Job in Portugal for Foreigners: English-Speaking Jobs for Expats

Do you need any reason to migrate to Portugal? The quality of life, the beautiful landscapes, historical places, basic human needs, affordable lifestyle, easy visa processing, financial aid, support programs, and so on are all reasons you must consider moving to Portugal if you haven’t already. 

If you are afraid to move to Portugal, trust me, you don’t need to. Your biggest concern is your job as a foreigner in Portugal. But since you are already here, you don’t need to think about that, either, because we will figure this out all here today. 

Portugal’s employment situation has also improved recently as the nation has emerged from an economic crisis. Given that, you could consider launching your own business in Portugal or finding a suitable job in Portugal with the appropriate credentials and research. Now, without wasting any further time, let’s find out below how you can find a job in Portugal alongside the requirements, etc.

Job Requirements for Foreigners to Apply in Portugal 

First and foremost, to apply for jobs in Portugal as a foreigner, you need to have a work visa. To get your work visa and know more about it, continue reading: 

Digital Nomad Visa

If there is one visa that is heavenly good for foreigners in Europe, then it’s Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa. The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is granted to those who work remotely from abroad. Qualifying individuals include freelancers, self-employed people, foreign company personnel, and individual entrepreneurs. Fortunately, the applicants can relocate to Portugal with their families and get residency permits there with a Digital Nomad Visa.

Also, the Digital Nomad Visa grants the entitlement to a two-year residence visa in Portugal, with the possibility of an extension. Digital nomads have fewer requirements than permanent residents, so getting a Portuguese digital nomad visa can be completed more quickly.

D7 Work Visa 

In 2007, the Portuguese government created the D7 Retirement Visa. So, if you’re considering relocating to Portugal, your residency may depend on your D7 visa. This visa targets financially independent people who can sustain themselves without employment in Portugal. Furthermore, after five years, qualifying D7 visa holders can apply for Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport, opening up even more chances for visa-free travel worldwide. 

Language Requirements for Portugal

Primarily, you must be told that if there is only one way to find a job in Portugal, it is by learning Portuguese, but that’s not the case. You can still get a job in Portugal if you speak English fluently. At the same time, I must say that you must know the primary Portuguese language to evolve and to communicate with locals. If you think that the language barrier is something you need to overcome, then there are numerous institutes through which you can take Portuguese language courses and learn the language in a short time, 

Tax and Social Security Numbers for Portugal

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that you can’t do anything without getting your NIF. So, talking about that, let me tell you that persons and companies are granted a unique identifying code known as the NIF, also called the Fiscal identifying Number, for tax-related purposes. You will require an NIF if you intend to work, transact business, or handle any financial activities in Portugal.

Factors to Consider for Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners

Starting your job search is the first step towards working as a foreigner in Portugal. Here are some factors that can help you get employment in Portugal:

Check Jobs at Different Forums

Various famous and infamous job platforms are available online, including LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, from which you can find a job without being physically in Portugal. These platforms primarily allow you to filter out the jobs that interest you. You can find jobs according to your experience level, with the allowance and salary of your choice. Meanwhile, you can also select between part-time and full-time employment, making it ideal for job hunting. 

Networking With Others 

Without regard to employment or nationality, networking is essential in Portugal and primarily worldwide. It is advisable to network by attending conferences and events and joining professional groups to network with others in your sector. Additionally, various coworking spaces in Portugal can assist you in networking if you are currently there, which is a good thing. 

Learning National Language

The most neglected yet vital factor that foreigners should go for when applying for jobs specifically. Speaking Portuguese can give you an advantage over other applicants in the Portuguese job market, as many individuals in Portugal, especially in the larger cities, speak English. It reflects your commitment to working in Portugal and your ability to interact with locals. It also demonstrates to the locals that you are more likely to be a part of their community, automatically showing that you will be a good fit for their hiring or company.

Cost of Living in Portugal – Expenses in 2024

Cover Letter and CV for Job

To get hired by well-known companies, you must know the cheat code: a good cover letter and a well-organized CV specific to the role. Although cover letters are not merely crucial for every job role, you must still have one if you think your job hiring requires that. To be recruited in Portugal, you must have a strong CV. Talking about this, from my experience, here are some tips you must know before making a CV, or if there is still time to edit and apply! The most crucial pointers for writing a Portuguese CV are: 

What are the Best-Paying Jobs in Portugal in 2024?

Like in every country, Portugal also has some high-paying jobs that you should know about before applying, and that includes the following: 

Management job: The management roles in Portugal offer handsome salaries nationwide. These roles typically involve managers, IT directors, etc. 

Finance: Just like the management jobs, the finance department is constantly growing, be it the jobs or the merit for students. The high-paying job roles include international banking opportunities, finance professionals, etc. 

Health care: The expansion of Portugal’s healthcare system is generating employment possibilities for administrators, nurses, and physicians. In Portugal, doctors, especially specialists, are well paid compared to other professions. 

Job Opportunities for Foreigners in Portugal 

There are numerous jobs listed below that you can apply for when living in Portugal. For some jobs, you don’t even need to have an excellent command of the Portuguese language, but in others, you need to, so you must check that in your respective sector. Here is the list of jobs that you can see for yourself:

Obtain NIF to Get a Job in Portugal – Contact US! 

The two most important things that I have already mentioned above, your NIF numbers, are must-haves! To receive social security benefits such as healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits, you must have your NISS. It’s used for employee social security direct system registration, much like the NIF. The main uses of NIF are in taxation and business-related fields, such as income reporting and commercial transactions. However, obtaining a Portuguese NIF number for non-residents could appear like a difficult task, but there is nothing complicated for the website. 

As an authoritative organization, we are well-versed in the laws and regulations regarding immigration. You can get your significant amount of the paperwork and procedural hearings to experts by working with our agency’s professionals. I am sure this will free up your time and reduce the stress associated with the procedure. Why then wait? Reach out to us and get your first job in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions