Top In-Demand Occupations in Portugal for UK Professionals

The job market in Portugal is changing, presenting good career options for UK experts in fields like healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance. The country's economy is getting bigger and focusing on digital changes. This is bringing skilled workers to Portugal. Good salaries, a nice life, and a good balance between work and life make Portugal a great place for experts looking for new jobs.

• There is a greater need for people in IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance.
• Salaries are good, and there are tax breaks for skilled workers.
• The EU Blue Card helps with residency and work.
• The living is good, and it doesn't cost too much to live there.
• Fast-growing job areas mean chances to move up in your career.

*Want assistance to apply for work overseas? Y-Axis is here to assist you with the process.

Why Work in Portugal?

Portugal attracts professionals from the UK because it mixes a strong job market with a great quality of life. The nation has a steady economy, a talented workforce, and focuses on areas such as tech and engineering. Its affordable living costs, good weather, and work-life balance make it attractive to those moving abroad. Besides, Portugal provides tax advantages to skilled workers, along with a simple way to get work permits.

• Pleasant weather and pretty scenery.
• Lower living costs than many EU countries.
• Jobs are available in IT, engineering, and healthcare.
• Access to EU advantages and social security.
• Good healthcare, schools, and infrastructure.

Top In-Demand Occupations in Portugal

Portugal’s labor market continues to face critical skill shortages across multiple sectors. According to EURES, CEDEFOP, and IEFP, these shortages are especially prominent in healthcare, ICT, skilled trades, tourism, and logistics—presenting opportunities for international professionals under the Portugal Job Seeker Visa and work permit routes.

Sector	In-Demand Roles
Healthcare	Doctors, Nurses, Healthcare Assistants, Radiologists, Lab Technicians
Information Technology	Software Developers, Application Programmers, Cybersecurity Analysts, IT Support Technicians
Engineering & Trades	Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineers, Plumbers, Electricians, Welders
Hospitality & Tourism	Chefs, Kitchen Helpers, Waiters, Bartenders, Hotel Staff, Tour Guides
Agriculture	Crop Farm Workers, Horticultural Laborers, Agricultural Mechanics, Animal Care Workers
Education & Language	STEM Teachers, Preschool Educators, Interpreters, Translators
Logistics & Transport	HGV Drivers, Transport Coordinators, Warehouse Operators
Professional Services	Legal Assistants, Customer Service Reps, Call Centre Operators, Social Workers

High-Demand Occupations in Portugal by Sector

Given below is a detailed overview of the High-Demand Occupations by sector:

Healthcare Sector

Portugal's healthcare sector is growing because the population is aging and healthcare infrastructure is improving.

Job Role	Average Salary (EUR/year)
Specialist Doctor	€70,000 - €150,000
General Practitioner	€50,000 - €80,000
Nurse	€25,000 - €35,000
Pharmacist	€30,000 - €45,000
Medical Technician	€22,000 - €30,000
Physiotherapist	€28,000 - €40,000
Dentist	€60,000 - €120,000
Radiologist	€80,000 - €100,000
Healthcare Administrator	€30,000 - €45,000
Occupational Therapist	€25,000 - €40,000

Information Technology (IT)

Portugal's IT sector is expanding because of an increase in both new businesses and international corporations. There is a high need for IT experts in varied positions.

Job Role	Average Salary (EUR/year)
Software Developer	€30,000 - €45,000
Data Scientist	€40,000 - €60,000
Cybersecurity Expert	€45,000 - €70,000
Cloud Engineer	€40,000 - €65,000
IT Project Manager	€50,000 - €80,000
System Architect	€60,000 - €90,000
Full Stack Developer	€35,000 - €55,000
UX/UI Designer	€25,000 - €45,000
Network Engineer	€35,000 - €60,000
IT Support Specialist	€20,000 - €30,000

Engineering

The engineering field in Portugal is seeing quick growth, largely due to new building projects and a need for green engineering approaches.

