Working in Portugal

Working in Portugal

Do you want to broaden your horizons and discover new places? Now is the perfect time to gain valuable professional and personal experience abroad! 🌍 If you choose Portugal, you can expect breathtaking sceneries, a mild climate and a good working environment. Especially in the cities, there are countless opportunities to break into the tech industry. But there are also many other job opportunities, including some that allow you to work remotely from home. Ready to start a new journey?

Work-life balance in Portugal

With over 300 days of sunshine a year and 800 kilometers of stunning coastline, Portugal is the perfect place to combine work and quality of life. 😍 Street musicians, delicious food, lively festivals and events, small streets and a welcoming atmosphere - the Mediterranean lifestyle invites you to enjoy life to the full. The working day in Portugal is similar to many other European countries - 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, although many companies offer flexible working hours. 💻

In Portugal, work-life balance is highly valued, which means that leisure and socializing with friends don't have to be taken back. You can be sure that you enjoy life outside of work to the fullest - whether it's relaxing afternoons in a cozy café, surfing along the coast, spontaneous weekend trips to the wine regions of the Douro Valley or the stunning beaches of the Algarve. 🏝️

"The atmosphere in Lisbon is entirely different compared to what I’m used to. Not only is it a beautiful country, but the people are also incredibly friendly! Therefore, I highly recommend embarking on an adventure in Lisbon because it truly is an amazing experience.” 👉 Read more about Dalicia´s experiences in Lisbon.

Salary in Portugal

The great advantage of working in Portugal is that the cost of living is relatively low compared to other EU countries. This means that you can live comfortably on a moderate salary. 💰In many southern European countries, your salary in Portugal may be lower than what you're used to, but don't worry - it's still enough to enjoy life to the full.

The average salary in Portugal depends on your industry and qualifications. As more international companies set up in Portugal, there are more opportunities with attractive salaries and growth potential. 🚀 Many employers also offer benefits such as flexible working hours and the option to work from home, making work more enjoyable and giving you the freedom to thrive.

Requirements for working in Portugal: visa and other documents

EU citizens do not need a work visa or residence permit to be employed in Portugal, making it quite easy to start your career. All you need is a valid identity document. 🛂 There's minimal paperwork and you'll be up and running in no time.

When you move to Portugal, you'll need to apply for a tax number, called a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF). Many companies will help you with this. The NIF is essential for employment and also allows you to open a bank account, rent an apartment and much more.

Health insurance in Portugal

Good news for citizens of the European Economic Area: you automatically have access to Portugal's national health service, the SNS (Serviço Nacional de Saúde). 🩺 You can also take out private health insurance for additional cover.

What to expect: a typical working day in Portugal

Imagine starting your typical day with a relaxed stroll through the cozy streets of Lisbon or Porto as the city has a golden glow. The smell of freshly brewed coffee wafts from local cafes ☕ and you feel the joy of truly living in Portugal, not just visiting.

At the office, you're part of an international environment where people from all over the world meet. You work in a relaxed atmosphere with flexible hours, leaving plenty of time for friends and leisure. Lunch breaks are spent enjoying traditional bacalhau in one of the many parks, before starting the second half of the day refreshed. When the working day ends, the Portuguese way of life takes over: instead of rushing home, you can join your colleagues for a glass of wine 🍷 or stroll through the city's vibrant neighborhoods.

And then comes the weekend - time to enjoy the best of Portugal's nightlife, relax on the golden beaches of the Algarve, or explore the historic streets of cities like Évora. 🐬 One thing is for sure: you´ll have many unforgettable experiences in Portugal! Here, career success and enjoyment go hand in hand! 

"I work in customer service in Lisbon and I love helping people. There are always several projects at my company, so I have the opportunity to learn new things and grow. My colleagues are super friendly and supportive." 👉 Read more about Evie's adventures in Lisbon.

How do I get a job in Portugal with Yobbers?

Once you've decided to work in Portugal, you've already taken the most important step. The next step is to check out the jobs that are currently available. On our platform, you can find a wide range of exciting job opportunities in various sectors, from customer service and marketing to IT and HR.

Once you've found a job that suits you, the next step is easy: apply directly through Yobbers and start laying the foundation for your personal adventure abroad! To work in Portugal, you'll need the following documents:

• Clean criminal record
• Copy of your passport or identity card
• Copy of your highschool diploma

You don't have to apply for the NIF number or the Portuguese social security number on your own - we support you throughout the process, and the companies will help you with the formalities. 💪

Living in Portugal

There are many good reasons to live in Portugal: the pleasant weather, delicious food, amazing career opportunities and beautiful landscapes. Not to mention the warm people and relaxed lifestyle, which will make it easy for you to quickly feel at home. 🫂 It's no wonder that the country is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. But Portugal is more than just a vacation spot - it's your chance to break new ground and create exciting experiences! 🥰

"Living in Lisbon feels like a dream come true. One of my favourite memories is going to the beach after work and just enjoying the relaxed lifestyle." 👉 Read more about Nynke's gap year in Lisbon.

Cost of living in Portugal

Portugal is one of the European countries with relatively low living costs. While rental prices in cities like Lisbon and Porto can be higher, they still remain below those of many other European capitals such as Paris or Berlin. 

