Most searched jobs in Lisbon
Many people searching for jobs in Lisbon are looking for English-speaking roles, airport jobs, part-time work, restaurant jobs, remote jobs or vacancies open to foreigners. The table below shows the most common search intents and where to focus your applications.
| What people look for |
Best sectors |
Good for English speakers? |
Best next step |
| Jobs in Lisbon for English speakers |
Customer support, IT, sales, finance, tourism, startups |
Yes, especially in international companies |
Explore English-speaking jobs in Portugal |
| Jobs in Lisbon for foreigners |
Hospitality, restaurants, customer service, tech, delivery, cleaning |
Often, but it depends on the employer |
Check this page |
| Jobs in Lisbon airport |
Ground handling, cleaning, retail, food service, logistics, customer support |
Sometimes, especially in passenger-facing roles |
Check airport service companies, agencies and hospitality employers |
| Restaurant jobs in Lisbon |
Restaurants, cafés, hotels, bars, catering |
Sometimes, but basic Portuguese helps |
See restaurant jobs in Lisbon Portugal |
| Part-time jobs in Lisbon |
Hospitality, retail, delivery, events, cleaning, customer service |
Sometimes |
Search for flexible contracts and shift-based roles |
| Remote jobs in Lisbon |
IT, marketing, sales, customer support, finance, product, design |
Yes, especially in international companies |
Explore remote jobs in Portugal |
Why work in Lisbon?
Lisbon is one of Portugal’s strongest job markets for international candidates. The city has regular hiring in tech, customer service, tourism, hospitality, restaurants, finance, sales, shared services, airport operations and remote-friendly roles.
For foreigners and English speakers, Lisbon is often more accessible than smaller Portuguese cities because it has more multinational companies, international teams, recruitment agencies and employers used to hiring candidates from abroad.
- International companies: Lisbon has employers in tech, finance, customer support, tourism and shared services.
- English-speaking roles: English is commonly used in multinational offices, BPOs, startups, hotels and tourism businesses.
- Entry-level options: restaurants, hotels, cleaning, delivery, airport services and customer support often hire regularly.
- Career growth: tech, finance, sales and multilingual customer support can offer stronger long-term opportunities.
- Relocation appeal: Lisbon attracts many foreign workers because of its location, weather, lifestyle and international community.
English-speaking jobs in Lisbon
There are English-speaking jobs in Lisbon, especially in international companies, tech startups, customer support centres, tourism businesses, hotels, sales teams and finance-related roles. These jobs are usually easier to find when the employer serves international clients or works with global teams.
English can be enough for some office-based, remote and multinational roles. However, Portuguese is still useful for local jobs, public-facing work, workplace communication and long-term career progression.
Best English-speaking sectors in Lisbon
- Customer support and call centres
- IT and software development
- Digital marketing and sales
- Finance, fintech and shared services
- Hotels, tourism and travel companies
- International startups
- Remote and hybrid jobs
For more opportunities, compare this page with English-speaking jobs in Portugal and remote jobs in Portugal.
Jobs in Lisbon for foreigners
Foreigners can find jobs in Lisbon in many sectors, but the process depends on nationality, language skills, experience and legal right to work in Portugal. EU citizens usually have a simpler process. Non-EU citizens normally need a valid visa, residence permit or employer-supported route before they can work legally.
Lisbon is one of the strongest job markets in Portugal for international candidates because it has multinational companies, tourism employers, tech startups, restaurants, hotels, recruitment agencies and shared service centres.
Common jobs for foreigners in Lisbon
- Customer support representative
- Hotel receptionist or housekeeping assistant
- Restaurant waiter, kitchen helper or bar staff
- Software developer or IT support specialist
- Sales representative
- Digital marketing assistant
- Delivery driver or courier
- Cleaning worker
- Warehouse assistant near Lisbon
- Airport support worker
Non-EU candidates should also read the requirements to work in Portugal as a non-EU citizen. EU candidates can check the EU citizens guide to working in Portugal.
Jobs in Lisbon for non-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens can work in Lisbon, but they usually need a valid work visa, residence permit or another legal basis to work in Portugal. The process depends on nationality, job offer, contract type and personal situation.
