Portugal continues to attract people from around the world who are interested in working and living in the country. But finding a job as a foreign applicant is not simply a matter of sending out as many applications as possible.
Your chances can depend on several things, including your profession, experience, language skills, qualifications, location and, importantly, your right to work in Portugal.
If you are planning to move to Portugal for employment, it helps to understand which industries regularly recruit, where international applicants may find opportunities and what you should check before accepting a job offer.
If you are new to the Portuguese job market, our guide to Working in Portugal: A Beginner’s Guide is a useful place to start. It covers the basics of employment and working life in Portugal.
This guide takes a closer look at jobs in Portugal for foreigners and international workers, including opportunities in technology, customer service, hospitality, logistics, construction, healthcare, care work and other sectors.
Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners: What to Know First
Portugal has jobs in many different industries, but that does not mean every vacancy will be suitable for someone coming from abroad.
One of the first things to consider is language. According to EURES, finding work without Portuguese can be difficult in many parts of the Portuguese labour market. At the same time, EURES identifies areas such as customer service, IT, agriculture and some hotel and restaurant jobs where opportunities may be available to people who do not speak Portuguese. It is worth checking EURES’ current Portugal guidance before making relocation plans.
Your situation will also depend on your immigration and employment status. For example, you may be:
- An EU/EEA or Swiss citizen
- A non-EU citizen already living in Portugal
- A non-EU citizen applying from outside Portugal
- A skilled professional whose qualifications may need to be recognized
- Someone looking for entry-level or seasonal employment
There is no single employment route that applies to every foreign worker. Your nationality, profession and individual circumstances all matter.
Types of Jobs International Workers Can Find in Portugal
Portugal’s employment market covers everything from professional and technical careers to hospitality, construction, logistics and service jobs.
Rather than looking only at job titles, think about whether your skills, experience, language ability and legal status match the vacancy.
1. Customer Service and Multilingual Jobs
Customer service is an area worth exploring if you speak more than one language. Companies that work with international customers may need employees who can communicate with clients in different European or international languages.
Jobs can include:
- Customer support
- Technical support
- Call centre positions
- Customer success
- Sales support
- Back-office operations
- International customer service
- Content review and moderation
Knowing another language can be particularly valuable when a company serves customers outside Portugal.
For example, JobQora has previously covered an Italian Content Moderator job in Porto. This is one example of the type of multilingual position that international candidates may come across in Portugal.
2. IT and Technology Jobs
Technology is another sector worth considering if you have professional IT experience.
Depending on the employer, positions can include:
- Software developer
- Web developer
- IT support specialist
- Data professional
- Cybersecurity specialist
- Cloud professional
- Systems administrator
- Technical project roles
- Other digital and technology positions
Some technology companies operate in international environments where English is widely used alongside Portuguese.
However, an English-speaking workplace does not automatically mean the company hires candidates from outside Portugal. Always read the individual vacancy carefully and check its location, language and work-authorization requirements.
3. Hospitality and Tourism Jobs
Tourism is an important part of Portugal’s economy and creates employment in hotels, restaurants and other businesses serving visitors.
Depending on the season and employer, vacancies can include:
- Hotel receptionist
- Restaurant worker
- Kitchen assistant
- Cook
- Chef
- Waiter
- Bar staff
- Housekeeping worker
- Guest-service positions
- Tourism-related roles
Language requirements can vary considerably.
A job involving direct contact with Portuguese customers may require Portuguese, while an international-facing position may place more emphasis on English or another foreign language.
Seasonal recruitment can also provide opportunities. In 2026, IEFP and EURES again supported the “Seize the Summer with EURES” recruitment event for tourism, hospitality and restaurant employers. Vacancies included positions such as waiters, cooks, lifeguards, entertainers, receptionists, photographers and tourist guides.
4. Warehouse and Logistics Jobs
Warehouse and logistics positions may be worth considering if you have practical experience and are not necessarily looking for a university-level professional role.
Examples include:
- Warehouse worker
- Warehouse operator
- Picker and packer
- Logistics assistant
- Stock worker
- Delivery-related positions
- Forklift-related jobs where the required authorization applies
- Transport and logistics support roles
Requirements depend on the employer. Some positions may require previous experience, equipment training or Portuguese-language skills.
Do not assume that a job described as “entry level” has no requirements. Read the complete vacancy to understand what the employer is actually looking for.
5. Construction and Skilled Trades
Construction and skilled trades also form part of Portugal’s employment market.
Depending on your experience, you may find vacancies for:
- Construction workers
- Masons
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Welders
- Mechanical workers
- Maintenance technicians
- Equipment installers
- Civil construction workers
For skilled trades, practical experience and technical qualifications can be especially important.
