Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners: How to Find Work and Move to Portugal

Foreigners can find jobs in Portugal across international customer service, sales, technology, content moderation, finance and other professional areas, with multilingual candidates particularly relevant to companies serving European markets. Some international employers operate in English, so Portuguese isn’t required for every position. EU citizens can work in Portugal under EU freedom-of-movement rules, while non-EU nationals generally need appropriate authorisation. Ready to start your search? Explore current jobs in Portugal with Workster.

Thinking about swapping your current routine for a career in Portugal?

You’re probably not alone.

Portugal attracts international professionals for plenty of reasons: the climate, Atlantic coastline, lifestyle and growing international communities are obvious ones.

But moving to another country isn’t a holiday.

You need a job that fits your skills, a salary that works with your budget and a clear understanding of what you’ll need to live and work legally in Portugal.

Here’s how to approach it.

 

Can Foreigners Find Jobs in Portugal?

Yes.

Foreign nationals already represent an important part of Portugal’s population and labour market.

Portugal has become significantly more international over recent years, while cities such as Lisbon and Porto host multinational companies and teams that serve markets well beyond Portugal.

For jobseekers, that means some employers actively recruit candidates based on their professional and language skills, rather than simply whether they speak Portuguese.

However, your opportunities depend on factors such as:

• professional experience;
• qualifications;
• languages;
• location;
• right to work;
• employer requirements;
• current labour demand.

Being foreign isn’t a job qualification.

Your skills still need to match what employers are looking for.

 

What Jobs Are Available in Portugal for Foreigners?

There isn’t a separate job market exclusively for foreigners.

Instead, international candidates tend to have an advantage in areas where companies require particular professional skills, international experience or languages.

Customer service and customer experience

Portugal hosts international operations that provide customer support across different European markets.

This creates opportunities for candidates who speak languages such as German, Dutch, French, Spanish or Nordic languages alongside English.

Roles can include:

• Customer Service Advisor;
• Customer Support Representative;
• Customer Experience Specialist;
• Technical Support Advisor;
• Customer Success Specialist.

If communication and problem-solving are among your strengths, customer experience can be a strong entry point into an international career in Portugal.

Sales and business development

Companies serving international markets also need professionals capable of building relationships with customers in those countries.

Opportunities can include:

• Sales Representative;
• Business Development Representative;
• Sales Development Representative;
• Account Manager;
• Account Executive.

A combination of commercial skills and another European language can be particularly relevant.

Technology and IT

Portugal has developed an established technology ecosystem, particularly around Lisbon and Porto.

International candidates can find opportunities across areas such as:

• software development;
• IT support;
• technical support;
• cybersecurity;
• data;
• product;
• engineering;
• other digital functions.

In specialist positions, technical expertise is usually more important than nationality.

Content moderation and digital operations

International digital businesses can operate teams in Portugal that support several different markets.

Content moderation, trust and safety and other operational roles may require knowledge of a specific language and culture.

This can create opportunities for international candidates whose native language matches the market being supported.

Finance, HR and other specialist roles

Opportunities aren’t limited to technology and customer-facing functions.

International organisations may also recruit for:

• accounting;
• finance;
• human resources;
• recruitment;
• marketing;
• administration;
• operations;
• specialist corporate roles.

Current demand changes constantly, so the most useful source is always the vacancies employers are recruiting for now.

Browse current Workster vacancies.

 

Can You Find English-Speaking Jobs in Portugal?

Yes — but there’s an important nuance.

Some multinational companies use English as their internal working language. That means there are jobs in Portugal for English speakers where Portuguese isn’t an essential requirement.

However, an English-speaking workplace doesn’t necessarily mean that English is the only language required.

A Lisbon-based company might use English internally while recruiting a Dutch speaker to support the Netherlands or a German speaker to work with Germany.

A vacancy could therefore require:

Dutch + English

rather than:

Portuguese + English.

This is particularly relevant for multilingual candidates.

Portuguese still matters, of course.

Speaking the local language can expand your career options and make everyday life much easier, but not knowing Portuguese doesn’t automatically exclude you from Portugal’s international job market.

 

Which Languages Can Help You Find Work in Portugal?

Language demand depends on the companies recruiting and the markets they serve.

International positions in Portugal can seek speakers of:

• German;
• Dutch;
• French;
• Danish;
• Swedish;
• Norwegian;
• Finnish;
• Italian;
• Spanish;
• English;
• Portuguese;
• other European languages.

Instead of asking:

“Which language guarantees me a job in Portugal?”

ask:

“Which employers need my language and professional skills right now?”

No language guarantees employment.

But combining professional experience with a language that’s difficult for an employer to recruit locally can make your profile more relevant.

For a deeper look at this opportunity, read our guide to multilingual jobs.

