Jobs in Lisbon — For Foreigners, English Speakers and International Professionals

Lisbon is one of Europe’s most exciting job markets. Portugal’s capital combines a booming tech sector, year-round tourism, major international BPOs and shared service centers — all hiring continuously across languages.

3rd
EU country for English proficiency
+15%
Tech sector growth per year
20+
Languages hired in customer service
30M+
Passengers/year at Lisbon Airport

Below you’ll find current job openings in Lisbon, plus everything you need to know about salaries, sectors, visa requirements and how to land a role — especially if you’re foreign or speak English.

Why work in Lisbon? A booming international job market

Over the past decade, Lisbon has transformed into one of Europe’s fastest-growing job markets. International companies, startups, and multinational service centers have established major operations here, creating constant demand for skilled professionals.

Several factors make Lisbon particularly attractive for foreigners:

  • Multicultural environment — Lisbon attracts workers from across Europe and beyond, with major expat communities from Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Brazil, and India
  • Growing industries — Tech, finance, tourism, and customer service are all expanding
  • Lower cost of living compared to other major Western European capitals
  • Lifestyle advantages — Great weather, easy beach access, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture
  • English widely accepted — Portugal ranks among the top 3 EU countries for English proficiency
  • International companies — Multinationals like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Mastercard, and Volkswagen Digital Solutions have offices in Lisbon

Full-time and part-time jobs near you in Lisbon

Looking for full-time jobs near me in Lisbon? Most positions in Portugal’s capital are full-time roles (40 hours/week) with permanent contracts, 22+ days of paid annual leave, and 14 monthly salary payments.

In-demand sectors with full-time hiring near you in Lisbon:

  • Customer service and BPO — Continuous hiring across 20+ languages
  • IT and technology — Major tech employers including Microsoft, Google, Mastercard
  • Hospitality — Hotels, restaurants and tourism services
  • Finance and shared services — Multinational service centers (Volkswagen Group, Natixis, Siemens)
  • Lisbon Airport — Major employer with ground services, cleaning, retail and food service roles
  • Construction — Urban renewal projects and hotel development

Part-time roles are common in hospitality, retail and customer service. Full-time entry-level salaries range from €920 to €1,800 per month gross depending on sector. Browse current full-time openings near you in Lisbon above.

Top sectors hiring in Lisbon (2026)

The variety of jobs in Lisbon means there’s something for every profile — from entry-level roles to senior positions in tech, finance, healthcare, and hospitality.

IT and technology jobs in Lisbon

Lisbon has been nicknamed the “Silicon Valley of Europe” thanks to its booming tech scene. Startups, fintech companies, and global IT providers are constantly looking for skilled professionals.

In-demand roles include:

  • Software engineers (full-stack, backend, frontend, mobile)
  • DevOps engineers and SREs
  • Data scientists and data engineers
  • Cybersecurity specialists
  • IT support and service desk agents
  • Product managers
  • UX/UI designers

Many IT roles in Lisbon are conducted entirely in English, making them ideal for expats. Tech Visa fast-tracks the process for non-EU professionals.

Major tech employers in Lisbon include Microsoft (Parque das Nações), Google (Marquês de Pombal), Mercedes-Benz.io (Saldanha), Volkswagen Digital Solutions (Lisbon centre) and Mastercard (Saldanha). Most operate primarily in English and welcome international candidates.

Browse all IT jobs in Lisbon.

Customer service and BPO jobs in Lisbon

Lisbon is one of Europe’s largest hubs for multilingual customer support. Teleperformance, Foundever, Webhelp/Concentrix and other major BPOs hire continuously across more than 20 languages.

Typical positions include:

  • Customer service representatives (English, German, French, Dutch, Nordic languages)
  • Technical support agents
  • Content moderators
  • Team leaders and operations managers
  • Remote customer service roles

Nordic and German speakers typically receive the best packages, including relocation support and visa sponsorship.

Browse all customer service jobs in Portugal.

Hospitality and tourism jobs in Lisbon

Tourism is the backbone of Lisbon’s economy. Hotels, restaurants, and tourism-related services generate constant demand for staff.

Common roles include:

  • Hotel receptionists
  • Housekeeping and cleaning staff
  • Waiters, bartenders and kitchen staff
  • Tour guides and hospitality coordinators
  • Chefs and kitchen assistants
  • Sushi chefs and Asian cuisine specialists — High demand at Japanese restaurants, hotels and trendy Lisbon eateries

Hospitality jobs in Lisbon are often open to candidates without prior experience and offer training on the job.

Browse all hotel jobs in Lisbon
Browse all restaurant jobs in Lisbon

Finance and shared services jobs in Lisbon

Multinationals like Volkswagen Group, Mercedes-Benz.io, Natixis, BNP Paribas and Siemens have established shared service centers in Lisbon. These create thousands of jobs in:

  • Accounting and auditing
  • Human resources
  • Logistics and procurement
  • Banking, finance and insurance
  • Legal and compliance

These roles often pay above the local average and are excellent for building a long-term career in Lisbon.