Some professions are regulated and may require professional recognition before you can work in Portugal. EURES recommends that workers with professional qualifications check the applicable recognition requirements before moving.
6. Healthcare and Care Work
Healthcare and care work covers a wide range of positions, from regulated professional roles to support and household-care jobs.
Potential roles include:
- Nurses
- Healthcare assistants
- Elderly-care workers
- Family helpers
- Care assistants
- Support workers
Professional healthcare positions can require specific qualifications and formal recognition. International healthcare professionals should therefore check the rules for their particular profession before applying.
Care and household-support positions may have different requirements. For example, JobQora has published information about a Family Helper position in Cascais assisting an elderly couple.
Requirements can vary significantly from one employer to another, so do not assume that the conditions listed for one care job apply to every care position in Portugal.
What Jobs Are Available Right Now?
Job availability changes all the time, so it is better to check current vacancy databases rather than rely on an old list of jobs.
Portugal’s public employment service, IEFP, provides an online search tool where applicants can look for vacancies by profession and location.
At the time covered by this guide, IEFP’s vacancy search included positions such as restaurant workers, shop sales workers, kitchen assistants, cooks, family assistants, construction workers, mechanics, cleaners, heavy-goods vehicle drivers, warehouse workers, electricians and software programmers.
IEFP also provides a filter for vacancies that accept applications from third-country citizens who are not currently resident in Portugal.
For the latest opportunities, check the official IEFP employment search rather than relying on an old article, social-media post or screenshot.
Can Non-EU Citizens Get Jobs in Portugal?
Yes, non-EU citizens can apply for jobs in Portugal. However, finding a vacancy and having legal authorization to work are two different things.
IEFP has a dedicated section for jobs for non-residents from third countries. This is particularly relevant to people who are still living outside the EU and want to apply for Portuguese vacancies before relocating.
According to IEFP, eligible third-country applicants can apply for vacancies where the employer is willing to receive applications from people who are not yet resident in Portugal. If an applicant is selected, they can then follow the applicable visa and immigration process through the relevant Portuguese authorities.
One important point is that a job advertisement does not automatically mean visa sponsorship is available.
Before applying, check:
- Whether the employer accepts applications from people living outside Portugal.
- Whether the vacancy specifically allows applications from non-EU candidates.
- Whether you meet the employer’s requirements.
- Whether you can obtain the necessary work authorization.
- Which immigration procedure applies to your circumstances.
If you are currently outside Portugal, the IEFP jobs for non-residents from third countries page can be particularly useful.
Do You Need to Speak Portuguese to Work in Portugal?
Not necessarily. Some jobs are available to people who do not speak Portuguese, but knowing the language can significantly increase the number of positions you can consider.
EURES notes that finding employment without Portuguese can be difficult in many sectors. It identifies customer service, IT, agriculture and some hotel and restaurant occupations as areas where opportunities may exist for people who do not speak Portuguese.
English may be enough for certain international companies, multilingual customer-service positions and some technology jobs. But this depends entirely on the employer and the particular vacancy.
Learning Portuguese is therefore worthwhile even if you initially plan to look for English-speaking work.
A practical approach is to:
- Apply for jobs where your language skills clearly match the requirements.
- Learn basic Portuguese before moving.
- Continue improving your Portuguese after arriving.
- List all relevant languages clearly on your CV.
- Avoid applying for positions that require fluent Portuguese if you do not meet that requirement.
What Qualifications Do You Need?
There is no single qualification that is required for all jobs in Portugal.
The requirements depend on the occupation and employer.
| Job type | Possible requirements |
|---|---|
| Customer service | Language skills, communication and relevant experience |
| IT | Technical skills, qualifications and/or professional experience |
| Hospitality | Relevant experience, customer-service skills and languages |
| Warehouse | Practical experience and job-specific training where required |
| Construction | Trade skills, experience and relevant qualifications |
| Healthcare | Professional qualifications and recognition where applicable |
| Care work | Relevant experience and employer-specific requirements |
| Professional roles | Degree, professional experience and potentially qualification recognition |
If you work in a regulated profession, look into professional recognition before accepting a position.
EURES recommends preparing documents that demonstrate your work experience, academic background and professional training. Where appropriate, these documents should be translated into Portuguese or at least English.
How to Find Jobs in Portugal as a Foreigner
A focused job search is usually more useful than sending the same CV to dozens of employers.
Step 1: Decide What Type of Job You Want
Start with what you already know and can realistically offer an employer.
Think about:
- Your profession
- Years of experience
- Education
- Technical qualifications
- Languages
- Portuguese level
- Preferred location
- Salary expectations
- Work authorization
- Whether you are willing to relocate
Having a clear idea of the type of work you want will make your search much more efficient.