 

Best Places to Find Jobs in Portugal

Where you look matters almost as much as what you look for.

Lisbon

Lisbon is Portugal’s largest metropolitan and business centre and an important location for international employers.

Opportunities span customer experience, sales, technology, digital operations and other functions.

For international candidates, the city’s multilingual business environment makes it an obvious place to start.

Explore current jobs in Lisbon with Workster.

For more practical information, read our complete guide to jobs in Lisbon for international candidates.

Porto

Portugal’s second-largest metropolitan area also has a significant business and technology ecosystem.

Porto hosts Portuguese and international companies across technology, services, tourism and other industries.

Depending on current employer demand, Workster vacancies may also include opportunities in Porto or Northern Portugal.

Other Portuguese locations and remote work

Your options don’t necessarily end with Lisbon and Porto.

Depending on the employer, opportunities may appear in other Portuguese locations or under remote and hybrid arrangements.

Remember that remote doesn’t automatically mean “work from anywhere.”

Employment, taxation and regulatory requirements can restrict where an employee can legally perform the role.

Always check the location requirements stated in the vacancy.

 

Jobs in Portugal Compared by Career Area

Where could your profile fit?

Career area	Value of languages	Typical profile
Customer Service	Often high	Communication and problem-solving
Sales	Often high	Commercial and relationship-building skills
Content Moderation	Can be essential	Language, cultural awareness and attention to detail
Technology / IT	Varies	Specialist technical expertise
Marketing	Useful for international markets	Creative and analytical skills
HR / Recruitment	Useful	Communication and people skills
Finance	Depends on market/function	Analytical and specialist expertise

The best strategy isn’t to apply for every international vacancy.

Look for the intersection between your experience, your languages and employer demand.

 

What Are Salaries Like in Portugal?

Salary levels in Portugal vary substantially according to occupation, employer, experience and location.

Portugal has a statutory national minimum wage, but professional salaries can sit well above that level depending on the position.

When evaluating an offer, look beyond the headline salary.

Compare:

• gross salary;
• estimated net salary;
• meal allowance;
• performance bonuses;
• commissions;
• private health insurance;
• relocation benefits;
• accommodation support;
• working hours;
• shift allowances;
• other benefits.

And compare the package with your expected cost of living.

A salary is only meaningful in context.

Official information about Portuguese working conditions is available through EURES:

https://eures.europa.eu/living-and-working/living-and-working-conditions/living-and-working-conditions-portugal_en

 

What Is the Cost of Living in Portugal?

Your costs depend heavily on where and how you live.

The biggest difference will often be housing.

A room in a shared apartment outside a city centre creates a very different monthly budget from renting an apartment alone in central Lisbon.

Consider:

Expense	What can affect it
Housing	City, neighbourhood, property and sharing
Transport	Location and commute
Food	Lifestyle and shopping habits
Utilities	Property and consumption
Healthcare	Public eligibility and private coverage
Leisure	Individual lifestyle
Relocation	Flights, deposits and initial accommodation

Portugal’s housing market has experienced significant price increases, making accommodation one of the most important factors to research before relocating.

For official Portuguese data, consult Statistics Portugal (INE):

https://www.ine.pt/

For national public-service information:

https://www.gov.pt/

Don’t build your relocation budget from a three-year-old TikTok.

Check current information.

 

Do You Need a Visa to Work in Portugal?

That depends primarily on your nationality.

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

EU citizens benefit from freedom of movement and can generally work in Portugal without obtaining a traditional work visa.

Residence-registration requirements can apply depending on the length of stay.

Official EU information:

https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/residence/residence-rights/workers/index_en.htm

Non-EU citizens

Non-EU nationals may require an appropriate visa and residence authorisation to work legally in Portugal.

The exact process depends on factors such as nationality, employment and individual circumstances.

Portugal’s official immigration authority is AIMA — Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo:

https://aima.gov.pt/

The European Commission also provides information through the EU Immigration Portal:

https://immigration-portal.ec.europa.eu/

Always check official sources.

Immigration requirements can change, and a blog article should never replace personalised legal advice.

 

How to Find a Job in Portugal as a Foreigner

Ready to turn Portugal from an idea into an actual job search?

Start here.

1. Define what you’re actually looking for

Don’t search only:

jobs Portugal

Combine location with your profession.

For example:

• customer service jobs Portugal;
• sales jobs Portugal;
• IT jobs Portugal;
• marketing jobs Portugal.

You’ll get much more relevant results.

2. Add your language

If you speak another language, use it.

Try searches such as:

• German speaking jobs Portugal;
• Dutch jobs Portugal;
• French speaking jobs Portugal;
• English speaking jobs Portugal.

International employers can recruit specifically according to language.