Employers are more likely to consider non-EU candidates when the role requires languages, technical skills, international experience or qualifications that are harder to find locally. Visa sponsorship is possible in some cases, but it is not guaranteed.
| Candidate type |
Can work in Lisbon? |
Main requirement |
Best job sectors |
| EU/EEA/Swiss citizen |
Yes |
Usually no work visa required, but registration may be needed after arrival |
Most sectors |
| Non-EU citizen with job offer |
Yes, if approved |
Work visa or residence process |
Tech, BPO, hospitality, skilled roles |
| Remote worker |
Sometimes |
Remote-work visa or another eligible residence route |
Remote jobs, freelance work, international contracts |
| Student |
Sometimes, with limits |
Student residence rules and work conditions |
Part-time, hospitality, retail, customer service |
For a practical overview, read the requirements to work in Portugal as a non-EU citizen.
Average salaries for jobs in Lisbon
Salaries in Lisbon vary by sector, experience, language skills, contract type and employer. Entry-level roles usually pay less, while IT, finance, sales, engineering and specialist roles can offer higher salaries.
| Job type |
Typical salary level |
What affects pay? |
| Restaurant, café and bar jobs |
Entry-level to moderate |
Tips, shifts, experience, location and Portuguese skills |
| Hotel and tourism jobs |
Entry-level to moderate |
Languages, season, hotel category and role type |
| Customer support jobs |
Entry-level to moderate |
Language, shift schedule, employer and relocation package |
| Airport jobs |
Entry-level to moderate |
Shift work, weekend work, security checks and employer |
| Cleaning jobs |
Entry-level |
Hours, location, employer, private clients and contract type |
| Warehouse and logistics jobs |
Entry-level to moderate |
Forklift skills, night shifts, overtime and experience |
| IT and tech jobs |
Moderate to high |
Seniority, stack, English level, employer and contract type |
| Finance and corporate roles |
Moderate to high |
Experience, languages, certifications and multinational employers |
| Remote jobs |
Varies widely |
Company location, contract type, seniority and tax situation |
Before accepting an offer, compare gross salary, net income, meal allowance, health insurance, transport costs, rent and contract stability. A higher gross salary may not always mean better quality of life if housing and commuting costs are high.
Top sectors hiring in Lisbon
Lisbon has job opportunities across both office-based and practical sectors. The best option depends on your language skills, experience, visa situation and whether you want full-time, part-time, remote or shift-based work.
IT and technology jobs in Lisbon
Lisbon has a growing tech scene, with startups, fintech companies, software teams and international technology employers hiring across the city.
- Software engineers
- Frontend, backend and full-stack developers
- DevOps engineers and SREs
- Data analysts and data engineers
- Cybersecurity specialists
- IT support and service desk agents
- Product managers
- UX/UI designers
Browse IT jobs in Portugal.
Customer service and BPO jobs in Lisbon
Lisbon is a strong location for multilingual customer service and BPO roles. These jobs often suit English speakers and candidates with German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Nordic or other European languages.
- Customer service representatives
- Technical support agents
- Content moderators
- Sales support agents
- Team leaders and operations managers
- Remote customer service roles
Browse customer service jobs in Portugal.
Hospitality and tourism jobs in Lisbon
Hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars and tourism companies regularly hire in Lisbon. These roles can be useful for entry-level candidates, students, seasonal workers and foreigners with customer-facing experience.
- Hotel receptionists
- Housekeeping and cleaning staff
- Waiters and bartenders
- Kitchen helpers and chefs
- Tour guides and hospitality coordinators
- Restaurant and café staff
Browse hotel jobs in Lisbon.
Browse restaurant jobs in Lisbon Portugal.
Finance and shared services jobs in Lisbon
Lisbon has finance, accounting, HR, procurement, banking, compliance and shared service roles in multinational companies. These roles usually require stronger qualifications, office experience or language skills.
- Accounting and auditing
- Human resources
- Logistics and procurement
- Banking, finance and insurance
- Legal and compliance
- Business operations
Construction and skilled trades in Lisbon
Construction, renovation and maintenance roles exist across Lisbon and the wider metropolitan area. Some jobs require Portuguese, trade experience, certifications or local safety training.
- Construction helpers and labourers
- Electricians and plumbers
- HVAC technicians
- Carpenters and bricklayers
- Site managers and engineers
Browse construction helper jobs in Lisbon.
