Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners: How to Find Work
Find out how to get a job in Portugal, what employers are hiring, what salaries to expect and where to look. Explore practical guides by city, sector and language, plus help with CVs, interviews, contracts and work requirements.
Jobs in Portugal at a glance
Lisbon and Porto have the most international vacancies; the Algarve and Madeira are stronger for tourism, hospitality and seasonal work. English speakers usually find roles in customer support, IT, sales, finance shared services, remote work, warehouse operations and hospitality. Non-EU citizens normally need a valid work visa or residence permit.
Start your job search in Portugal
Start with the categories most useful for international candidates.
Explore working in Portugal
Browse by city, sector, language and nationality — each page has verified listings and guidance for international candidates.
Company career guides
Learn how major employers recruit in Portugal, what roles they offer, where they operate and how to apply.
Latest work guides
Recent practical guides for international candidates.
Essential resources for working & living in Portugal
A NIF is your Portuguese tax number — usually required before signing a contract, opening a bank account or receiving a salary.
How to get a NIF →Stay informed about visa applications, residence requirements and the legal steps for working in Portugal.
Non-EU visa guide →Planning to move? Most foreigners apply online — see the step-by-step guide to applying for jobs before you arrive.
Apply from abroad →UK citizens can live and work in Portugal, but post-Brexit rules on residency and healthcare should be checked carefully.
UK citizens guide →Frequently asked questions
Are there jobs in Portugal for foreigners and expats?
Yes. Foreign candidates find roles in customer service, hospitality, tourism, IT, warehouse work, delivery, agriculture, sales and finance shared services. English-speaking positions are most common in Lisbon, Porto and international companies.
Are there English-speaking jobs in Portugal?
Yes — see the full guide to English-speaking jobs in Portugal for salaries, cities, sectors and visa requirements.
Can I get a job without speaking Portuguese?
Yes — especially in English-speaking jobs, remote roles, BPO, IT, tourism, hospitality and international customer support. Portuguese is not always required, but basic Portuguese helps with daily life and career growth.
Which cities have the most jobs for foreigners?
Lisbon has the highest number of international vacancies in tech, support, sales and multinationals. Porto is strong for IT, shared services and e-commerce. The Algarve and Madeira lead for tourism, hospitality, seasonal work and remote workers.
Do foreigners need a visa or work permit?
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can work in Portugal without a work visa. Non-EU citizens usually need a valid work visa, residence permit or employer-supported route before starting employment.
Do jobs in Portugal offer visa sponsorship?
Some employers offer sponsorship, especially in tech, engineering, healthcare, finance, specialist operations and international support. It is less common for basic entry-level roles, so non-EU candidates should check visa support before applying.
Can I apply for jobs in Portugal from abroad?
Yes. Many employers accept online applications from abroad and interview by video call. Prepare a clear CV, confirm salary and contract details, and ask whether relocation or visa support is available.