Working in Portugal: Your Comprehensive Guide to Finding a Job

The Portuguese economy has had its ups and downs in the last two decades, but in 2026, it is one of the fastest-growing in Europe — even being named “The Economy of the Year” in The Economist, the UK’s top financial newspaper.

Working in Portugal offers a good work-life balance, a warm climate, and more affordable living costs than much of Western Europe. There are many job opportunities for English speakers, especially in technology, construction, healthcare, tourism, and restaurant sectors. 

Whether you are looking for full-time, part-time, flexible, or self-employment, the Portuguese job market is stable with a strong demand for skilled workers. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about moving to Portugal as an expat, including Portuguese Work Visa requirements, average salaries, necessary documents, residence permits, and more.

Working in Portugal: Key Takeaways

Citizens from non-EU countries need a residence permit or a visa to work in Portugal, while EU/EEA/Swiss nationals don’t need a visa – only a residence certificate.  

The most in-demand English-speaking jobs in Portugal are in sales, customer service, IT, technical support, shared service roles, and digital marketing.  

The best cities to find work: Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Faro (Algarve), and Funchal (Madeira). 

As of 1 January 2026, the minimum gross wage in mainland Portugal is €920 per month (€12,880 annually), paid over 14 months. 

The average salaries in Portugal: €900–€1,500 per month (for entry-level), €1,500–€3,000 per month (for mid-level), and €3,000–€6,000+ (for tech roles and senior-level positions). 

The average rate for part-time jobs is €5.50–€8 per hour, depending on the industry and job experience.  

The highest-paying jobs in Portugal for foreigners are in executive management, finance, IT, technology, and healthcare, where the gross average salary can reach €3,000–€8,000 per month.  

If you want to work in Portugal as an expat, you need to meet specific requirements and eligibility criteria. These depend on various factors, such as your nationality, the type of work you intend to do, and the duration of your stay. 

Working in Portugal as an EU citizen 

If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or the Swiss Confederation, you don’t need a work permit or a Portuguese Work Visa to work in Portugal.  

You can enter the country without any restrictions and start working. However, if you plan to live in Portugal or stay longer than 90 days (or three months), you must register with the local city hall (Câmara Municipal) and obtain a EU Residence Certificate (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia, CRUE).  

As of 2026, the administrative fee for CRUE in Portugal is €15 for adults and €7.50 for children under the age of six.  

Working in Portugal as a non-EU citizen 

If you are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you will need a Portuguese work visa and a residence permit to work in Portugal.  

In most cases, you need to get a job offer in Portugal before you apply, unless you apply for the Job Seeker Visa, in which case you can secure a job after you arrive in Portugal. 

A Portuguese employer plays an important role in the immigration process. They offer you an employment contract that helps you comply with the Portuguese labor law, which is governed by the Labour Code (Código do Trabalho).

Portuguese Work Visa requirements (non-EU nationals) 

After getting a job offer in Portugal, non-EU and third-country nationals often apply for a long-stay (type D) visa at the Portuguese Consulate in their home country. 

For the Portugal Work Visa, you will need the following documents: 

• Valid passport 
• Formal job offer or an employment contract (for most cases) 
• Private medical insurance 
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal 
• Visa application forms 
• Clean criminal record certificate 
• A Portuguese tax identification number (Número de Identificação Fiscal – NIF) 

Tip: To work in Portugal as a foreigner, you will need a Portuguese tax number (NIF) for all fiscal transactions in the country, including signing a job contract, opening a Portuguese bank account, paying taxes, renting property, and setting up utilities. You can get a NIF online in five to 10 business days or the same day with in-person applications at the local tax office (Finanças) or citizens’ shop (Loja do Cidadão). The application itself is free.

D8 (Digital Nomad Visa)

If you are interested in remote jobs in Portugal, the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) can be an excellent choice. Portugal is a haven for digital nomads and continues to embrace initiatives to attract remote workers. Take Madeira’s Digital Nomad Village, for example. This is an entire village dedicated to digital nomads.

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa (D8) allows remote workers to live and work in Portugal. One of the great perks of the Digital Nomad Visa is that you can travel throughout the Schengen Area without having to apply for a visa and deal with border control.

The D8 Visa requires that individuals earn four times the national minimum wage in Portugal in 2026, which totals around €3,680 per month. You can apply for either a temporary stay visa (which lasts for up to one year) or a residence visa that you can renew and eventually get long-term residency in Portugal.

