Truck Driver Jobs in Portugal — Salary, Licence and Companies Hiring (2026)

Portugal is one of the best markets in Europe to start or grow a career as a truck driver. The country’s logistics sector has been growing year on year, demand for skilled drivers consistently outpaces supply, and salaries are climbing as a result.

Whether you’re already licensed, looking to get your CAM certification, or planning to relocate from abroad — this guide walks you through everything you need to know: salaries, licence requirements, the best companies to work for, and how to apply.

10K+ Driver shortage in Portugal (ANTRAM)

130K Jobs in transport sector

Shortage Occupation list — faster visas

€2.5-4K International driver salary range

Why truck driver jobs in Portugal are in such high demand

Portugal’s transport and logistics sector employs over 130,000 people and is one of the country’s fastest-growing industries. The combination of expanding e-commerce, the country’s position as the western gateway to Europe, and a chronic shortage of professional drivers means the sector is hiring constantly.

A few reasons this matters if you’re looking for work:

• Driver shortage is real. Portugal’s transport association ANTRAM has consistently flagged a shortfall of 10,000+ professional drivers.
• Salaries are climbing. Especially for heavy goods (CAM) drivers, who now earn significantly more than the national average.
• Visa sponsorship is common. Truck driving is on Portugal’s shortage occupation list, which speeds up the visa process for non-EU candidates.
• International routes available. Many companies operate routes across Europe (Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands).
• Clear career progression. From local delivery to long-haul, to fleet management or owner-operator.

Types of truck driver jobs available in Portugal

The Portuguese trucking sector covers a wide range of roles, from local delivery to international long-haul. Here are the most common:

• Heavy Goods Driver (CAM): The most common professional truck driving role. Requires the CAM certification (Certificado de Aptidão para Motorista) and C or C+E driving licence. Routes can be local, national or international.

• Long-Haul / International Driver: Driving across Europe — Spain, France, Germany, Benelux are the most common destinations. Pays significantly more than local routes and includes per-diem allowances.

• Local Delivery Driver: Daily distribution within a region — supermarkets, retail, food distribution. Home every night, lower pay than long-haul but more stable.

• Refrigerated / Reefer Driver: Specialised in temperature-controlled transport — food, pharmaceuticals, perishables. Often pays a premium.

• Tanker / ADR Driver: Hauling fuel, chemicals or hazardous materials. Requires ADR certification on top of CAM. Among the best-paid driving roles in Portugal.

• Heavy Equipment / Special Transport Driver: Driving oversize loads, construction equipment, modular transports. Specialised role with above-average pay.

• Delivery Driver / Light Goods: Small van or light truck delivery. Doesn’t require CAM, only a standard B or B+E licence. Strong demand from e-commerce and last-mile delivery.

• Bus or Coach Driver: Public and private passenger transport. Requires CAM-P (passenger CAM) instead of CAM-M (goods).

Truck driver salaries in Portugal (2026)

Portugal truck driver salary per month have risen significantly in recent years, driven by labour shortages. Here’s what you can realistically expect:

International long-haul drivers can realistically earn €3,000-€4,000 per month gross with allowances included. Swiss and German contractors operating from Portugal — like Galliker — often pay above the local market for skilled, reliable drivers.

How Portugal compares to the rest of Europe

Truck driver salaries in Portugal are lower than in Northern and Western Europe — a long-haul driver in Germany, the Netherlands or Scandinavia can earn €2,800–€4,500 per month, compared with €2,500–€4,000 for international routes from Portugal. However, the lower cost of living, the year-round driver shortage, and the easier route into the profession for non-EU citizens make Portugal an attractive entry point. Many drivers gain EU experience and CAM certification in Portugal before moving to higher-paying markets.

Truck driving licence and CAM requirements in Portugal

To work as a professional truck driver in Portugal, you need two things: the right driving licence category, and the CAM certification.

Driving licence categories

• B — passenger cars and light vans up to 3,500 kg
• C1 — medium trucks (3,500-7,500 kg)
• C — heavy trucks above 7,500 kg
• C+E — heavy trucks with trailer (most common professional category)
• D — buses and coaches

CAM Certification (Certificado de Aptidão para Motorista): Mandatory for all professional drivers in Portugal. There are two types:

• CAM-M — for goods transport (truck drivers)
• CAM-P — for passenger transport (bus and coach drivers)

Initial CAM certification through the standard accelerated course requires 140 hours of training. It must then be renewed every 5 years with 35 hours of continuous training. After that, drivers must complete 35 hours of continuous training every 5 years to maintain the certification.

Tachograph Card: Required for all professional drivers operating in the EU. Issued by IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) and valid for 5 years.

ADR Certification (for hazardous materials): Optional but valuable. Required for transporting fuel, chemicals or dangerous goods. Significantly increases earning potential.

H2: How to become a truck driver in Portugal Becoming a professional truck driver in Portugal follows a clear path, whether you are already living in the country or relocating from abroad. 1. Get the right driving licence. You need a category C licence to drive heavy goods vehicles, or C+E to drive with a trailer. You must already hold a category B (car) licence first. 2. Complete CAM certification. The Certificado de Aptidão para Motoristas (CAM) is mandatory for all professional drivers. Initial CAM certification involves around 140 hours of training and must be renewed every five years. 3. Obtain a tachograph card. This card records your driving and rest hours and is legally required to drive professionally. 4. Add ADR certification if needed. If you plan to transport fuel, chemicals or other dangerous goods, ADR certification significantly increases your pay and job options. 5. Apply for jobs. With your licence and CAM in hand, you can apply directly to logistics companies, through recruitment agencies, or via job boards. For non-EU citizens, the licence and CAM can usually be obtained or converted after arriving in Portugal, often with employer support — see the section on truck driver jobs for foreigners below.

Truck driving schools in Portugal

If you don’t yet have your truck driving licence or CAM, Portugal has a network of accredited driving schools that handle both. Most courses take 2-4 months to complete.

Typical cost of getting a truck driving licence in Portugal

• C licence theory + practical: €1,200-€1,800
• C+E licence (with trailer): €1,500-€2,200
• CAM-M initial certification: €900-€1,300
• ADR certification: €400-€700

Portugal follows EU Regulation 561/2006 for driving and rest periods. All professional drivers must comply with tachograph rules: maximum 9 hours driving per day (extendable to 10 hours twice a week), minimum 11 hours daily rest, and 45 hours weekly rest. Compliance is checked routinely by ASAE and police.

Where to train

Major driving school chains operating across Portugal include Escola de Condução Auto Vimaranense, Escola de Condução Continental, Bonjardim, and Codimol. Most have branches in Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Aveiro, Coimbra and Faro.

Some employers — particularly larger logistics companies and international operators — offer training sponsorship or reimburse licence costs after a probationary period, which can save you the upfront investment entirely.

The official body regulating professional driving qualifications in Portugal is IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes).

Top companies hiring truck drivers in Portugal

Portugal has a strong mix of national logistics leaders, international groups operating from Portugal, and specialised transport companies. Here are the main employers:

Portuguese national leaders

• Luís Simões — Portugal’s largest logistics group, with international routes across Europe.
• Rangel — multimodal logistics specialist.
• Patinter — specialised in international long-haul.
• STEF Portugal — refrigerated transport leader.
• Olano Portugal — specialised cold chain.
• Eurocargo Lusitania — European routes
• Garcia Pinto Transportes — heavy and specialised transport

International operators with Portuguese hubs

• DHL Portugal — international express and logistics.
• DSV — Danish logistics multinational.
• Kuehne+Nagel — global freight forwarding.
• DB Schenker — German logistics group.
• CTT Express — last-mile delivery and parcel sorting.
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics.

