Jobs in Portugal for Expats (2026): Where to Find Work & What to Expect
Moving to Portugal is increasingly popular with international professionals, but finding a job locally is not always as straightforward as relocating. The Portuguese labour market has opportunities for foreigners in technology, tourism, customer service, shared services, sales, engineering, healthcare and other sectors, but language skills, qualifications and immigration status can make a significant difference.
For European Union (EU) citizens, working in Portugal is relatively straightforward. For non-EU citizens, the right to work generally depends on having the appropriate visa or residence status.
The good news is that you do not necessarily need to speak fluent Portuguese to find a job. International companies and certain sectors regularly recruit English-speaking professionals, particularly in Lisbon and Porto. However, knowing Portuguese considerably expands the number of positions available.
This guide explains where expats can find jobs in Portugal for expats in 2026, which sectors hire foreigners, whether you need to speak Portuguese, how much you can expect to earn and what you need to work legally in Portugal.
Can Expats Work in Portugal?
Yes. Foreign citizens can work in Portugal, but the requirements depend primarily on their nationality and immigration status.
Citizens of the EU, European Economic Area and Switzerland have considerably fewer administrative barriers than people arriving from outside the EU. Non-EU citizens generally need a residence status that allows them to work in Portugal.
Portugal’s government states that foreign workers who work legally in Portugal have the same employment rights and duties as Portuguese workers.
The distinction is therefore important:
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizen → generally much simpler access to the Portuguese labour market.
- Non-EU citizen → you need the appropriate immigration status to work legally.
If you are still abroad and are a non-EU citizen, you should ideally understand the immigration route before accepting a job or moving to Portugal.
What Are the Best Jobs in Portugal for Expats?
There is no single “expat job market” in Portugal. Foreigners work across many different industries, from multinational companies and technology firms to hotels, restaurants, schools and professional services. However, some sectors are particularly relevant to international jobseekers.
1. Technology and IT
Technology is one of the areas where English-speaking professionals can have better opportunities. Common positions include:
- Software developers
- Data analysts
- Data engineers
- Cybersecurity specialists
- Product managers
- UX/UI designers
- IT support
- Cloud specialists
- DevOps engineers
- Project managers
Lisbon and Porto have sizeable technology and startup communities, and international companies often operate in English. For highly specialised technology professionals, the Portuguese labour market can therefore be significantly more international than the average local job market.
2. Customer Service and Multilingual Jobs
Customer service is one of the more accessible areas for foreigners, particularly if you speak more than one language. International companies operating in Portugal frequently recruit people who speak combinations such as:
- English
- French
- German
- Spanish
- Italian
- Dutch
- Nordic languages
Positions can include customer support, technical support, account management and customer success.
Importantly, Portuguese is not always required for these jobs. EURES (EURopean Employment Services) specifically identifies customer service as one of the areas where opportunities can exist for people who do not speak Portuguese.
This makes multilingual customer-service positions particularly relevant for expats who have recently arrived and are still learning Portuguese.
3. Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism remains an important part of the Portuguese economy, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and other major tourist destinations. Expats may find opportunities in:
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Guest services
- Reservations
- Travel companies
- Tour operators
- Event companies
- Guest relations
English is often essential in customer-facing tourism positions, while additional languages can be a significant advantage. The downside is that salaries in hospitality are often lower than those available in highly skilled professional sectors.
4. Shared Services and Multinational Companies
Portugal has attracted international companies that use the country for shared-service, administrative and business-support functions. These companies can recruit internationally for positions in:
- Finance
- Accounting
- Human resources
- Procurement
- Sales
- Marketing
- Operations
- Customer success
- Compliance
- Data
- Business support
Lisbon in particular has a large concentration of international companies, while Porto has also developed a significant business-services and technology ecosystem.
These environments can be particularly attractive to expats because the working language may be English or another international language rather than Portuguese.