To apply, file the application at a Portuguese Consulate in your home country. Only after you enter Portugal with your visa can you finish the residence process with the AIMA (Portugal’s immigration authorities). You will be required to show your proof of income for the previous three months, tax residency documents, and either your employment contract or proof that you are self-employed.

D7 (Passive Income Visa)

If you are looking to move to Portugal and work in the country, not remotely, then the Portugal D7 Visa is an excellent option for you. Also called the Portugal Retirement Visa, you can use it to live in Portugal as long as you provide evidence of reasonable passive income.

The Passive Income Visa (D7) is an affordable and attractive Portugal immigration visa option. To qualify, you should earn a stable passive income that is at least above the Portuguese minimum wage threshold. For 2026, the minimum wage in mainland Portugal is €920 per month, or €12,880 per year, paid over 14 months.

After securing a work visa, you will also need to apply for a residence permit at the Agency for Migration Integration and Asylum (AIMA). This permit is essential for legally residing in Portugal during your employment.

Job Seeker Visa

As the name implies, this visa is intended for people who want to enter and remain only in Portugal to look for a job. It authorizes them to carry out a subordinated work activity until the visa expires or until the residence permit is granted.

You need to find a job in Portugal within 120 days. If you can’t, you could extend the visa for an extra 60 days. But, if that is not enough, you may need to leave Portugal. That’s why the Job Seeker Visa is usually riskier than other work visas in Portugal.  

D1 (Work Visa)

The Portugal D1 Visa covers a wide range of activities. Also known as the Portugal Work Visa, it is a long-term type D Visa that permits non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Portugal. It is specifically intended for individuals who have secured a job offer from a Portuguese employer.

The D1 Visa in Portugal is typically granted for a year, after which it can be renewed and may eventually lead to a residence permit, allowing the holder to live and work in Portugal on a long-term basis.

This visa necessitates proof of employment, a work contract, or an invitation from a Portuguese company, along with other documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the job. 

D3 (Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa)

The Portugal D3 Visa, also known as the Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa, is a long-term residence visa for Portugal that aims to attract highly skilled workers (non-EU/EEA nationals) to live and work in Portugal. 

The D3 Visa is for individuals who possess specialized skills, advanced degrees, or substantial professional experience and who have secured employment or a job offer in a highly qualified position, such as in scientific research, technical professions, or managerial roles.

D2 (Entrepreneur Visa)

The Portugal D2 Visa is for entrepreneurs, independent service providers, and business owners who are looking to invest or set up a business in Portugal. This is a long-term (type D) residence visa for non-EU/EEA citizens seeking to live in Portugal while developing a business activity or expanding an existing company.

The D2 Visa is typically issued as an entry visa that enables the applicant to apply for a Portuguese residence permit after you arrive in Portugal.

To qualify for the D2 Entrepreneur Visa, you need to prove to the Portuguese authorities your intent to establish, acquire, or develop a business in Portugal. You also need to show that your business activity can benefit Portugal’s economy and is technologically, scientifically, culturally, or socially relevant to the country.

To apply for the D2 Visa in Portugal, you often need a viable business plan, proof of sufficient financial means, proof of business activities or investment funds, and any other supporting documents that could support your business venture.

Portugal offers a wide range of job opportunities for foreigners, especially in sectors such as technology, tourism, real estate, and education.

With an unemployment rate of 5.7 percent in April 2026, compared to 6.2 percent in April 2025, it is needless to say that Portugal’s job market has been recovering at a steady pace, according to Trading Economics.

The country has become a hub for tech startups, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto, where there is a high demand for IT professionals, software developers, and digital marketers.

The tourism industry also provides many full-time and temporary jobs in hospitality, customer service, and management, as Portugal remains a popular travel destination.

There is a demand for English teachers across the country, with opportunities in private language schools and international institutions. Additionally, the real estate market, influenced by foreign investment, offers roles in sales, property management, and consulting.

Freelancing and working remotely in Portugal are also viable options for temporary jobs, particularly in creative industries and digital fields, supported by Portugal’s growing digital nomad community through the D8 Digital Nomad Visa.

On 24 September 2024, the Portuguese government launched Programa Integrar through the Portaria n.º 218/2024/1. This initiative is here to support integration and take care of the workforce shortages. This program was specifically for job seekers and migrants who already registered with the National Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP).