Step 2: Search Before Moving
If you currently live outside Portugal, consider looking for work before travelling.
EURES recommends researching the Portuguese labour market and looking for employment before moving.
You can also read our practical guide on How to Find a Job in Portugal for additional job-search tips.
Step 3: Use Official Employment Services
IEFP is Portugal’s public employment and vocational-training service and is one of the main places to look for vacancies.
EURES is also useful for people interested in employment mobility within Europe. IEFP explains that EURES provides information, advice and recruitment support for workers moving between European countries.
You can explore EURES Portugal for employment and mobility information.
Step 4: Search Company Career Pages
Job boards are useful, but they should not be your only source of vacancies.
If you find a company you would like to work for, visit its official careers page and check:
- Company identity
- Job location
- Contract type
- Working arrangements
- Required qualifications
- Language requirements
- Application process
Applying directly through a company’s official website can also help you verify that the vacancy is genuine.
Step 5: Prepare a Job-Specific CV
Your CV should make it easy for a recruiter to understand your experience and see how it relates to the position.
For international applications, consider including:
- Contact information
- Professional experience
- Education
- Relevant qualifications
- Language skills
- Technical skills
- Relevant certificates
- Driving licence, where applicable
- Work-authorization status, where appropriate
Try not to send exactly the same CV for every vacancy. Adjust the relevant sections to match the job description.
Step 6: Apply Carefully
Once you have found a suitable vacancy, follow the employer’s application instructions.
Do not assume that every employer accepts applications by email or social media. Use the application method specified in the vacancy.
Our guide on How to Apply for Jobs in Portugal explains the process in more detail.
How to Prepare Your CV for Portuguese Employers
A good CV should be straightforward, accurate and relevant to the position.
For international applicants, language skills can be particularly important. Rather than simply writing “languages,” list the languages you actually speak and your level where appropriate.
For example:
- English — Advanced
- Portuguese — Basic
- Italian — Native
- Spanish — Intermediate
If you have qualifications from another country, explain them clearly enough for an employer to understand what they represent.
Also check that your employment dates, job titles and responsibilities are accurate.
Most importantly, do not add qualifications, certificates or experience that you cannot support with genuine information or documentation.
What Should International Workers Check Before Accepting a Job?
If you are moving to another country for work, take time to understand the offer before making travel or relocation arrangements.
Salary
Find out exactly what the advertised salary means.
Check whether it is:
- Gross or net
- Monthly or annual
- Full-time or part-time
- Fixed or commission-based
- Inclusive or exclusive of additional payments
Do not rely solely on verbal promises. Ask for important employment conditions in writing.
Contract
Read the employment contract carefully and check:
- Employer’s legal name
- Position
- Contract duration
- Working hours
- Pay
- Location
- Holiday arrangements
- Notice conditions
- Other contractual terms
If something is unclear, ask the employer before signing.
Accommodation
If accommodation is part of the offer, confirm exactly what is included.
Find out whether accommodation is included in the employment agreement or offer and whether the employer charges rent or other costs.
Work Authorization
Non-EU applicants should understand how the position relates to their legal right to work in Portugal.
Remember: a job vacancy is not automatically a visa.
Recruitment Fees
Be cautious if someone asks you to pay unusual fees simply to secure a job.
Verify the employer independently and avoid sending money to an unknown person based only on a social-media message or informal communication.
How to Avoid Fake Jobs in Portugal
International job seekers can sometimes be targeted by misleading recruitment offers, particularly when they are unfamiliar with local employers and immigration procedures.
Before accepting an offer, take a few basic precautions:
- Verify the company.
- Check whether the vacancy appears on the employer’s official website.
- Research the employer’s business details.
- Ask for employment conditions in writing.
- Confirm the actual work location.
- Read the contract carefully.
- Be cautious about unexplained recruitment fees.
- Do not provide sensitive financial information unless it is genuinely necessary.
- Verify immigration information through official sources.
Be especially careful with offers that promise a guaranteed job, guaranteed visa or unusually high salary without a normal recruitment process.
If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, take time to verify it before sending documents or money.
Working in Portugal: EU/EEA Citizens vs Non-EU Citizens
Your citizenship and immigration status can affect how you can work and live in Portugal.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens generally have different mobility and residence arrangements from people who are citizens of countries outside the EU.
For non-EU citizens, employment authorization and immigration procedures can apply depending on the individual’s circumstances.
EURES advises non-EU citizens to consult the EU Immigration Portal and Portuguese immigration authorities for information about the conditions and procedures that apply to them.
Immigration rules and administrative procedures can change, so check your specific circumstances with official authorities before making travel, employment or relocation decisions.
Where Should You Search for Jobs in Portugal?
There are several ways to look for employment in Portugal.