Factory and warehouse jobs around Lisbon
Factory and warehouse jobs are more common outside Lisbon city centre, especially in industrial and logistics areas around the metropolitan region.
- Warehouse assistants
- Pickers and packers
- Forklift operators
- Factory helpers
- Production assistants
- Logistics workers
Browse factory jobs in Portugal.
Browse warehouse jobs in Portugal.
Cleaning and housekeeping jobs in Lisbon
Cleaning jobs in Lisbon are common in hotels, offices, private homes, hospitals, retail spaces, airports and short-term rental properties. Portuguese can help, but some employers also hire foreign workers.
Browse cleaning jobs in Portugal.
Driver and delivery jobs in Lisbon
Delivery, courier and transport jobs are common in Lisbon, especially for candidates with the correct licence, legal work status and availability for shifts or flexible schedules.
Browse truck driver jobs in Portugal.
Browse delivery jobs in Portugal.
Jobs in Lisbon airport
Lisbon airport jobs can be a good option for foreigners and English speakers, especially in customer-facing, cleaning, food service, retail, logistics and passenger support roles. Some positions require Portuguese, but English is useful because Lisbon Airport receives many international travellers.
Common airport jobs in Lisbon
- Ground handling assistant
- Passenger support agent
- Cleaning worker
- Retail assistant
- Food service worker
- Security support roles
- Baggage handling assistant
- Logistics and warehouse support
- Customer service agent
Airport jobs often involve shifts, weekends and early or late hours. Candidates should check contract type, transport options, language requirements, background checks and whether the employer hires foreign workers before applying.
Full-time and part-time jobs in Lisbon
Most jobs in Lisbon are full-time roles, but part-time work is also common in hospitality, restaurants, retail, delivery, cleaning, events and customer service. Full-time roles usually offer more stability, while part-time jobs can be useful for students, recent arrivals and people looking for flexible schedules.
Common full-time jobs in Lisbon
- Customer service and BPO roles
- IT and technology jobs
- Finance and shared services roles
- Hotel and tourism jobs
- Airport operations and support roles
- Construction and skilled trades
- Warehouse and logistics roles near Lisbon
Common part-time jobs in Lisbon
- Waiter or waitress
- Kitchen helper
- Retail assistant
- Delivery courier
- Cleaner
- Event staff
- Hotel housekeeping assistant
- Customer support agent
Before accepting a part-time job, check the hourly rate, weekly hours, contract type, meal allowance, transport costs and shift schedule.
Remote and hybrid jobs in Lisbon
Remote and hybrid jobs in Lisbon are most common in IT, customer support, sales, marketing, finance, product, design and international operations. These roles are usually stronger for candidates with experience, English fluency and digital skills.
Some remote jobs are fully remote from Portugal, while others require employees to live near Lisbon and visit the office a few days per week. Always check whether the contract is Portuguese, international, freelance or employer-of-record based.
You can compare more options on the remote jobs in Portugal page.
Companies hiring in Lisbon
Lisbon has a mix of multinational companies, BPO employers, hotels, tourism businesses, startups, restaurants, retail groups and recruitment agencies. The best employers for you depend on your sector, language skills, experience and legal right to work in Portugal.
International and corporate employers
BPO and customer service employers
Hospitality and restaurant employers
Hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars and catering companies hire regularly in Lisbon, especially before seasonal peaks. Candidates with English, Portuguese and another language may have more options in tourism-facing roles.
Entry-level candidates can also compare McDonald’s jobs in Portugal and other restaurant chains with structured training and flexible schedules.
Lisbon job search in other languages
Some candidates search for Lisbon jobs in their native language. These searches can help multilingual candidates find employers looking for specific language skills.
- German speakers: “Jobs in Lissabon” or “Arbeiten in Lissabon”
- Dutch speakers: “Vacatures Lissabon” or “Werken in Lissabon”
- French speakers: “Job à Lisbonne” or “Travailler à Lisbonne”
- Spanish speakers: “Trabajo en Lisboa” or “Trabajar en Lisboa”
Multilingual candidates often have good opportunities in customer service, tourism, sales, tech support and shared services. Relocation support may exist in some roles, but it depends on the employer and contract.