Retail and distribution

• Sonae — supermarkets (Continente), retail logistics. Browse current Sonae job openings.
• Jerónimo Martins — Pingo Doce and retail distribution. Browse Pingo Doce available jobs.
• Worten — electronics distribution. Careers at Worten.
• El Corte Inglés Portugal. Browse current ECI jobs.

Many of these companies also recruit beyond truck driving. If you’re exploring the wider sector, see our guides to warehouse jobs in Portugal, transport and logistics jobs, and delivery jobs in Portugal for related opportunities.

Featured employer — Galliker Portugal

Galliker is a Swiss logistics company with a strong presence in Portugal’s transport sector, specialising in refrigerated logistics, automotive parts, pharmaceuticals and high-end consumer goods. It is a good example of an international operator that recruits truck drivers in Portugal and connects the country to its wider European supply chain.

Drivers at Galliker typically receive a competitive salary above the Portuguese market average, 13 monthly wages, a modern and well-maintained fleet, good social security conditions to Swiss standards, and support with accommodation. The company hires mainly for heavy goods (CAM) driver roles, both refrigerated and general freight, including long-haul European routes.

Galliker is one of several international operators hiring drivers in Portugal — see the full list of top companies above.

Galliker is a renowned Swiss logistics company with a strong presence in Portugal’s transport sector. The company specialises in refrigerated logistics, automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, and high-end consumer goods, with operations connecting Portugal to its European supply chain.

If you’re interested in joining Galliker Portugal, send your application directly to the Galliker recruitment page.

Truck driver jobs in Portugal for foreigners

Truck driving is one of the most accessible sectors for foreigners in Portugal — particularly for non-EU candidates. The driver shortage is severe enough that employers actively recruit internationally.

Recognition of foreign driving licences

EU/EEA licences are automatically recognised in Portugal. Drivers from outside the EU can usually exchange their licence for a Portuguese equivalent within 90 days of arrival, depending on the country of origin. The CAM certification, however, must be obtained or revalidated in Portugal.

Do you need to speak Portuguese?

Basic Portuguese helps for daily interactions with dispatch and customers, but many international operators (especially those running European routes) work primarily in English, Spanish or French. Drivers from Brazil, Spain, and CPLP countries usually have a language advantage.

Visa sponsorship for non-EU candidates

Truck driving is on Portugal’s AIMA shortage occupation list, which means visa processing is significantly faster than for non-shortage roles. Most non-EU candidates apply for the D1 Subordinate Work Visa, with the employer initiating the work permit process.

Truck driver jobs in Portugal for Indian and South Asian candidates

Portugal is a popular destination for truck drivers from India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, where heavy-vehicle experience is common. Indian licences are not directly valid in Portugal — you will need to convert your licence and complete CAM certification, which most drivers do after arrival, often with employer support. Because truck driving is on Portugal’s shortage occupation list, employers frequently sponsor work visas for qualified non-EU drivers, making it one of the more accessible routes for South Asian candidates to work legally in Portugal.

For the full visa process, see our guide to working in Portugal as a non-EU citizen.

Local vs International truck driving — which is right for you?

How to find truck driver jobs in Portugal

Demand is strongest around the main logistics hubs. The Lisbon metropolitan area and the Porto–Leixões corridor concentrate the most openings, with Aveiro, Braga and the Algarve also hiring steadily for regional distribution.