5. Sales and Business Development
International companies often need employees who understand particular markets or speak specific languages. Expats can therefore find opportunities in:
- Sales
- Business development
- Account management
- Partnerships
- Recruitment
- International expansion
- B2B sales
Fluency in English plus another European language can be particularly valuable for companies selling across several markets. For experienced professionals, these positions can also offer considerably higher salaries than entry-level customer-service or hospitality roles.
6. Education and International Schools
Teaching is another area where foreigners can find opportunities, although requirements vary considerably depending on the position. International schools may recruit teachers who can teach:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Business
- Languages
- International curricula
Teaching qualifications and recognition of professional qualifications may be required for regulated professions. Portugal’s government notes that foreigners working in regulated professions may need their professional qualifications formally recognised by the relevant Portuguese authority.
7. Healthcare
Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals may find opportunities in Portugal, but healthcare is an area where professional recognition and registration requirements are particularly important.
Being qualified in another country does not automatically mean that you can immediately practise a regulated profession in Portugal. If your profession is regulated, check the recognition requirements before applying for positions or moving.
8. Construction, Engineering and Skilled Trades
Portugal also has demand for a wide range of practical and technical occupations. Depending on the region and the specific profession, opportunities can include:
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Mechanics
- Welders
- Engineers
- Technicians
- Drivers
- Maintenance professionals
Current IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) vacancy data includes substantial numbers of positions across areas such as construction, hospitality, driving, retail, engineering and technical occupations.
For these positions, Portuguese language skills can be more important, particularly when the job involves working directly with Portuguese customers, suppliers or colleagues.
Do You Need to Speak Portuguese to Get a Job in Portugal?
Not always, but it helps enormously. This is one of the most important things for expats to understand before moving. There is a significant difference between finding a job in Portugal and finding any job you want in Portugal.
An English-speaking professional may find opportunities in technology, customer service, international companies or certain tourism roles without speaking Portuguese. However, the number of available positions expands considerably once you can communicate professionally in Portuguese.
EURES currently advises that finding employment in Portugal can be difficult without Portuguese, with some exceptions including customer service, IT, agriculture and certain hospitality positions.
If you don’t speak Portuguese
Focus your search on terms such as:
- English speaking
- English speaker
- International company
- Multilingual
- Customer support
- Shared services
- International sales
- Remote
- Business development
- Account manager
Also look for companies where English is clearly the internal working language.
If you speak Portuguese
Your options become much broader. Even intermediate Portuguese can make a difference because many employers require employees to communicate with local customers, suppliers or government authorities.
You do not necessarily need perfect Portuguese before starting your job search. Applying while continuing to learn the language can be a much more realistic strategy.
Where Should Expats Look for Jobs in Portugal?
There are several ways to search for employment in Portugal.
IEFP
The Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP) is Portugal’s public employment service. Its online platform publishes vacancies throughout the country.
The platform also has a specific section for non-residents from non-EU countries, allowing employers to advertise positions where they are willing to receive applications from people who are still living abroad.
This can be particularly useful if you are planning to move to Portugal but do not yet have a Portuguese address.
EURES
EURES, the European Employment Services network, is particularly useful for EU/EEA and Swiss citizens considering a move to Portugal. The service provides information about the Portuguese labour market and vacancies from employers. IEFP specifically recommends looking for Portuguese vacancies through both IEFP and EURES.
LinkedIn is particularly important for professional and international roles. Recruiters in Portugal increasingly use LinkedIn to identify candidates, especially for positions requiring university qualifications and professional experience.
If you are moving from abroad, make sure your profile clearly indicates:
- Location: Portugal / relocating to Portugal
- Languages: English, Portuguese and any other languages
- Work authorisation: clearly explain your status if relevant
- Availability: indicate when you can relocate
A strong LinkedIn profile can be particularly useful because recruiters may contact you before you have physically moved.
Other Portuguese Job Websites
There are also several local job portals worth checking. EURES currently lists platforms including:
- Net-Empregos
- Indeed Portugal
- SAPO Emprego
- ITJobs for technology positions
- Turijobs for tourism and hospitality
Can Non-EU Citizens Find Jobs in Portugal?