That being said, while proficiency in Portuguese can improve job prospects, many roles in multinational companies and the tech sector require English as the primary working language.

Below, you can find jobs for foreigners in Portugal that are in short supply of workers and in high demand (shortage occupation), and those that have plenty of workers but low demand (surplus occupation).  

Source: CEDEFOP, October 2026 

Tip: There are several job boards online for finding a job in Portugal, but a good starting point is some of the most well-known, such as Europe Language Jobs, Expatica, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Jobs In Lisbon.

Getting a job in Portugal as a foreigner involves several steps, from understanding the local job market to navigating the application process and meeting legal requirements.

To apply for work in Portugal, follow these steps:

1. Check if you need a visa or a work permit in Portugal. 
2. Write Curriculum Vitae (CV) in a Portuguese CV format and a cover letter for each application. 
3. Search for jobs in Portugal on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed Portugal, EURES (EU job portal), Glassdoor, or Net-Empregos. 
4. Reach out to temporary employment agencies or employment services in Portugal. 
5. Attend conferences and networking events such as Second Home Lisboa, Heden, or Lisbon Web Summit. 
6. Prepare for online interviews, such as Teams or Zoom calls. 

Portuguese CV tips

To apply for a more stable job or a temporary position, you’ll first need to prepare a CV to send to prospective employers. A Portuguese CV differs from a US CV or résumé in several key ways. It is generally divided into three sections: personal details, recent professional experience, and most recent qualifications or degrees.

Typically more detailed and longer than a US résumé, a Portuguese CV often extends to two or three pages. It includes comprehensive information about education, work experience, skills, and additional details such as languages spoken, certifications, and sometimes hobbies.

On the other hand, a US CV is generally more concise, usually limited to one page (especially for less experienced candidates). It focuses on key achievements and relevant experience, with less emphasis on personal details.

Here are a few more tips that should go a long way when applying for a job in Portugal:

• Short CVs are highly appreciated, and one page should be sufficient to highlight your fit for a job opportunity. Some positions may require you to go into more detail about a particular technical aspect. If this is the case, your CV should be a maximum of two pages.
• Begin with your personal details, including your name, nationality, date of birth, and city of residence. Attaching a picture is more common practice in Portugal, and some recruiters advise doing so, but again, this is up to you. Include your contact details and hyperlinks to professional websites, if applicable.
• Your professional experience section should start with the most recent first for the recruiter to read it easily. List the duties that you carried out.
• Thirdly, your education and qualification, again starting from the most recent first.
• You can also list hard and soft skills and any relevant hobbies.
• Submit your CV in English if you do not speak Portuguese or the language required for the job.

Cover letter tips

Cover letters are not mandatory, but many companies will ask you to attach one. This is a good way to show your experience and why you would be the perfect fit for the role or the company.

Required references and qualifications

References and qualifications are not always required, but pay attention to the job offer specifications, as some recruiters will ask for them.

As a general rule, you will not need to show proof of your qualifications, at least at the first stage of the application process. However, if you progress through the stages, you may be asked for proof of your qualification.

Interview tips

How you present yourself for interviews is very important, and this is no different in Portugal. When in doubt, opt for a slightly more formal dress code, although it is worth paying attention to the company culture. For example, startups may have more casual attire than large consultancies, so try to dress accordingly.

Networking tips

Networking can be one of the best ways to find a stable job for you. In particular, in the larger cities of Lisbon and Porto, you will find many networking events where you can meet potential employers in a casual setting. You will likely find people with similar interests or from your specific sector.

The average salary in Portugal is much lower than in many other Western European countries. However, it is important to balance this out against the considerably lower cost of living.

As of 1 January 2026, the minimum wage in Portugal is €920 per month gross, which means €12,880 per year, paid over 14 months.

The estimated targets for the minimum wage are €970 per month (gross) by 2027 and €1,020 per month (gross) by 2028, which translate to €13,580 and €14,280, respectively, paid over 14 months. Keep in mind that these are just projected values and could change at any time.

The average salary in Portugal is €1,600 per month, which varies based on the industry, role, and job experience.

The average salary in Portugal

As of 2026, the average salary in Portugal is:

• For entry-level positions: €900–€1,500 per month
• For mid-level positions: €1,500–€3,000 per month
• For tech jobs and senior-level positions: €3,000–€6,000+ per month

Keep in mind that the average salaries after taxes are different for every industry, region, and level of experience.

Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas such as Lisbon and Porto, where the cost of living is also higher. In Lisbon, the average salary can be slightly above the national average, mainly in sectors such as technology, finance, and healthcare.

What jobs are in demand in Portugal and how much they pay?

Based on data from Focus Economics, about 15 percent of Portugal’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) comes from tourism, with the golden sandy beaches, historic cities, and the pleasant climate attracting millions of visitors every year.

Tourism in Portugal creates a high demand for jobs in the hospitality sector. There are many English-speaking jobs in Portugal in the tourism industry, communication, technology, and healthcare fields.

Lisbon, Porto, and Braga are emerging as tech hubs, offering good prospects for job seekers. Tech jobs in Portugal for foreigners, particularly those in roles such as software development or data analysis, can earn significantly more, with average salaries ranging from €2,000 to €3,500 per month, depending on experience and specialization.

The finance and consulting sectors also offer higher-than-average salaries, with senior roles potentially exceeding €3,000 per month, while teachers and academic professionals earn varying salaries, typically between €1,200 and €2,500 per month, depending on their qualifications and the type of institution.

Here is a list of the more common jobs for foreigners in Portugal and their average base salary for 2026. 

Source: Payscale, June 2026 

As an expat, you can be self-employed in Portugal. The process for becoming self-employed, known locally as “trabalhador independente,” is relatively straightforward, but it involves a few key steps and legal requirements.

Generally, there are three types of self-employment: freelancing or independent contractor, sole proprietorship, and setting up a business.

Working as a freelancer or sole trader in Portugal

If you are going to be a sole business owner or a freelancer, you need to register the start of your business with Finanças before doing any type of trade.

You might be able to pay your taxes with a simplified tax regime as long as your business’s turnover does not exceed €200,000. Freelancers often work under a taxation regime called recibos verdes (green receipts).

You may start a business as an empresario em nome individual. Be warned that in case of debt, your personal assets are at risk with this type of business.

If you want to avoid this, you can create a Unipessoal Limitada, which separates your personal and corporate assets but excludes some fiscal benefits. Although there is no official minimum share capital requirement, many companies choose to contribute several thousand euros. For example, around €5,000 for small businesses can give you greater financial flexibility and improve your credibility with Portuguese banks and business partners.

Owning a company in Portugal

If you plan to set up a business in Portugal with one or more partners, there are many legal structures that you can use. These are Public Limited Company (Sociedade Anónima), a Private Limited Company (Sociedade por Quotas), a Limited Partnership (Sociedade em Comandita), and cooperatives, to name a few.

These business entities are often incorporated through the Commercial Registry or the Empresa na Hora system, and you would have to register them with the Portuguese Tax Authority (Finanças).

For further information, we suggest you speak with an experienced accountant who can help you resolve any issues you may face when choosing the right business type and paying taxes, whether it is for personal income or corporate taxes in Portugal.

Top self-employed jobs in Portugal for expats

Freelance work in Portugal is no different from elsewhere in the world, with many positions, such as accountants, designers, marketers, developers, consultants, and writers, among the common job types.

You can also begin your business in the tourism sector in Portugal, which is one of the cornerstones of the Portuguese economy. The number of tourists visiting Portugal is constantly growing, so it can provide lucrative opportunities for starting a business.

Self-employed benefits in Portugal

If you are self-employed in Portugal, you will need to declare your turnover and pay social security contributions to enjoy most of the benefits that other employees are able to receive.

Self-employed individuals are protected by Social Security in case of health issues, and there are unemployment benefits for owners of establishments that are registered as limited companies and independent workers who work primarily with a single employer.

The corporate culture in Portugal will vary for each company. As a rule of thumb, startups will be fast-paced, with less bureaucracy, while more traditional industries may have clear hierarchies. You should be able to get a feel for the company dynamic through the interview stages and talking to your new colleagues.

Working days and hours

Work-life balance and quality of life are essential for Portuguese people, which is why many Americans have recently moved to Portugal.

A typical working week in Portugal lasts 40 hours from Monday to Friday. Each company can set its own schedule, but the typical workday is from 9 am to 6:30 pm, with a lunch break.

Workplace dress code

The Portuguese workplace dress code will depend on the company you work for. Many companies have a business casual look, but be sure to understand the company policies.