3. Prepare your CV for international recruitment

Make it immediately clear what you offer.

Your CV should include:

• relevant professional experience;
• achievements;
• technical skills;
• languages and proficiency;
• current location;
• relocation availability;
• right-to-work status, where appropriate.

Don’t hide your languages at the bottom if they’re one of the main reasons an employer might hire you.

4. Search trusted recruitment platforms

International recruitment platforms can help you identify employers already accustomed to recruiting candidates across borders.

You can browse Workster’s current vacancies to see available opportunities in Portugal and other European destinations.

5. Research the employer

Before applying or accepting an offer, understand:

• what the company does;
• where you’ll work;
• employment conditions;
• salary and benefits;
• required languages;
• relocation support;
• working model.

6. Check your right to work

Do this before planning your move.

EU and non-EU candidates have different requirements, and relocation assistance doesn’t necessarily mean visa sponsorship.

7. Prepare for remote interviews

International recruitment often starts online.

Test your technology, research the company and be ready to explain:

• why you’re interested in the position;
• why Portugal appeals to you;
• when you could relocate;
• how your experience matches the role.

 

What to Know Before Moving to Portugal for Work

Job offer secured?

Great. Now comes the move.

Before leaving, prepare a checklist.

Housing

Research the rental market and understand how much of your salary will go towards accommodation.

Be particularly careful with requests to transfer money before you’ve verified a property or rental arrangement.

Documents

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to organise:

• identification;
• residence documentation;
• Portuguese tax number;
• social security registration;
• employment documentation;
• banking;
• healthcare registration.

Your employer may assist with some processes, but confirm exactly what support is provided.

Healthcare

Portugal operates a public healthcare system alongside private providers.

Access and registration depend on your circumstances.

Use official Portuguese sources for current requirements.

Portuguese

You might work entirely in English or another language.

But you’re still living in Portugal.

Learning basic Portuguese will make everyday interactions easier and help you build a life outside your international workplace.

Start with:

Olá. Bom dia. Obrigado. Um café, por favor.

You’re already making progress.

Is Portugal a Good Country for International Workers?

There isn’t one answer that applies to everyone.

Portugal offers international professionals several advantages:

• multinational workplaces;
• multilingual career opportunities;
• an established technology ecosystem;
• EU membership;
• international communities;
• mild climate;
• Atlantic coastline;
• lifestyle and cultural attractions.

But candidates should also consider challenges such as:

• housing costs;
• salary levels compared with some Northern European countries;
• bureaucracy;
• differences between gross and net compensation.

The right question isn’t:

“Is Portugal the best country to work in?”

It’s:

“Does Portugal offer the right opportunity for my career, salary expectations and lifestyle?”

That’s something only you can decide.

 

Find Jobs in Portugal with Workster

Ready to see whether your next opportunity is in Portugal?

Workster connects international and multilingual candidates with employers across Portugal and other European markets.

Whether you’re searching for an English-speaking role, want to use your German, Dutch, French or Nordic language skills professionally, or simply want your next career move to come with a new country, start with what’s available today.

Explore current jobs in Portugal and international vacancies with Workster

Looking specifically at the capital?

Explore jobs in Lisbon.

Find the role that matches your experience, languages and ambitions — then decide where it could take you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Working in Portugal

Can foreigners get jobs in Portugal?

Yes. Foreign nationals work across many areas of the Portuguese economy. International companies can also recruit candidates specifically for their professional experience and language skills.

Can I find jobs in Portugal if I only speak English?

Yes, some international companies use English as their working language. However, many multilingual vacancies require English plus another European language, and Portuguese can broaden your employment options.

What jobs can foreigners do in Portugal?

Foreign candidates can work across customer service, sales, technology, finance, marketing, HR, content moderation and many other professional areas, subject to their qualifications and legal right to work.

Is Portuguese required to work in Portugal?

Not for every position. Some international employers operate in English or recruit employees to support another language market. Portuguese remains valuable for daily life and significantly expands the range of local jobs available.

Do I need a visa to work in Portugal?

EU citizens generally benefit from freedom of movement, although residence-registration requirements can apply. Non-EU nationals may require appropriate immigration and work authorisation. Check AIMA and official EU sources for your circumstances.

Are there jobs in Portugal with relocation support?

Yes, some employers provide relocation assistance, which can include travel, accommodation or administrative support. Packages vary by vacancy and shouldn’t be assumed unless explicitly stated.

Is Lisbon the best city to find international jobs in Portugal?

Lisbon is Portugal’s largest business centre and has a substantial international employment market, but opportunities also exist in Porto and other locations. The best destination depends on your profession, languages and current vacancies.

Where can I find jobs in Portugal for foreigners?

You can browse current Workster vacancies and search for opportunities in Portugal according to your skills and languages.