Thinking of moving to Portugal and wondering how to land a job? Whether you’re already in the country or planning your relocation, Portugal offers opportunities in tech, tourism, healthcare, and more. This guide will help you understand where to look, what’s in demand, and how to apply—legally and strategically.
Let Borderless Lawyers help you navigate your job search and legalize your stay in Portugal.
📌 Why Work in Portugal?
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✅ Friendly work culture and good work-life balance
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✅ Growing job market in tech, tourism, and startups
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✅ Opportunity to live in a safe, beautiful EU country
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✅ Path to long-term residency and citizenship
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✅ English-speaking jobs increasingly available
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Finding a Job in Portugal
🔍 1. Know Which Jobs Are in Demand
Portugal is looking for skilled professionals in these sectors:
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👨💻 IT & Software Development
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🧪 Engineering & Science
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🧑⚕️ Healthcare (Doctors, Nurses, Caregivers)
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👩🏫 Education (English Teachers)
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🧳 Tourism & Hospitality
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🧾 Finance & Accounting
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🧱 Construction & Skilled Trades
🌐 2. Use the Right Job Portals
Here are the most popular job websites in Portugal:
📝 Tip: Use both English and Portuguese keywords when searching.
🇪🇺 3. Check If You Need a Work Visa
If you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you need a job offer before applying for a work visa. The employer must be willing to sponsor you through Portugal’s legal process.
Visa options include:
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Job Seeker Visa – Allows entry into Portugal to look for work (valid for 120–180 days)
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Residence Visa for Subordinate Work – If you already have a job offer
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Highly Qualified Work Visa (Tech, Science, Engineering)
Borderless Lawyers can help you apply for the right visa based on your job status.
🧾 4. Prepare a Portugal-Friendly CV
🇵🇹 Portuguese CVs are typically:
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1–2 pages long
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Include a professional photo (optional but common)
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Clearly structured with personal info, work history, education, languages, and skills
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Include links to LinkedIn or a portfolio
✍️ Pro Tip: Translate your CV and cover letter into Portuguese if the job ad is in Portuguese.
🤝 5. Network and Apply Strategically
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Attend job fairs, startup events, and Meetups in Lisbon or Porto
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Reach out directly to companies or startups you admire
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Use LinkedIn to message HR managers or recruiters
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Join local expat groups for job leads and referrals
💡 6. Consider English-Speaking and Remote Jobs
You don’t need to speak fluent Portuguese for every job.
🧑💻 English-speaking roles are available in:
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Startups
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International companies
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Tech and digital marketing firms
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Customer support centers
You can also apply for remote jobs while living in Portugal under the Digital Nomad Visa.
📑 7. Sign a Legal Work Contract
Before applying for a residence permit, you’ll need:
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A signed job contract
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Proof of social security registration
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Employer’s compliance with immigration law
📌 Important: Your employer must register the position with Portugal’s immigration authority (SEF or AIMA) before you apply.
⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We provide legal and immigration support to help you:
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✅ Apply for a Job Seeker or Work Visa
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✅ Draft and translate CVs and cover letters
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✅ Review your job offer for legal compliance
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✅ Submit residence permit applications to SEF/AIMA
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✅ Get your NIF, social security number, and health registration
📍 Top Cities in Portugal to Find Work
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Lisbon – Best for tech, tourism, startups, international firms
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Porto – Affordable and growing innovation hub
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Braga – Growing IT and manufacturing sector
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Faro (Algarve) – Strong tourism and seasonal work
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Coimbra – Academic and healthcare opportunities
✅ Take the First Step Toward Working in Portugal
Whether you’re just starting your job search or already have an offer, Borderless Lawyers can support your legal transition to Portugal. Let us help you get hired and settle legally in one of Europe’s best places to live.