Lisbon airport jobs

Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado) handles over 30 million passengers a year and is one of the largest employers in the capital region. Roles include:

  • Airport ground services and baggage handling
  • Security and customs assistance
  • Retail and duty-free positions
  • Restaurant and food service staff in terminals
  • Cleaning operations (24/7 shifts with premiums)
  • Customer service for airlines (TAP, Lufthansa, Ryanair and others)
  • Cabin crew recruitment based in Lisbon

Airport jobs typically come with shift premiums, background-check requirements, and security clearance arranged by the employer.

Construction and skilled trades in Lisbon

Lisbon’s construction sector is booming due to urban renewal projects, hotel developments and infrastructure investment.

In-demand roles include:

  • 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

While not located in Lisbon city proper, the metropolitan area (Sintra, Mem Martins, Loures, Setúbal, Palmela) hosts major factory and warehouse operations.

Browse factory jobs in Portugal.
Browse warehouse jobs in Portugal.

Cleaning and housekeeping jobs in Lisbon

Lisbon has one of the highest concentrations of cleaning jobs in Portugal — hotels, offices, the airport, hospitals, and a large private home cleaning sector.

Browse cleaning jobs in Portugal.

Driver and delivery jobs in Lisbon

Strong demand for truck drivers, delivery riders, and rideshare drivers (Uber, Bolt, Free Now).

Browse truck driver jobs in Portugal.
Browse delivery jobs in Portugal.

English speaking jobs in Lisbon — what to expect

A major advantage for expats in Lisbon: many companies operate primarily in English. International firms recruit directly in English, especially in IT, marketing, customer service, finance, and shared services.

At the same time, candidates who speak other languages have a competitive edge:

  • German speaking jobs in Lisbon — High demand in customer service, tech support, and finance
  • French speaking jobs in Lisbon — Opportunities in call centers, tourism, and retail
  • Spanish and Dutch speakers — Also sought after in customer service and sales
  • Nordic languages (Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish) — Highest pay due to scarcity, often with relocation packages
  • Italian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian — Strong year-round demand

Multilingual roles are among the best paid in Lisbon and often come with relocation support packages.

Browse English speaking jobs in Lisbon.

Average salaries for jobs in Lisbon (2026)

Salaries in Lisbon vary widely depending on sector, experience, and language skills. Here are typical monthly gross ranges:

Monthly gross salary (2026)

Sector Entry-level Experienced
Customer Service €950–€1,500 €1,500–€2,500
Hospitality €920–€1,200 €1,200–€2,000
IT & Technology €1,800–€3,500 €3,500–€6,500
Finance & Services €1,400–€2,500 €2,500–€4,500
Construction €1,000–€1,400 €1,400–€2,200
Cleaning & Housekeeping €920–€1,100 €1,100–€1,500
Remote international €2,000+ Depending on employer

While salaries in Portugal are lower than in Northern Europe, the cost of living in Lisbon is also more affordable. Most positions include 14 monthly payments, including Christmas and holiday bonuses.

Lisbon airport jobs — a major employer

Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado) is one of the largest single employers in the capital region. Operations run 24/7, generating constant demand across multiple roles.

Types of airport jobs available:

  • Airline ground services — TAP, Lufthansa, Ryanair, Emirates and other carriers hire baggage handlers, check-in agents, gate agents
  • Airport cleaning — Large teams covering terminals, lounges, gates and aircraft (24/7 shifts with night and weekend premiums)
  • Retail and duty-free — International brands operating in the terminal
  • Restaurant and food service — Both fast food and full-service restaurants inside the airport
  • Security and customs assistance — Background checks required
  • Cabin crew recruitment — Lisbon hosts the European training and recruitment base for several airlines

Salaries typically range from €920 to €1,600 per month gross at entry level, with shift premiums, meal allowances, and travel discounts often added on top. Most positions are filled through specialist contractors and staffing agencies.

Jobs in Lisbon for foreigners — what you need to know

Lisbon is one of the most foreigner-friendly job markets in Europe. The international community is large, employers are used to hiring globally, and many roles don’t require Portuguese language skills.

For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: You can live and work in Lisbon without a visa or work permit. Register your residence at the local Junta de Freguesia after 90 days. See our EU citizens guide for the full process.

For non-EU citizens: You’ll need a work visa to start working legally. Most non-EU candidates apply for the D1 Subordinate Work Visa once they have a job offer, or the Tech Visa for IT roles, or the D8 Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. See our non-EU citizens guide for the step-by-step process.

