portugal, you must apply for your Residence Permit for Work at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

Estonia. Estonia is one of the easiest European countries to get a work visa for digital nomads. It offers an excellent visa program allowing you to stay in Estonia for a year as a tourist while working remotely.

After obtaining the relevant visa, the employee can travel to Portugal. They will have four months to convert the visa into a residence permit. An additional permit is required to work in Portugal legally.

U.S. citizens may enter Portugal for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.

Housing Costs in Portugal

Housing in Portugal is exceptionally affordable. Small apartments in the interior of the country sometimes rent for USD$315-$385 a month(though typical prices come closer to USD$500-$610.)

Portugal is among the most expensive countries in Europe for cars and transport. Furthermore, this high initial cost cascades down to the price of second-hand vehicles. One small trade-off is that Portugal's climate means that cars are less susceptible to rust.

Yes, Portugal does have state-provided healthcare, which is free for all citizens and legal residents in Portugal. Even though medical care is mainly free, you may have to pay some fees when visiting emergency rooms, your family doctor, or requesting ambulance services.

Lisbon. You are probably not surprised to see Lisbon at the top of the list. As the capital city, there is so much on offer. This includes great work possibilities.

The Portuguese are a friendly and welcoming people and treat immigrants with warmth, kindness and openness. A relatively low cost of living. The basic cost of living in Portugal is about 60% more expensive than in Russia.

In order to teach English abroad in Portugal, you will need to have a 4-year university degree and an accredited TEFL certification. Classroom experience is also often required: usually a minimum of 100 hours or 1 year of previous teaching experience. Native English language speakers are preferred.

How much does work permit cost in Portugal? ›

There are two fees for a work visa in Portugal, one for applying and one upon approval (a difference from many countries were the application fee is the total, and non-refundable). To apply the fee is about $US25, and after approved there is an additional fee of $85.

How much money do you need to immigrate to Portugal? The government usually makes it easy for Americans to obtain residency. Usually, you'll start by getting a visa for residence purposes which is valid for 120 days. For that visa, you need paperwork proving that you have at least $1,070 per month.

If you wish to stay in Portugal for longer than the tourist limit of 90 days out of every 180 days, then you will need to apply for a residence visa. There are several types of visas available, including visas for students, the self-employed, and investors.