Living and working in Portugal
Portugal is famous for football, a relaxed and unhurried pace of life, great beaches where you can bask in the sun and eat delicious food. But are you also wondering what it would be like moving to Portugal?
Here, we aim to give you a wider perspective and paint a picture of what this vibrant country has to offer.
Latest available jobs in Portugal
Dutch Customer Support Agent – Porto (hybrid)
Do you want to work abroad? We offer a job for Dutch speaking people in Porto. No experience needed!
Dutch Customer Support Agent – Lisbon (hybrid)
Do you want to work abroad? We offer a job for Dutch speaking people in Lisbon. No experience needed!
Dutch Customer Support Agent – Lisbon
Do you want to work abroad? We offer a job for Dutch speaking people in Lisbon. No experience needed!
Currency
The Euro (€) has been the official currency in Portugal since 2002
Famous people
Some notable Portuguese people are Christiano Ronaldo, José Mourinho and Bernardo Silva
Population
Portugal has a population of ~10.3 million people, many living in Lisbon
Typical food
Pastel de nata (custard tart), Polvo à Lagareiro (octopus and potatoes), Arroz de pato (duck rice), arroz doce (rice pudding)
Avg. working week
Portugal has a 40 hour work week, 8 hours daily spread over 5 days a week
Location
Portugal is located in the southwest of Europe and borders Spain and the Atlantic Ocean
Languages
The official language is Portuguese, and they use latin script
Healthcare
Portuguese healthcare is generelly good and many services are free for its legal residents
What you need to know about living and working in Portugal
Young expats that start living and working in Portugal will enjoy:
- Beautiful coastal towns facing the Atlantic Ocean;
- Breathtaking landscapes like the huge cliffs by the Douro River;
- Hiking trails all over the country;
- Traditional cuisine with lots of fish
If you choose to work in Portugal, you will have endless options of exciting activities in your free time. This also includes exploring the local culture and delicious meals with everything good from the sea. There are quite a lot of jobs within IT support, customer service and tourism. Due to the large amount of jobs in Lisbon, it’s a city that has been increasing its popularity and it has a growing international environment.
There are many good arguments for finding work in Portugal. If you want to know more about the possibilities, you are very welcome to contact us at Job Squad. And if you want to know more about living and working in Lisbon and Porto, the two biggest and most popular cities, read this blog about the differences between these two cities.
Working in Portugal
If you get a job in Portugal, you will quickly learn a couple of things:
- Courtesy is highly valued. Culture can seem a bit formal;
- It is common to exchange business cards and address each other with professional titles;
- Handshakes are usually given, and if you know each other, you can give kisses on the cheeks;
- In contrast to the formal meetings are the more casual business dinners, which are about building relationships and getting to know each other.
- It’s important not to force a negotiation situation. It is the social aspect that is of interest.
- Decisions are often made at a fairly high level hierarchically speaking, and it is therefore important to bring the right decision-makers to meetings and negotiations;
- Especially in larger companies, the decision makers are usually good at English and you can generally get far with good business English.
Taxes in Portugal
Before starting earning money in Portugal you need to register in the tax office near you by filling in this form. If you’re living in Portugal for more than 183 days, you’re considered a resident and you need to pay for your worldwide income with a progressive tax rate that goes from 14.5% to 48%. If you stay for a shorter amount of time you only need to pay for the Portuguese sourced income – as a foreigner this is a tax rate of 20%.
However, there are several benefits for foreigners with the Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) tax codes, which provide substantial exemptions for the first 10 years of residence. You can look for further information here.
What you need to fix when moving to Portugal
There are a couple of things you have to fix when you decide to take the leap and start living and working in Portugal:
- Tax number; essential for renting, banking and signing contracts
- Social security number; required if you want to start working
- Residence registration; register at the local council
- Health number; gives you access to the public healthcare system
- Portuguese bank account; needed for your salary payments and daily life
- Tax registration; declare your tax residence status
- Portuguese SIM
Popular cities in Portugal
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Portugal
Living in Portugal means enjoying the Atlantic Ocean and the golden rays of the sun. Portugal’s charm lies in its beautiful cities and idyllic coastal towns. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Lisbon, wandering through the colourful alleys of Porto, or enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Algarve, there’s a sense of tranquility and beauty at every turn. You can also visit iconic landmarks such as Belem Tower, the viewpoints of Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro River. And also, the coastal town of Sintra with fairytale-like palaces and lush gardens.
Live in Portugal and feel their culture
If you start living and working in Portugal, you will be at the center of the following important things in Portuguese culture:
- People are very centred around family, and it is not unusual to see several generations gathered under one roof.
- From early morning to late evening, there is life in the streets – in the morning a cup of coffee may be enjoyed at the sidewalk cafes, and in the evening you gather around the TV screens of the places and watch a football match with great enthusiasm.
- Football is the biggest sport in Portugal, and the world’s most famous Portuguese player, Cristiano Ronaldo, is one of the most important figures in football history. Likewise, Portugal has one of the world’s best national teams.
- Portugal is also seen as the surfing capital of Europe. There are a lot of opportunities for surfing, and it’s really a part of the local culture. If you want to know more about the Portuguese surfing culture, and want to find out what the best surfing spots in the country are, read our blog about this subject!