Visa sponsorship is common for:

  • Customer service (rare languages)
  • IT and tech professionals
  • Healthcare workers
  • Construction and skilled trades
  • Hospitality roles in summer season

Remote jobs in Lisbon

Lisbon has become one of Europe’s favourite destinations for digital nomads and remote workers. Many professionals choose to live in Lisbon while working remotely for international employers.

Why Lisbon for remote work:

  • Portugal launched the D8 Digital Nomad Visa, making it easier to settle while keeping a remote job
  • Strong co-working spaces in Príncipe Real, Cais do Sodré, Marquês, and LX Factory
  • Reliable internet infrastructure; fibre is widespread
  • Cost of living significantly lower than London, Paris, Berlin, or Amsterdam
  • Coffee culture and outdoor lifestyle make it attractive for digital professionals
  • Strong English-speaking expat community for networking

Browse remote jobs in Portugal

Lisbon job search in other languages

If you’re searching in your native language, you’ll also find Lisbon jobs by these terms:

  • German speakers: “Jobs in Lissabon” or “Arbeiten in Lissabon” — strong demand for German-speaking customer service and tech roles
  • Dutch speakers: “Vacatures Lissabon” or “Werken in Lissabon” — Lisbon hires hundreds of Dutch speakers each year
  • French speakers: “Job à Lisbonne” or “Travailler à Lisbonne” — strong demand in customer service and tourism
  • Spanish speakers: “Trabajo en Lisboa” — used in retail, customer service, and tourism

Multilingual roles in Lisbon are among the best paid and often include relocation packages from international employers.

Top employers hiring in Lisbon (2026)

Major international companies with operations in Lisbon:

  • Microsoft Portugal — tech, sales, customer success roles
  • Google Portugal — tech and operations
  • Amazon — corporate roles in Lisbon; no warehouses in Portugal, with operations served from Spain
  • Mastercard — payment tech, finance, IT roles
  • Volkswagen Digital Solutions — software development, digital transformation
  • Mercedes-Benz.io — automotive tech
  • Siemens — engineering and shared services
  • Natixis — banking and finance
  • EDP — energy sector

Major BPOs in Lisbon:

  • Teleperformance — largest, includes former Majorel
  • Foundever — formerly Sitel and Sykes
  • Webhelp / Concentrix
  • SpeakIt Portugal

Hospitality groups hiring in Lisbon:

  • Marriott, Hilton, Four Seasons (Ritz Lisbon)
  • Pestana Hotels, Tivoli Hotels, Vila Galé
  • AccorHotels (Mercure, Novotel, Ibis brands)
  • Sheraton, Sana Hotels

Browse Mastercard jobs in Lisbon
Browse Microsoft Portugal jobs
Browse Google Portugal jobs

Jobs in Lisbon vs Porto — which is right for you?

Lisbon vs Porto — at a glance

Lisbon Porto
Job market size Larger, more diverse Growing fast
Cost of living Higher 20–30% lower
Tech sector Established, largest Booming, smaller
Tourism Year-round Strong, more seasonal
English use Widespread Widespread
Salary 5–15% higher Lower but matched by cost

If you’re set on the bigger market and want maximum job choice, Lisbon wins. If you prefer better value-for-money with a strong but smaller market, Porto is excellent. Browse jobs in Porto to compare.

Where to live in Lisbon if you work in the city

Where you live in Lisbon affects your commute and your budget. Here’s a quick overview:

Central neighbourhoods: Avenida da Liberdade, Príncipe Real, Cais do Sodré, Baixa, Marquês de Pombal. Higher cost, but walking distance to many offices.
Trendy but more affordable: Alvalade, Anjos, Areeiro, Arroios — well-connected by metro.
Family-friendly outskirts: Parque das Nações, Telheiras, Lumiar — popular for shared service centre employees.
Coastal commute: Cascais, Estoril, Oeiras — train commute to central Lisbon, expat-heavy.
Cheaper, longer commute: Almada, Setúbal, Sintra — train or bridge crossing, 30-60 min to central Lisbon.

Tips for foreigners working in Lisbon

Learn basic Portuguese: Even casual knowledge improves your chances of finding work and integrating socially.
Stay flexible: Many jobs, especially in hospitality and customer service, operate on rotating shifts.
Use relocation support: Take advantage of housing and travel packages offered by employers — common in BPO and IT.
Plan your budget: Lisbon is affordable compared to other European capitals, but prices are rising — particularly rent.
Use specialist job boards: Jobs in Portugal lists current openings open to foreigners across all sectors and languages.
Network in the expat community: Lisbon has active expat groups where openings are often shared informally before being published.

How to apply for jobs in Lisbon

Most Lisbon jobs are filled through three main channels:

  1. Direct applications to companies — Microsoft, Google, Mastercard, BPOs all list openings on their careers pages
  2. Specialist job boards — Jobs in Portugal lists openings with visa sponsorship marked
  3. Recruitment agencies — Major agencies like Randstad, Adecco, Hays, Michael Page operate in Lisbon

See our complete guide to job agencies in Lisbon.