Most truck driver jobs in Portugal are filled through three main channels:

1. Direct applications to logistics companies — Galliker, Luís Simões, Rangel, DHL, DSV all list openings on their career pages
2. Staffing agencies — Eurofirms, Adecco, Randstad recruit drivers continuously
3. Job boards — Jobs in Portugal lists current truck driver openings with visa sponsorship clearly marked

Tips for applying:

• Make sure your CAM certification is mentioned prominently on your CV
• List all licence categories you hold (B, B+E, C, C+E, D)
• Highlight international experience (countries driven in, routes covered)
• Mention any specialised certifications (ADR, tachograph compliance, refrigerated transport)
• Be specific about availability — long-haul, local routes, weekends
• Foreign drivers: confirm whether your licence is already exchangeable for a Portuguese one

A typical day for a truck driver in Portugal

Truck driving in Portugal looks different depending on the type of route. Here’s what to expect:

Local delivery driver

• Start at the depot at 5am-7am
• Load the truck or check pre-loaded cargo
• Multiple stops across a defined region
• Home in the evening
• Weekend work occasional

Long-haul European driver

• Multi-day trips across Spain, France, Germany, Benelux
• Strict tachograph compliance — driving and rest periods regulated
• Sleeping in the truck (modern fleets have well-equipped cabins)
• Home every 1-3 weeks depending on route schedule
• Higher pay, per-diem allowances on top of salary

Refrigerated / specialised driver

• Routes structured around temperature-sensitive delivery windows
• Strict cargo handling protocols
• Often higher pay due to specialist certification

Frequently asked questions about truck driver jobs in Portugal

Can foreigners work as truck drivers in Portugal?
Yes. EU citizens can apply freely and use their licence in Portugal. Non-EU citizens need a work visa, which many logistics companies sponsor — truck driving is on Portugal’s shortage occupation list, which speeds up the process.

What licence do I need to drive a truck in Portugal?
You need at least a category C licence (heavy trucks over 7,500 kg) or C+E (trucks with trailer) for most professional roles, plus the CAM certification (Certificado de Aptidão para Motorista) for goods transport.

How much do truck drivers earn in Portugal?
Entry-level heavy goods drivers earn €1,100-€1,400 per month gross. Experienced drivers earn €1,400-€1,900. International long-haul drivers can earn €2,500-€4,000 per month including per-diem allowances.

Are there international truck driving jobs in Portugal?
Yes. Companies like Galliker, Luís Simões, Patinter, DSV and DHL operate European routes from Portugal. International long-haul roles pay significantly more than local routes.

Are there heavy truck driver jobs in Portugal?
Yes — heavy goods (CAM) drivers are the most in-demand category. The driver shortage in Portugal is most acute for C+E qualified drivers willing to work long-haul or specialised transport.

How can I get a truck driving licence in Portugal?
Through accredited driving schools across the country. The full C+E licence with CAM certification typically takes 2-4 months and costs €2,500-€3,500. Some employers offer training sponsorship for new drivers.

Are there seasonal or temporary truck driving jobs in Portugal?
Yes — agricultural transport, tourism-related logistics (summer), and Christmas-period delivery operations create seasonal demand. Many drivers combine seasonal work with permanent contracts.

What documents do employers typically ask for at onboarding?
Driving licence, CAM certificate, tachograph card, criminal record certificate, medical certificate of fitness, and proof of accommodation. Non-EU drivers will also need work visa documentation.

What does compliance involve for truck drivers in Portugal?
Tachograph rules apply to all professional drivers — maximum 9 hours driving per day (extendable to 10 twice a week), minimum 11 hours daily rest, and 45 hours weekly rest. EU rules apply uniformly.

What is the typical schedule and time away from home?
Local drivers are home every night. National routes typically involve 1-3 nights away per week. International long-haul drivers are usually away 1-3 weeks at a time, with home rotations between trips.

Do companies provide accommodation or per-diem for long-haul?
Long-haul drivers sleep in their trucks (modern cabins are equipped for this) and receive per-diem allowances of €30-€60 per day to cover meals and personal expenses on the road.

How can I improve my chances of being hired as a truck driver in Portugal?
Get your CAM up to date, add specialised certifications (ADR for hazardous materials, refrigerated transport), highlight any international experience, and be flexible about routes — long-haul drivers are in shortest supply.

Ready to start a truck driving career in Portugal? Browse current openings across logistics, retail and international transport — including roles open to foreigners with visa sponsorship.