Jobs in Lisbon vs Porto
Lisbon usually offers a larger and more international job market, while Porto can offer a smaller but growing market with a different cost-of-living profile. The best choice depends on your sector, salary expectations, lifestyle and language skills.
| Factor |
Lisbon |
Porto |
| Job market size |
Larger and more diverse |
Smaller but growing |
| International companies |
More multinational offices and shared service centres |
Good opportunities, especially in tech and services |
| English-speaking jobs |
Strong availability in tech, BPO, tourism and startups |
Available, but fewer than Lisbon in some sectors |
| Cost of living |
Usually higher, especially rent |
Often lower, depending on location |
| Hospitality and tourism |
Strong year-round demand |
Strong demand, with some seasonal variation |
| Best for |
Maximum job choice and international roles |
Lower-cost lifestyle and growing career options |
If you want the largest job market and more international employers, Lisbon is usually the stronger option. If you want to compare another major city, browse jobs in Porto.
Where to live in Lisbon if you work in the city
Where you live in Lisbon affects your commute, rent and quality of life. Before accepting a job, check the office location, public transport options, shift schedule and whether remote or hybrid work is possible.
- Central Lisbon: Baixa, Chiado, Marquês de Pombal, Saldanha and Avenida da Liberdade are close to many offices but usually more expensive.
- Well-connected areas: Alvalade, Areeiro, Arroios and Anjos can work well for metro access and office commutes.
- Business and modern office areas: Parque das Nações and Saldanha are common locations for corporate and shared service roles.
- Coastal commute: Cascais, Estoril and Oeiras can suit candidates working near train lines or hybrid schedules.
- Lower-cost options: Almada, Sintra, Amadora, Loures and Setúbal may offer lower rents but longer commutes.
If you are interested in coastal or seasonal work, you can also compare surf jobs in Portugal.
Documents and visa requirements to work in Lisbon
To work legally in Lisbon, you need the right to work in Portugal. The exact process depends on whether you are an EU citizen, EEA citizen, Swiss citizen or non-EU citizen.
EU citizens
EU citizens can usually move to Portugal and apply for jobs more easily than non-EU citizens. However, registration, tax and social security steps may still be required after arrival. Read the EU citizens guide to working in Portugal for a practical overview.
Non-EU citizens
Non-EU citizens usually need a valid visa, residence permit or employer-supported process before working legally in Portugal. Some employers may support international candidates, but visa sponsorship is not guaranteed. Read the requirements to work in Portugal as a non-EU citizen before applying.
Official sources to check
This page gives general job-search information, not legal advice. Visa and residence rules can change, so always confirm your situation with official sources before accepting a job offer or relocating.
How to apply for jobs in Lisbon
Most jobs in Lisbon are filled through company career pages, job boards, recruitment agencies and LinkedIn. International candidates should make their CV clear, practical and easy for employers to screen.
Where to apply
- Direct applications: apply through company career pages when you already know the employer.
- Job boards: use job platforms to compare open roles, sectors and requirements.
- Recruitment agencies: useful for hospitality, customer service, finance, tech and temporary roles.
- LinkedIn: useful for office-based, tech, sales, finance and international roles.
For agency support, see the complete guide to job agencies in Lisbon.
Application tips for foreigners
- Keep your CV clear, recent and focused on relevant experience.
- List languages and proficiency levels clearly.
- Mention your work status honestly, such as EU citizen, residence permit holder or non-EU candidate needing sponsorship.
- For airport roles, mention shift availability and willingness to complete required checks.
- For customer service, highlight languages beyond English.
- For hospitality, mention availability, customer-facing experience and weekend flexibility.
- For tech roles, include portfolio links, tools, frameworks and projects.
Best time to find jobs in Lisbon
Lisbon hires throughout the year, but some sectors have stronger seasonal patterns. Applying before hiring peaks can improve your chances, especially in hospitality, tourism, retail and airport-related roles.
| Sector |
Best time to apply |
Notes |
| Hospitality and tourism |
Before spring and summer peaks |
Hotels, restaurants and tourism employers often prepare before busy seasons. |
| Customer service and BPO |
Year-round |
Multilingual hiring can happen regularly throughout the year. |
| IT and tech |
Year-round |
Hiring depends more on company budgets, role urgency and seniority. |
| Construction |
Spring to autumn |
Demand can be stronger during active project periods. |
| Airport jobs |
Before summer and holiday travel peaks |
Shift availability and security checks may affect timelines. |
| Retail |
Before Christmas and sales periods |
Temporary and part-time roles often increase during peak shopping periods. |
If you are applying from outside Portugal, start earlier. Visa, relocation and document processes can take time, and employers may not wait for candidates who are not ready to start.