Yes, but immigration requirements need to be considered alongside the job search.
Portugal has a specific residence visa for non-EU citizens who intend to work as employees. The government describes this as a residence visa for subordinate employment. There is also a temporary-stay visa for certain temporary subordinate or independent professional activities lasting less than one year.
For people who are still outside Portugal, the employment offer can therefore be an important part of the immigration process.
The IEFP also maintains a dedicated database of vacancies where employers are willing to receive applications from non-EU citizens who are not yet resident in Portugal. If selected, the candidate can then use the employment relationship for the relevant visa process.
Important
Do not assume that simply being in Portugal as a tourist gives you the right to start working. Your immigration status needs to permit employment. If you are unsure which route applies to you, check the current requirements before accepting a job or travelling specifically to work.
What Is the Portuguese Job-Seeker Visa?
Portugal also has a job-seeker visa, which allows eligible non-EU nationals to come to Portugal to look for employment. This is different from arriving with a specific employer and employment contract.
Once a person with a job-seeker visa establishes an employment relationship, the subsequent residence process follows the applicable rules. AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) provides a specific residence-authorisation route for people who hold a valid job-seeker visa and have formalised an employment relationship.
How Much Do Jobs in Portugal Pay?
One of the biggest adjustments for expats can be the level of salaries. Portugal generally has lower salaries than many northern and western European countries, although this varies enormously between industries, companies, qualifications and seniority.
As of 2026, Portugal’s national minimum monthly wage is €920. This is a legal minimum, not an indication of what a qualified professional should expect to earn. A technology specialist, senior manager, engineer or experienced financial professional can earn substantially more than the minimum wage, particularly at an international company.
When comparing Portuguese salaries with salaries in your home country, look beyond the headline monthly figure. Consider:
- Gross versus net salary
- Tax
- Social Security contributions
- Number of salary payments
- Meal allowance
- Health insurance
- Bonuses
- Transport allowance
- Remote-work arrangements
- Annual leave
- Cost of housing
This is particularly important because employment packages in Portugal can be structured differently from those in other countries.
How Are Salaries Paid in Portugal?
Portuguese employment packages can look different from those in countries where salaries are quoted over 12 monthly payments.
Portuguese employment law includes holiday and Christmas allowances, and remuneration can therefore be structured around additional annual payments. Government information also requires employment contracts to specify the value and frequency of remuneration.
For this reason, always ask whether a salary is quoted as a monthly gross amount and whether it refers to 12 or 14 payments before comparing offers internationally. For example, €2,000 gross per month paid over 14 payments is not the same annual package as €2,000 paid over 12 payments.
This distinction is particularly important for expats comparing Portuguese salaries with offers in the UK, US, France, Germany or other countries.
What Are the Main Employment Contracts in Portugal?
Portugal has several forms of employment relationship. Common arrangements include:
- Permanent employment
- Fixed-term employment
- Unspecified-term contracts
- Part-time employment
- Temporary work
- Short-duration contracts
- Independent/freelance work
The Portuguese government provides specific rules for different contract types and the information that should be included in an employment contract.
Before signing, check the contract carefully for:
- Salary: What is the gross base salary?
- Payment frequency: Is the salary paid 12 or 14 times?
- Working hours: What is the normal daily and weekly schedule?
- Probation: How long is the probationary period?
- Holiday: How many days of annual leave are included?
- Benefits: Is health insurance, meal allowance or transport support included?
- Location: Is the position office-based, hybrid or remote?
- Notice period: What happens if either party wants to terminate the contract?
Do Expats Have the Same Employment Rights as Portuguese Workers?
Foreign workers who legally work in Portugal have the same employment rights and duties as Portuguese workers, according to the Portuguese government.
This includes the rights associated with employment contracts, remuneration and working conditions. However, your immigration status remains important. Employment rights and immigration rights are related but not identical.