Tips for applying:

  • CV should be in European format — max 2 pages, no photo
  • List languages and proficiency levels clearly
  • Mention visa status — EU citizen, EU residence permit, or need sponsorship
  • For airport roles, mention willingness to do background checks
  • For customer service, highlight any languages beyond English

Best time to find jobs in Lisbon

Lisbon hires year-round, but some sectors have clear seasonal patterns:

  • Hospitality and tourism — Peak hiring March to May for summer season; second wave October for winter operations
  • Customer service / BPOs — Continuous hiring; major batches January, April, September
  • IT and tech — Year-round, with slight slowdown in August (vacation period)
  • Construction — Strong from March to October
  • Airport jobs — Continuous, with peaks before summer (May) and winter holidays (October)
  • Retail — Heavy hiring October-November for Christmas season

If you’re applying from abroad, allow 2-4 months for the visa process. Start applications well before the season starts.

Frequently asked questions

Are there English speaking jobs in Lisbon?

Yes — many companies in Lisbon operate primarily in English, particularly in IT, customer service, finance, and shared services. International firms like Microsoft, Google, and Mastercard recruit directly in English.

What are the best jobs in Lisbon for foreigners?

Customer service, IT, hospitality, airport operations, and construction are the most accessible sectors for foreigners. Visa sponsorship is common for rare-language speakers, IT professionals, and shortage occupation roles.

What is the average salary for jobs in Lisbon?

Entry-level salaries range from €920 to €1,500 per month gross depending on sector. IT roles can reach €3,500+ at entry level. Mid-level professionals earn €1,500 to €4,500. Senior tech roles can exceed €6,500.

Which industries are hiring the most in Lisbon?

IT, customer service, hospitality, finance, and construction are hiring most consistently. Tech and tourism are growing fastest.

Do companies in Lisbon provide relocation support?

Yes — many BPOs and IT companies offer relocation packages including flights, temporary accommodation, help with NIF and bank account setup. This is most common for Nordic, German, Dutch and Tech Visa candidates.

Are there remote jobs in Lisbon Portugal?

Yes — most major BPOs, including Teleperformance, Foundever and Concentrix, offer fully remote or hybrid roles. Many IT companies in Lisbon also support remote work. Portugal’s D8 Digital Nomad Visa supports candidates working remotely for foreign employers.

What documents do I need to work in Lisbon?

EU citizens need only a valid ID and the CRUE residence registration after 90 days. Non-EU citizens need a work visa, typically D1, before starting work. Everyone needs a NIF and NISS.

What skills are most in demand in Lisbon?

Programming and software development, multilingual communication, customer service experience, hospitality skills, and technical certifications. English is mandatory for most international roles.

Which companies are hiring in Lisbon?

Microsoft, Google, Mastercard, Volkswagen Digital Solutions, Mercedes-Benz.io, Teleperformance, Foundever, Concentrix, Marriott, Hilton, Pestana, Sana Hotels, EDP, and Siemens all hire continuously.

Do I need a visa to work in Lisbon as an EU citizen?

No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work in Lisbon without a visa. Register your residence at the local Junta de Freguesia after 90 days.

Are there high-paying jobs in Lisbon?

Yes — IT, fintech, executive management, finance and engineering roles routinely pay €4,000 to €7,000+ per month. Tech Visa fast-tracks visas for high-skilled non-EU candidates in these roles.

Are there airport jobs in Lisbon?

Yes — Lisbon Airport (Humberto Delgado) is one of the largest employers in the capital. Roles include ground services, cleaning, retail, food service, security, and customer service for airlines. Most positions are filled through specialist contractors.

Are there urgent jobs in Lisbon?

Yes — entry-level roles in hospitality, customer service, cleaning, and airport operations often have immediate start dates. Many staffing agencies in Lisbon can place candidates within 1-3 weeks.

Are there housekeeping jobs in Lisbon?

Yes — Lisbon has one of the highest concentrations of hotel housekeeping jobs in Portugal. Major chains like Marriott, Pestana, Tivoli and Vila Galé hire housekeepers year-round.

Are there restaurant jobs in Lisbon?

Yes — Lisbon has thousands of restaurants and continuous demand for waiters, chefs, kitchen assistants, and dishwashers. Indian, Asian, and international restaurants particularly hire foreigners.

 

Ready to take the next step in your career? Lisbon offers something for almost every profile — whether you’re a tech professional, hospitality worker, customer service specialist, or first-time job seeker. Browse current openings and apply directly through verified listings.

Looking elsewhere? See our guides to jobs in Porto, jobs in the Algarve and jobs in Madeira.

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