Find your next job in Lisbon
Lisbon offers opportunities for many profiles, from tech professionals and customer service agents to hospitality workers, airport staff, delivery drivers and first-time job seekers. Compare the current openings above, check the requirements carefully and apply only to roles that match your language skills, experience and legal right to work in Portugal.
If you are also considering other locations, compare jobs in Porto, jobs in the Algarve, jobs in Madeira and the main guide to jobs in Portugal.
Frequently asked questions about jobs in Lisbon
Can foreigners get jobs in Lisbon Portugal?
Yes. Foreigners can get jobs in Lisbon if they have the legal right to work in Portugal. Lisbon has opportunities in customer support, IT, hotels, restaurants, tourism, airport services, cleaning, delivery and remote work. Non-EU candidates should check the requirements to work in Portugal as a non-EU citizen before applying.
Are there jobs in Lisbon for English speakers?
Yes. There are jobs in Lisbon for English speakers, especially in customer service, tech, sales, finance, tourism, hotels, startups and international companies. English is often enough for multinational roles, but Portuguese helps with local jobs and long-term progression. You can also compare broader English-speaking jobs in Portugal.
What are the best jobs in Lisbon for foreigners?
The best jobs in Lisbon for foreigners are usually in IT, customer support, tourism, hospitality, restaurants, sales, finance, remote work and multilingual roles. Entry-level candidates often start in restaurants, hotels, cleaning, delivery, warehouses or customer service. Experienced candidates usually have better salary potential.
Are there jobs in Lisbon with visa sponsorship?
Some employers in Lisbon may support non-EU candidates, but visa sponsorship is not guaranteed. It is more common in skilled, multilingual, technical or hard-to-fill roles. Non-EU candidates should confirm visa support before applying and read the non-EU citizens guide to working in Portugal.
Can non-EU citizens work in Lisbon?
Yes, but non-EU citizens normally need a valid visa, residence permit or employer-supported process to work legally in Lisbon. The exact requirement depends on nationality, job offer, contract type and personal situation. Always check official visa and residence rules before relocating.
Are there airport jobs in Lisbon for English speakers?
Yes. Lisbon airport has jobs in ground handling, passenger support, cleaning, retail, food service, logistics and customer service. English is useful because the airport serves international travellers, but some roles may also require Portuguese, shift availability or background checks.
Are there part-time jobs in Lisbon?
Yes. Part-time jobs in Lisbon are common in restaurants, cafés, hotels, retail, delivery, events, cleaning and customer service. These roles can be useful for students, expats and recent arrivals, but the income may not be enough to cover all living costs in Lisbon.
Can I get a job in Lisbon without speaking Portuguese?
Yes, it is possible in some sectors, especially customer support, IT, tourism, startups, remote work and international companies. However, Portuguese helps with local employers, public-facing jobs, workplace communication and career progression. Basic Portuguese can make applications stronger.
What is the average salary for jobs in Lisbon?
Salaries in Lisbon depend on the sector, experience, language skills, contract type and employer. Entry-level jobs often pay close to the lower end of the Portuguese salary market, while IT, finance, sales, engineering and senior specialist roles can pay more. Always compare salary with rent, transport and cost of living.
Where can I apply for jobs in Lisbon?
Is Lisbon better than Porto for finding jobs?
Lisbon usually has more international jobs, corporate roles, tech companies, startups and English-speaking opportunities. Porto can be more affordable and also has a growing job market. Compare both options by checking jobs in Porto before deciding where to apply.
Are there remote jobs for people living in Lisbon?
Yes. Many people living in Lisbon work remotely or in hybrid roles, especially in IT, marketing, customer support, sales, finance, product and design. Some roles require residence in Portugal, while others are international contracts. Compare options on the remote jobs in Portugal page.