Enjoy seafood in Portuguese restaurants
The long coastline is a blessing for Portuguese cuisine where the fantastic ingredients from the Atlantic Ocean are enjoyed. In addition, many dishes contain cattle, pigs, goats and lambs, and the mild climate results in plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables all year round. They often season their dishes with garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs, and the cooking generally focuses on fresh and local ingredients.
Did you know that Portugal is one of the only places in Europe with rice fields? Therefore, of course, they also eat a lot of rice. Besides rice, potatoes are also widely used in cooking.
How to find work in Portugal
In Portuguese companies there are many jobs within IT support and customer service, which are jobs in a social environment – and with others in the same situation as you. Compared to Spain, which has been hit hard by high unemployment in recent years, opportunities are better in Portugal.
Average salary in Portugal
Salaries in Portugal vary by city. In Lisbon, you will earn more than in Porto for example. This evens out in the end, because life in Lisbon is also a bit more expensive. On average in Portugal, the monthly salary will be like this:
- Entry-level IT Support: €1,000-€1,300
- Entrly-level Customer Support: €1,200-€1,800
Note: this is an indication. Salaries can vary, depending on the location, the company and your experience.
How expensive is housing in Portugal?
It is popular for foreigners to live and work in Portugal, and therefore there are a number of websites and Facebook groups focusing on temporary housing. In Lisbon, it can be more difficult to find a temporary rental home, so it is a good idea to start searching before you move.
A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center of different Portuguese destinations will cost you this monthly:
- Lisbon: €1,250-€1,800
- Porto: €850-€1,300
- Faro: €800-€1,200
- Madeira: €700-€1,200
Prices for rent drop if you rent an apartment outside of the city center. If you really want to save some money on housing, go for a shared flat. With shared housing, you split the rent with your flatmates and gift yourself a social network at home, at the same time!
Still not convinced about Portugal?
Portugal offers a wonderful overall experience for visitors and residents alike:
- The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with picturesque coastlines, charming villages, and lush landscapes.
- The rich history and culture are evident in the beautifully preserved historic sites, such as castles, palaces, and churches.
- Portuguese cuisine, with its delicious seafood, pastries, and regional specialties, is a delight for food lovers.
- The warm and friendly Portuguese people contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, and the relaxed pace of life allows for a more laid-back and enjoyable experience.
The rich and diverse culinary scene has a wide range of delicious dishes to try. Some must-try foods include:
- Bacalhau, which is salted cod prepared in various ways such as Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes) or Bacalhau com Natas (cod with cream).
- Grilled sardines, especially during the festive season of Santo António in June.
- Pastéis de nata, the famous Portuguese custard tarts with a crispy pastry shell and creamy filling, are a true delight.
- Don’t forget to try local cheeses, chorizo, and the traditional hearty dish cozido à portuguesa, a rich meat and vegetable stew.
- Lastly, explore the diverse wine regions of Portugal and sample their world-renowned Port wine and Vinho Verde.
FAQ
No, you do not need a work permit if you are an EU/EEA citizen, but if you are staying for longer than three months you will need to apply for an EU card that allows you to live in Portugal.
Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by long, hot summers and mild winters. Along the coast, temperatures are moderated by the Atlantic Ocean, offering pleasant and refreshing sea breezes. Summers are typically dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Winters are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. Portugal is known for its abundant sunshine, making it an ideal destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered affordable compared to many other European countries. However, the cost of living can vary depending on the region, with Lisbon and Porto being slightly more expensive than other cities or rural areas. Rental prices for apartments and housing can vary significantly depending on the location. Groceries, dining out, and transportation costs are generally reasonable. Overall, while certain expenses such as housing and utilities may be relatively higher in major cities, Portugal offers a good balance between quality of life and cost of living.
Some of the average costs of living in Portugal for a great expat life:
- Groceries: €150-€300 a month
- Espresso in a coffee shop: €0,70-€1,50
- Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €13-€25
- Beer in a bar: €1,50-€3,50
- Gym membership: €25-€60 a month
- Cinema ticket: €7-€14
Portugal offers an efficient and diverse public transport network. In cities like Lisbon and Porto, you can rely on metro systems, trams, buses, and taxis to get around. Inter-city travel is facilitated by trains and buses, connecting different regions of the country. Additionally, Portugal has a well-developed network of regional buses, making it convenient to explore smaller towns and rural areas.
So how expensive is public transport in Portugal?
- In Lisbon, a monthly pass for the wider metropolitan area is €40 a month, with a monthly pass for just the city itself is €30 a month.
- In Porto the costs for monthly passes is exactly the same.
Portugal offers a comprehensive healthcare system that provides accessible and high-quality medical care to its residents. The National Health Service (SNS) ensures universal coverage. Costs of healthcare:
- Public healthcare costs €5-€20 a month.
- Private health insurance offers quicker help and mostly gives access to English speaking doctors. Costs range from €20 to €50 a month.
If you are charmed by the Portuguese people and have decided to stay in Portugal longer than expected, we recommend you to learn the language. This way you can understand their traditions and customs much better, and you’ll experience getting treated even more welcoming – maybe even with discounts and advantages at various places. There are several courses, online and in-site where you can learn Portuguese, you can find them on this site. You can also download free language apps on your phone, like Duolingo.