Startups are likely to have a more relaxed attitude in terms of dress code. On the other hand, some businesses, such as consultancies, will require more formal attire.

The Portuguese Social Security system grants taxpayers access to free healthcare or benefits in case of unemployment, invalidity, illness, etc. Foreigners who are legally residing in Portugal can get a social security number.

What is Portugal’s Social Security number?

Your Social Security number in Portugal will be called a NISS (Número de Identificação de Segurança Social). It is an 11-digit number that identifies you for employment and social security benefits.

How to get a Social Security number in Portugal

If you are employed in Portugal, your Portuguese employer will register you with Social Security (Segurança Social) at the start of your employment.

You need to obtain a NISS, which can be requested before or shortly after you start working in Portugal, in most cases with the help of your employer.

For self-employment, you can register for a NISS yourself through the Social Security services or the online platform Segurança Social Direta.

Portugal doesn’t have a physical Social Security card, instead you get your NISS in a digital or written form.

To register for a NISS in Portugal, you need your personal ID or passport, Portuguese tax number (NIF), and proof of legal residence or right to work in Portugal.

Non-EU citizens often need a residence visa or permit, depending on which stage they are of the Portugal immigration process.

Documents to register with Social Security as an independent worker

All citizens will need to provide the following documents:

• RV1000-DGSS form (if applicable)
• Valid passport or national ID card
• Portuguese tax number (NIF)

Non-EU citizens will also need to provide the following documents:

• Proof of legal residence status in Portugal, which can include a residence permit (Título de Residência), a residence visa (Visto de Residência), or a residence application receipt

Social Security benefits in Portugal

As a Portuguese taxpayer, you are protected by the Portuguese Social Security in the following instances:

• Unemployment
• Work injuries and other health conditions
• Sickness or disease
• Old-age pension
• Maternity and paternity
• Invalidity
• Death

If you are planning to have a baby, you will be glad to know that Portugal has an excellent parental leave system. Both mothers and fathers can obtain paid leave, as long as they have registered for six months for Social Security contributions (consecutive or not).

During your leave, you are excused from work and receive Social Security payments that would replace your lost income. In most cases, parents do not need an employer to approve their leave, so they usually notify their employer within seven days after the birth.

Instead of having separate maternity and paternity systems, Portugal has a shared parental responsibility, which means both parents are entitled to leave and can divide it between them. Here is how it works.

Parental benefits

The Portuguese Social Security system provides several types of family-related benefits, including these types of allowance:

• Initial parental
• Extended parental
• Risk during pregnancy
• Pregnancy loss (termination of pregnancy)
• Adoption
• Grandchild care

How long is the parental leave in Portugal?

Parental leave is based on initial parental leave, which lasts either 120 or 150 consecutive days. That includes weekends and public holidays. Parents can choose how to split this time between them.

There are also mandatory components:

• The mother must take 42 days of mandatory leave after birth
• The father must take 28 mandatory days, plus up to 7 optional days, taken within the early post-birth period

You can share the remaining days between each other.

If parents meet specific sharing conditions (for example, each takes at least 30 consecutive days alone, or two periods of 15 days), they may receive an extra 30 days of leave, which increases the total duration to 150 or 180 days.

Maternity leave

The mother’s leave is included within the initial parental leave and consists of:

• Up to 30 optional days before birth
• 42 days of mandatory leave after birth

These days form part of the total 120 or 150-day parental leave period.

Paternity leave

Fathers are entitled to 28 mandatory days of leave, structured as follows:

• The first 7 days must be taken immediately after birth
• The remaining mandatory days must be taken within the first 42 days after birth
• Fathers may also take up to 7 optional days, which can be used during the same period

In total, paternity leave can reach 28 to 35 days, depending on how it is used.

Parental allowance (how it is paid)

The amount of parental benefit depends on the length of leave chosen:

• 120 days: 100 percent of reference remuneration
• 150 days: 80 percent of reference remuneration
• 150 days with shared leave: 83 or 90 percent
• 180 days (150 + 30 shared days): 83 or 90 percent, depending on how the leave is shared

This reference remuneration is calculated by Social Security as the average gross income registered over the relevant period, divided by 180 days.

Extended parental leave

After initial parental leave ends, each parent may take up to three months of extended parental leave.

This can be taken full-time or part-time and is paid at:

• 30 percent of reference remuneration, or
• 40 percent if both parents take the full extended leave period