Jobs in Portugal for Americans: An Expert Guide

Understanding the Job Market in Portugal

Portugal’s job market is evolving with many openings in the tech and digital marketing sector, healthcare, construction, education, and tourism. The country’s economy is recovering at a steady pace, mainly from international investment in renewables and technology.

According to Trading Economics, the unemployment rate has improved, reaching 6.10 percent in 2025. In August, the employment rate was 65.40 percent, with wage growth registered at 8.30 percent. This makes Portugal affordable for those with external income, pensions, and remote work.

American workers and other foreign nationals who are fluent in Portuguese are more likely to get hired. But being fluent in English is often enough to find a job in an international company. The average salaries are often lower than in some other European countries, like Germany, Belgium, Finland, and Sweden.

Here are recent statistics for the Portuguese job market:

• Unemployment rate: 6.10 percent
• Job vacancy rate: 1.40 percent
• National minimum wage: €870 per month

Do I need to speak Portuguese to get a job in Portugal?

Although it will give you an extra edge, you don’t need to speak Portuguese to work in Portugal. You can find English-speaking jobs, especially in the tourism and hospitality sector. There are also many opportunities for English-speaking professionals and those who speak other European languages.

You could work as a customer service agent or a technical support advisor for Portuguese or multinational companies. If you want to speak Portuguese, you can enroll in private language schools and improve your skills.

Do I need a work visa?

If you’re not a citizen of any of the other Western European Countries (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states, you’ll need a work visa and a temporary stay visa to work in Portugal. The type of visa you need depends on the length of your stay (temporary or long-term) and your specific job. Unlike EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, who only require a Portuguese residence permit after securing employment, securing a work contract often involves navigating visa requirements beforehand.

The Portuguese government offers several visa options, including the Portugal D3 Visa, the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, and the Portugal Golden Visa, which you can apply through your local Portuguese Embassy. The application process can be complex, so ensure you understand all the steps to make the process smoother. Once you arrive in Portugal with your visa, you can apply for a residence permit within three months. Remember to bring your passport, employment contract, and proof of health insurance for this application.

Work culture in Portugal

If you are going to move out of the USA and relocate to Portugal, the work culture is more relaxed than in the USA. Many Portuguese companies prioritize a healthy work-life balance. This is especially true for lunch breaks, which can be lengthy, and the start and end of the workday.

However, the company culture can vary based on the business. Portugal attracts many job seekers, from students to report workers and expats. So, it is a good idea to adapt when you start working in Portugal and socialize with your co-workers and the community.

Labor Laws and Rights in Portugal

The workweek in Portugal often lasts Monday to Friday, with a total of 40 hours. Full-time employees benefit from an annual leave entitlement of 22 days and the obligatory 13 public holidays. Although individual companies can create their own schedules, the standard workday typically starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 18:00 PM, with a one-and-a-half-hour lunch break.

According to the Portuguese public services portal, the Portuguese labor authorities entitle workers who pay social security contributions to maternity and paternity benefits.

For maternity leave, new mothers may take up to 30 days’ voluntary leave before the birth and 42 days (6 weeks) of compulsory leave after birth. New fathers are entitled to 28 days’ leave for paternity leave, taken consecutively or non-consecutively. The first 7 days must be taken consecutively and immediately after birth. The remaining 21 days must be taken within 6 weeks (42 days) of the birth. You can learn more through the Portuguese social security office (SEG).

Most employees don’t work on weekends unless specified otherwise in the employment contract. Employment contracts in Portugal take different forms, including permanent, fixed-term, part-time, and intermittent arrangements.

Notice periods in Portugal are contingent upon the duration of service, with minimum periods set as follows:

• 15 days for employees with less than one year of service
• 30 days for employees with 1-5 years of service
• 60 days for employees with 5-10 years of service
• 75 days for employees with over 10 years of service

If you live and work in Portugal, you must also register with the Portuguese tax system and apply for a Portuguese tax number (NIF) at a local tax office. You can check our guide on how to get a NIF in Portugal.

Why Americans look for jobs in Portugal?

There are many reasons why Americans look for jobs in Portugal. These include:

• Affordable prices: The cost of living in Portugal is drastically cheaper than in the United States, especially when it comes to rent, property prices, and healthcare.
• High quality of life: Portugal’s quality of life is very high, with excellent safety standards, good work-life balance, and a Mediterranean lifestyle.
• Growing tech scene: The tech sector is booming, with companies like Google, Amazon Web Services, BMW, and Cisco all with major offices located in the country. Also, Web Summit, the biggest tech conference in Europe, is held in Lisbon.
• Path to residency: Portugal offers different options for residency in the EU, through visas like the D8, D7, and the Golden Visa. This puts Americans on a clear path to Portuguese citizenship after five years of becoming residents.

What types of jobs can US Citizens find in Portugal?

From digital marketing opportunities and tech jobs to English-speaking jobs, there are many jobs in Portugal for Americans to choose from. International companies often prefer English speakers, particularly in IT and software development. However, fluency in Portuguese opens doors to specialized fields like law, medicine, and engineering. Here are some of the available jobs in Portugal for Americans.

English-speaking jobs for foreigners in Portugal

Portugal’s booming tech scene is becoming increasingly attractive to Americans and expats who speak other European languages. IT and tech companies offer many job opportunities for expats with suitable job skills, strong communication skills, and English fluency.