Job Role	Average Salary (EUR/year)
Civil Engineer	€35,000 - €55,000
Mechanical Engineer	€40,000 - €65,000
Electrical Engineer	€40,000 - €60,000
Environmental Engineer	€45,000 - €70,000
Structural Engineer	€45,000 - €65,000
Project Manager	€55,000 - €75,000
Quantity Surveyor	€35,000 - €55,000
Industrial Engineer	€40,000 - €60,000
BIM Manager	€50,000 - €70,000
Robotics Engineer	€50,000 - €80,000

Finance and Accounting

Portugal's location in Europe and its growing financial services market are contributing to the expansion of the finance sector.

Job Role	Average Salary (EUR/year)
Financial Analyst	€35,000 - €50,000
Accountant	€25,000 - €40,000
Auditor	€40,000 - €60,000
Tax Consultant	€45,000 - €70,000
Financial Controller	€50,000 - €80,000
Investment Banker	€60,000 - €100,000
Corporate Treasurer	€55,000 - €80,000
Risk Manager	€50,000 - €75,000
Fund Manager	€60,000 - €90,000
Management Consultant	€45,000 - €70,000

Education and Teaching

The growing emphasis on education and skill development in Portugal corresponds with a greater need for qualified teachers.

Job Role	Average Salary (EUR/year)
English Teacher	€20,000 - €35,000
University Lecturer	€35,000 - €60,000
Education Coordinator	€30,000 - €50,000
Primary School Teacher	€20,000 - €30,000
Secondary School Teacher	€25,000 - €40,000
Head of Department	€45,000 - €65,000
Special Education Teacher	€25,000 - €40,000
ESL Teacher	€20,000 - €35,000
Education Consultant	€40,000 - €60,000
Curriculum Developer	€35,000 - €55,000

Skilled Trades

Portugal needs skilled tradespeople to keep its construction and manufacturing sectors going.

Job Role	Average Salary (EUR/year)
Electrician	€20,000 - €30,000
Plumber	€25,000 - €35,000
HVAC Technician	€25,000 - €40,000
Welder	€20,000 - €30,000
Carpenter	€20,000 - €30,000
Construction Manager	€40,000 - €60,000
Mechanical Technician	€30,000 - €45,000
Painter	€20,000 - €30,000
Mason	€20,000 - €30,000
Site Supervisor	€30,000 - €50,000

 

Current Labour Demand & Vacancy Statistics in Portugal 

Portugal continues to face acute workforce shortages across multiple sectors. According to data from EURES and Eurostat, the country recorded over 58,000 unfilled job vacancies, highlighting significant hiring gaps in both skilled and semi-skilled occupations.

Key insights include:

• Critical sectors facing shortages: ICT, business services, hospitality, healthcare, and construction.
• Above-average vacancy rate: Portugal’s job vacancy rate in services and trades is higher than the EU average, reflecting persistent gaps in skilled labor.
• Emerging sectors in demand: The national shift toward green energy, agricultural technology, and vocational trades continues to create new roles in renewable energy, environmental management, and sustainable construction.

These trends reflect the growing need for international professionals to support Portugal’s long-term economic development and digital transformation.

What is Driving Demand in Portugal’s Job Market?

Portugal’s labour demand is shaped by several key demographic and economic trends. These structural shifts are fuelling a steady rise in vacancies across both high-skill and vocational roles:

• Ageing Population
  Portugal’s growing elderly demographic is increasing demand for healthcare professionals, including nurses, geriatric specialists, and care assistants.

• Digital Transformation
  Accelerated digitisation and automation are expanding opportunities in ICT, cybersecurity, and AI, with companies seeking skilled developers, analysts, and tech support specialists.

• Tourism Recovery
  The rebound of tourism post-COVID has revitalised the hospitality, travel, and food service industries, creating new roles for chefs, waitstaff, hotel staff, and event coordinators.

• Green Economy Shift
  As Portugal invests in renewable energy, there is growing demand for solar technicians, energy auditors, and environmental engineers.

• Vocational Skills Gaps
  Persistent shortages in skilled trades and STEM education continue to limit growth in construction, logistics, and technical training sectors.

Portugal Work Visa Options for UK Professionals

Portugal provides different visas based on an applicant's job, skills, and credentials. Some well-known Portuguese Work Visas are:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• EU Blue Card
• Job Seeker Visa
• Intra-Company Transfer Visa
• Freelance Visa

Skilled Worker Visa

The Portugal Skilled Worker Visa, or D3 Visa, enables highly skilled workers to live and be employed in Portugal. This visa is for people with specialized skills, especially in fields where there is a need, such as IT, engineering, and healthcare.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card lets skilled people from outside the EU work and live in Portugal. It gives qualified workers a simple way to get a work visa and residency, letting them work for a Portuguese firm and move more freely within the Schengen Area.