Having an employment contract does not mean that every foreign national automatically has the right to remain in Portugal indefinitely. Your residence and work status should therefore always be kept up to date.
Can You Work Remotely for a Foreign Company While Living in Portugal?
Yes, but this is an area where immigration, tax and employment rules can overlap.
Being physically resident in Portugal while employed by a company in another country can create obligations in Portugal, depending on your circumstances and how the employment is structured. It is therefore important not to assume that: “My employer is abroad, so I don’t have to deal with Portuguese employment or tax rules.”
Your tax residence, social-security position, employment structure and immigration status can all matter. If you are moving to Portugal specifically to work remotely for a foreign employer, make sure you understand these issues before relocating.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Job in Portugal
The most successful international applicants generally make it easy for employers to understand why they are a good fit and whether they can legally work in Portugal.
Learn Portuguese
Even if your target job is in English, Portuguese will expand your options and make everyday professional life easier.
Adapt your CV
Don’t simply send the same CV you use in your home country. Highlight:
- International experience
- Languages
- Relevant qualifications
- Quantifiable achievements
- Industry-specific experience
- Portuguese work authorisation, if applicable
Use LinkedIn actively
Don’t only apply through job advertisements. Connect with:
- Recruiters
- Hiring managers
- People working at target companies
- Recruitment agencies
- Professionals in your sector
Apply to international companies
If you do not yet speak Portuguese, multinational companies can be a more natural starting point.
Be realistic about salaries
Research the local market before deciding what salary to request. A salary that looks low compared with London, Paris or New York may be relatively competitive for the Portuguese market — although the opposite can also be true once housing costs are considered.
Start learning Portuguese before you move
You do not need to be fluent before starting your job search. Even basic Portuguese demonstrates commitment and can make the transition considerably easier.
FAQ
Can foreigners get jobs in Portugal?
Yes. Foreigners can work in Portugal, although non-EU citizens generally need the appropriate residence or work authorisation. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens have different and generally simpler rules.
Can I get a job in Portugal without speaking Portuguese?
Yes. English-speaking opportunities exist, particularly in technology, customer service, international companies and some tourism positions. However, Portuguese significantly increases the number of jobs available.
What is the minimum salary in Portugal in 2026?
Portugal’s national minimum monthly wage is €920 in 2026.
Where can I find jobs in Portugal?
Start with IEFP/iefponline, EURES and LinkedIn, then use specialist and private job portals such as Indeed, Net-Empregos, Expresso Emprego, ITJobs and Turijobs.
Can I apply for jobs in Portugal while living abroad?
Yes. IEFP has a dedicated section for vacancies where Portuguese employers are willing to receive applications from non-EU citizens who are still living outside Portugal.
Can I work in Portugal on a tourist stay?
A tourist stay does not automatically give you the right to work in Portugal. Your immigration status must allow employment.
Is Lisbon or Porto better for expat jobs?
Both cities have significant international employment markets. Lisbon has a particularly strong concentration of multinational and corporate employers, while Porto has strong technology, business-services, engineering and tourism sectors.
Do I need my qualifications recognised?
If your profession is regulated in Portugal, you may need formal recognition of your professional qualifications before you can practise it.
Is it difficult to find a job in Portugal?
It depends heavily on your profession, experience, language skills and work authorisation. Finding a job without Portuguese can be more difficult, although international sectors provide opportunities for English-speaking candidates.
Final Thoughts
Portugal can be an attractive destination for international workers, but the job market is not identical to those of larger European economies. For expats, the biggest advantages tend to be found in international companies, technology, multilingual roles, tourism, shared services and other sectors with a strong international component.
Speaking Portuguese is not always essential, but it can significantly expand your options. And for non-EU citizens, understanding your immigration status is just as important as finding the right vacancy.
The best approach is to start searching before you move, use several job platforms, build a professional network in Portugal and be realistic about local salaries and living costs.
If you combine a strong professional profile with the right work authorisation and a willingness to learn Portuguese, finding a job in Portugal becomes a much more manageable part of the relocation process.
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