IEFP
Portugal’s public employment service provides an online database where applicants can search for vacancies.
EURES
EURES supports labour mobility across Europe and provides information about jobs and working conditions.
Employer Websites
Many employers publish vacancies directly on their official careers pages. These can be particularly useful when you already have specific companies in mind.
Professional Networks
LinkedIn and other professional networks can be useful for finding professional and international positions. EURES also notes that employers and recruitment companies increasingly use LinkedIn to identify candidates.
Job Websites
Private job boards can provide additional vacancies and make it easier to search by profession or location.
However, always verify the employer and vacancy details before applying.
Portugal Cities to Consider for International Job Seekers
The best location for your job search depends largely on your profession and the type of work you want.
Lisbon
Lisbon has a broad employment market covering services, technology, tourism and international business.
Porto
Porto is another major employment centre, with opportunities across services, technology, tourism, business operations and other industries.
JobQora has previously published an example of an Italian-language content moderation position in Porto.
Algarve
The Algarve has a strong tourism and hospitality industry, which can lead to seasonal employment opportunities.
Other Portuguese Regions
Do not limit your search to Lisbon and Porto.
Depending on your profession, vacancies may be available in other parts of Portugal. IEFP’s vacancy search allows applicants to filter jobs by geographical area.
A Practical Job Search Strategy for International Workers
Searching for work becomes easier when you have a routine.
You could organize your week like this:
Monday: Search for new vacancies and save positions that match your experience.
Tuesday: Adapt your CV for the most relevant opportunities.
Wednesday: Submit selected applications.
Thursday: Contact employers or recruiters where appropriate.
Friday: Follow up on applications and research additional companies.
Weekend: Work on your Portuguese, prepare for interviews and review newly posted vacancies.
The aim is not to apply for every job you see. A smaller number of well-targeted applications can be more useful than sending the same CV to dozens of unrelated employers.
Focus on positions where your experience, language skills and legal situation genuinely match the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best jobs in Portugal for foreigners?
There is no single job that suits every foreign worker. Depending on their qualifications, experience and language skills, international applicants may find opportunities in areas such as customer service, IT, hospitality, agriculture, logistics, construction, care and multilingual support.
Can I get a job in Portugal without speaking Portuguese?
Yes, some jobs may be available without Portuguese, particularly in certain customer-service, IT, agricultural and international-facing positions. However, EURES notes that Portuguese is important for many jobs in Portugal, so learning the language can expand your options.
Can non-EU citizens apply for jobs in Portugal from abroad?
Yes. IEFP maintains a section for vacancies intended for third-country nationals who are not resident in Portugal. These applicants can apply for positions where the employer is willing to receive applications from candidates living abroad.
Does every Portuguese employer sponsor work visas?
No. You should never assume that a job vacancy includes visa sponsorship. Check the vacancy and employer directly and verify the immigration requirements that apply to your situation through official Portuguese sources.
Where can I find official jobs in Portugal?
IEFP and EURES are two important employment resources. You can also check the official careers pages of companies you are interested in.
Is Portuguese necessary for working in Portugal?
It depends on the job and employer. Some international positions may operate mainly in English or another language, but speaking Portuguese can increase the number of jobs available to you.
How should foreigners apply for jobs in Portugal?
Start by identifying vacancies that match your experience and eligibility. Check the requirements, prepare a targeted CV and follow the employer’s application instructions. IEFP and EURES can also be useful when searching for vacancies.
Should I move to Portugal before finding a job?
There is no single answer. Your decision can depend on your citizenship, legal status, finances and employment situation.
If you are considering relocation, research work authorization, employment conditions and living costs carefully first. For some vacancies, applying from abroad may be possible.
Final Thoughts
Portugal offers employment opportunities in a wide range of professional, technical, service and practical occupations. For international workers, however, finding the right job requires more than simply searching for vacancies.
Your occupation, experience, language skills, qualifications, preferred location and work authorization can all affect the opportunities available to you.
A good starting point is to research the market, use official resources such as IEFP and EURES, and check immigration requirements through the appropriate authorities.
If you are just starting your search, read our Working in Portugal: A Beginner’s Guide, followed by our guides on How to Find a Job in Portugal and How to Apply for Jobs in Portugal.
If you are a non-EU applicant currently living outside Portugal, the official IEFP jobs for non-residents page is another useful resource to check.
Most importantly, verify the details of any specific vacancy and check the latest immigration requirements before spending money, travelling or making plans to relocate.
Authoritative Sources
- EURES — Living and Working Conditions: Portugal
- IEFP — Portuguese Public Employment Service
- IEFP — EURES Portugal
- IEFP — Jobs for Non-Residents from Third Countries
- AIMA — Portuguese Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum
- EU Immigration Portal