Job Seeker Visa

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa lets people from outside the EU come to Portugal for up to 120 days to find a job. It can be extended for another 60 days. This visa is for those wanting to work in Portugal. If they get a job during the time the visa is good for, they may be able to get a residence permit.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

The Portugal Intra-Company Transfer Visa lets businesses move non-EU workers to a Portuguese branch or subsidiary. This is for managers, specialists, or trainees. The length of stay depends on the job, but managers and specialists can stay for up to three years, while trainees can stay for up to one year.

Freelance Visa

The Portugal Freelancer Visa, which includes the D2 and Digital Nomad (D8) options, lets people live in Portugal as remote workers for firms outside the country or as freelancers with global clients. Citizens from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can use it to live and work in Portugal legally, with choices for short-term stays and long-term residency.

Eligibility Criteria for Portugal Work Visas

The eligibility criteria for Portugal Work Visa are given below.

• Education and Experience: Applicants should have relevant educational qualifications and experience in their field.
• Job Offer: A job offer is usually needed, especially for skilled worker visas.
• Language Skills: Job roles may need English and Portuguese knowledge.
• Financial Resources: Applicants should show they can support themselves while in Portugal.

Required Documents for Portugal Work Visa

The documents required to apply for Portugal Work Visa are given below.

• Offer of Employment Letter
• Passport and Visa Documents
• Evidence of Credentials
• Evidence of Funds
• Health Coverage Information

Portugal Work Visa Application Process

The procedure to apply for Portugal Work Visa is given below.

Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Portuguese company.
Step 2: Collect all needed paperwork.
Step 3: Send the application to the Portuguese Consulate.
Step 4: Await the decision.
Step 5: Upon approval, move to Portugal and begin working.

Portugal Work Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing times of Portugal work visas are given below.

Visa Type	Processing Time
Skilled Worker Visa	2 to 3 months
EU Blue Card	1 to 2 months
Job Seeker Visa	1 to 2 months
Intra-Company Transfer Visa	2 to 3 months
Freelance Visa	2 to 3 months

Cost of Portugal Work Visa

Detailed information about the application costs of Portugal Work Visa is given below.

Visa Type	Estimated Cost (EUR)
Skilled Worker Visa	€90 – €150
EU Blue Card	€ 140
Job Seeker Visa	€75 – €90
Intra-Company Transfer Visa	€90 – €150
Freelance Visa	€ 100

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Work in Portugal

Given below is a step-by-step guide to work in Portugal:

Step 1: Identify a role from Portugal’s Shortage Occupations List

Visit IEFP or EURES to confirm role eligibility.

Step 2: Secure a Job Offer or Prepare for Job Seeker Visa

Either apply directly for jobs or apply for the Job Seeker Visa to enter and search.

Step 3: Ensure Qualifications are Recognized

Use ENIC-NARIC or IEFP for degree equivalency, especially for regulated professions.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

Passport, qualifications, proof of funds, accommodation, and health insurance.

Step 5: Apply for Work Visa or Residence Permit

Submit application through SEF or Portuguese consulate depending on your location.

Step 6: Enter Portugal & Register

Register your address and social security with local authorities within 3 days of arrival.

Benefits of Working in Portugal

The benefits of working in Portugal are given below.

• Tax incentives are available for skilled employees.
• Competitive pay and benefits.
• The cost of living is inexpensive.
• Public services, such as healthcare and education, are accessible.
• The standard of living is high.

Tips for UK-Based Applicants to Work in Portugal

• Examine the job market in your sector.
• Customize your CV to Portuguese standards.
• Learn the Portuguese language to improve job chances.
• Apply early to increase your chances of getting a job.
• Get help with visa matters if required.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

With over 25 years of experience, Y-Axis is a top immigration consultancy in the UK. We provide services like:

• Assistance for visa application for Portugal work visas.
• Job search support in popular industries.
• CV and resume creation to meet Portuguese market needs.
• Support after you arrive to help you settle in Portugal.