There are also many ways to save and make the most of your budget:

• Buy fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, and fish at local markets. They are often cheaper and of better quality than in large supermarkets.
• Portugal has a well-developed public transportation network. 🚌 Use buses, trams, subways, and trains—if you're feeling active, you can also hop on a bike.
• Renting a room in a shared apartment (known as ‘Compartilhadas’) is a popular and affordable option for expats.
• Avoid pricey tourist restaurants and look for small, local ‘Tascas’ that serve authentic Portuguese dishes at fair prices.

What to do in Portugal?

Portugal has something for everyone! Here are the highlights:

• Explore the Algarve: enjoy crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches - perfect for relaxing or water sports like surfing and snorkeling. 🐠
• Visit Lisbon's Alfama neighborhood: wander through the maze of cobblestone streets in the city's oldest neighborhood. 🌴
• Visit the Palácio da Pena in Sintra: this fairytale castle on a hill is known for its colorful architecture.
• Surf in Nazaré: test your skills at one of the world's most famous surfing spots. 🌊
• Hike in Peneda-Gerês National Park: enjoy waterfalls, breathtaking views and unspoiled nature in Portugal's only national park.
• Explore the medieval town of Óbidos: discover the well-preserved castle in this picturesque town.
• Taste Portuguese cuisine: try traditional dishes such as ‘Bacalhau à Brás’ (codfish), ‘Pastéis de Nata’ (custard tarts) and freshly grilled sardines. 😋
• Take a wine tour of the Douro Valley: visit the UNESCO World Heritage wineries and taste the famous Port wine.
• Discover the Azores and Madeira: the lush green landscapes of these islands are ideal for nature lovers and hikers.
• Experience the São João Festival in Porto: this grand city festival in honor of São João (John the Baptist) fills the streets with music and dance. 🎉

Living in Portugal: finding accommodation

If you're going to live and work in Portugal, you'll of course need to find housing. Start by choosing the right area and type of property. Are you looking for furnished accommodation or a shared room? 🏡 Depending on your preferences and needs, there are many options. A good tip is to look for apartments in more quiet, less crowded areas, as rents in the city center can be significantly higher.

But don't worry: when you find a job in Portugal through Yobbers, accommodation is often included! You can also find helpful tips in our blogs about finding accommodation in Porto or Lisbon. Need more help? No problem! Our Relocation Experts are here to help you with your housing search! 

Typical Portugal

Olá, como está? You'll hear this greeting on every corner in Portugal, whether in a café, on the street or while shopping. The Portuguese are renowned for their warmth and openness. No matter where you are, it won't take long to strike up a conversation and make new friends. People in Portugal value community and take the time to connect with each other, making it easy to feel welcome and make connections. 🤝

You'll also love the weather in Portugal: the country enjoys a Mediterranean climate with about 300 sunny days a year! 🌞 Summers are warm and dry, with a refreshing sea breeze that makes coastal areas feel cooler. Winters are mild, similar to spring in other countries, with average temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius.

Portugal is famous for its fado, a musical style in which singing is accompanied by a classical or Portuguese guitar.  🎶 The Portuguese word ‘fado’ means ‘destiny’, and the songs often explore traditional themes such as unrequited love, longing, and existential sadness.

On June 10, the Portuguese celebrate their national holiday, Dia de Portugal, in honor of Portugal's most famous poet, Luis de Camoes. Another important holiday, perhaps the most important, is April 25, Dia da Liberdade, when freedom is celebrated with parades and fireworks. 🥳 In addition, there are city festivals such as Festas de Lisboa and Festas de São João. There's always something to celebrate in Portugal!

Now let’s talk about food: Portugal's most famous dessert is probably the Pastéis de Nata—flaky pastries filled with custard. 😋 You can find these treats everywhere, and they are best enjoyed with a Bica, the traditional Portuguese espresso. Another Portuguese specialty is sweet Port wine, 🍷 made from grapes in the Alto Douro region of the Douro Valley. If you live and work in Portugal, you must try it!

Your first words

• Olá – Hello.
• Olá, o meu nome é... - Hello, my name is...
• Adeus - Goodbye
• Posso pedir um pastel de nata? - Can I order a pastel de nata?
• Queres ir à praia comigo? - Would you like to go to the beach with me?
• Trabalho em Lisboa e adoro estar aquí! - I work in Lisbon and I love it here!

Frequently asked questions about working in Portugal

1. As an EU citizen, do I need a work permit to work in Portugal?

No, if you are a citizen of the EU, you can work in Portugal without a work permit.

2. What is the cost of living in Portugal?

The cost of living in Portugal is lower than in many other European countries, especially outside the major cities.

3. Do I have to speak Portuguese to work in Portugal?

Most jobs are done in English and German, so Portuguese is not essential, but it can make everyday life easier. Did you know that several employers offer you a free Portuguese language course via Yobbers?

4. How will I find accommodation in Portugal?

We can help you find accommodation. You can also use platforms like Spotahome or look for shared rooms or apartments on social media. Many jobs in Portugal include accommodation.

5. What is the minimum wage in Portugal?

The minimum wage is currently €820 per month (as of 2024).

6. Is there a good public transport system?

Yes, Portugal has a well-developed network of buses, subways and trains, especially in major cities such as Lisbon and Porto.

7. What is the health system like in Portugal?

Portugal has both a public and private healthcare system, and everyone who lives and works in Portugal is registered in the public healthcare system.