Portugal offers a welcoming environment for American job seekers with English as their strong suit. According to the Portuguese public services portal, the industries that currently have the most popular jobs are:

• Information and communications technologies – There are many open positions in software development, engineering, IT support, data analysis, project management, etc.
• Metalworking industries – This sector often seeks skilled labor, production engineers, and quality control experts.
• Health industry – Many private clinics and international companies have open positions for nurses, healthcare specialists, clinical trial management, etc.
• Hotel, restaurant, and tourism sector – The open positions include management, hospitality, housekeeping, guest service, etc.
• Agricultural sector – This sector offers seasonal work for harvesting, agricultural engineers, and food scientists.
• Construction industry – This industry is often looking for skilled workers like plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and machine operators.
• Call centers, business support centers, and shared service centers – There are open positions for technical support, customer service, and business support.
• Education – English teachers are in demand, mainly in international schools in major cities.

Seasonal jobs for foreigners in Portugal

Seasonal jobs for foreigners in Portugal come in two main areas: tourism and hospitality (summer) and agriculture (spring/autumn harvests).

During the summer, coastal areas and cities often hire hotel staff, chefs, bartenders, and tour guides. English proficiency increases your odds of landing the job.

In agriculture, you can often find work for grape harvesting, fruit, and olive picking. These jobs are particularly common in rural areas. Other seasonal roles exist in retail, construction, and summer camps. Non-EU foreigners, like Americans, typically require a Seasonal Work Visa.

Freelance jobs for foreigners in Portugal

Freelancing is popular, particularly in tech and creative sectors such as web development, social media management, digital marketing, content creation, and design.

American citizens often need a specific visa for working remotely in Portugal, such as the D2 Entrepreneur Visa (for self-employed professionals working with Portuguese or global clients) or the D8 Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers earning from foreign clients).

But you have to manage your expectations, as freelance rates in Portugal can be low.

The Best Places to Live and Work in Portugal

Whether you work in the tourism sector or remotely with international companies that employ skilled workers globally, we have compiled a list of the best places for American expats to live and work in Portugal.

Lisbon

Lisbon’s charm lies in its captivating blend of old and new. Steeped in history yet buzzing with innovation, it offers a culturally rich and undeniably modern lifestyle. It attracts international businesses and startups, making it a hub for opportunity.

With a lower cost of living than other European capitals, finding a suitable job and the perfect neighborhood to settle down in can be easy. Whether you’re a family seeking a vibrant community, a budding entrepreneur chasing dreams, or a digital nomad yearning for a picturesque workspace, Lisbon’s diverse neighborhoods cater to every desire.

Cascais

If you want to live in a coastal town surrounded by authentic Portuguese charm, look no further than Cascais. Located just a short 30-minute drive from the Lisbon city center, this former fishing village has been transformed into a haven for expats, offering a unique blend of historic architecture and modern amenities.

Seven golf courses and more are nearby that cater to outdoor enthusiasts. Families will find Cascais particularly appealing, with various real estate options, from waterfront villas to spacious homes. Plus, top-rated international schools within a short drive ensure a well-rounded education for your children.

Porto

As Portugal’s second-biggest city and one that offers a more affordable cost of living compared to the capital of Lisbon, Porto is thriving. Once known for its charming but slightly old-world feel, Porto has transformed into a vibrant hub.

The city’s booming economy offers excellent work opportunities, while its affordability compared to Lisbon lets you live a high-quality and more affordable lifestyle. Whether you’re strolling past local markets or sipping Port wine by the Douro River, Porto’s energy is contagious.

The Algarve

The Algarve is more than just a vacation paradise that attracts visitors from the UK, America, and other European countries – it is a thriving region to live and work in Portugal. The region’s year-round sunshine and stunning scenery create a postcard-perfect backdrop for your life. The municipal capital of Faro offers a vibrant expat community, lower housing costs than other Algarve cities.

Whether you prefer the luxurious marina life of Vilamoura or the charming cobblestone streets of Albufeira, the Algarve caters to diverse tastes, all with easy access to Faro Airport. If you’re considering moving to the Algarve, you’ll find several houses for sale in Lagos, Portugal, that could perfectly fit your criteria.

Other locations

Beyond the most attractive destinations, like major cities, Portugal offers a wealth of amazing places to live and work abroad. The charming, historic city of Évora, in the Alentejo region, boasts stunning UNESCO-listed architecture and a relaxed pace of life.

Those interested in European history will love exploring the Roman Temple and the Chapel of Bones, while everyone will appreciate the friendly locals and delicious regional cuisine.

If you prefer a vibrant university town, you can also consider the city of Coimbra. This city, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its prestigious university and the Joanine Library, a treasure trove of ancient books.

For those seeking a blend of culture and nature, Caldas da Rainha offers thermal springs, a renowned art scene, and Portugal’s top-ranked public secondary school.

Finally, the coastal town of Nazaré on the Silver Coast provides a stunning seaside escape. With affordable real estate, fresh seafood, and world-famous waves, Nazaré caters to surfers and sunbathers alike.

What can Goldcrest do for you?

Goldcrest is a buyer’s agent based in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. We represent your interests when buying property in Portugal, from finding the best locations to negotiating prices and checking documents. Our team is here to make sure your investment is safe and fits your business goals.

Why choose Goldcrest?

At Goldcrest, we offer rental and property search services. We have an exclusive network of professionals, like architects, contractors, and tax advisors. With years of experience in real estate, our team can help you make a smart investment.

We handle the negotiations, connect you with real estate lawyers and notaries, so you can secure the right property. Contact us today and let us help you enter the Portugese real estate market.