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.

Top In-Demand Occupations in Portugal for UK Professionals

*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 is witnessing expansion across many job areas. There are openings in healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, and skilled trades. These areas want skilled people from the UK and other countries. So, now is a good time to look for work in Portugal.

 

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

 

 

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:

 

Portugal Work Visa Options for UK Professionals

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.

Eligibility Criteria for Portugal Work Visas

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 Application Process

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

 

 

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top in-demand occupations in Portugal for 2025?

Portugal's job market shows a strong need for experts in healthcare, IT, engineering, finance, and skilled trades. Positions like doctors, software developers, civil engineers, and data analysts are in demand. Portugal's increasing tech industry and its aging population mean these areas have many openings.

What qualifications do I need to work in Portugal?

The qualifications required to apply for work in Portugal is given below.

  • In Portugal, a bachelor's degree is generally the minimum needed for professionals.
  • For healthcare jobs, certification from Portuguese groups is a must.
  • IT workers can gain an edge with AWS, Microsoft, or Cisco certificates.
  • Being able to speak Portuguese is often a plus.
  • Though English is common in IT and business, Portuguese might be needed when dealing with customers or in healthcare.
Are healthcare professionals in demand in Portugal?

Yes, healthcare professionals are in demand in Portugal. Healthcare workers, such as doctors, nurses, and physical therapists, are needed because the population is getting older. Portugal gives good pay, especially for experts, and the public health system has many job openings. Knowing English can help, but speaking Portuguese is often needed to work with patients.
 

What IT roles are in demand in Portugal?

Portugal has a strong need for software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts, and cloud engineers. The country's tech industry is growing, and its focus on digital change has opened many jobs. Having Java, Python, AWS, and Microsoft certifications can really help people get hired for these positions.

How do I get a work visa for Portugal?

To work in Portugal, UK professionals need a job offer from a Portuguese employer. The employer will need to sponsor the application. The most common visa types for skilled workers are the Skilled Worker Visa and EU Blue Card. For certain roles, like healthcare, applicants must also meet professional licensing requirements.

 

What is the salary range for engineers in Portugal?

The salary range for Engineers in Portugal is given below.

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

 

What is the salary range for Finance and Accounting professionals in Portugal?

Detailed information about the salary range for Finance and Accounting professionals in Portugal is given below.

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

How does Portugal’s job market compare to other European countries?

Portugal has good salaries, mainly if you work in IT, engineering, or healthcare. You might not make as much as in other countries in Europe, but Portugal is cheaper to live in. People like working in Portugal because they can balance their job and life. Portugal also has great healthcare and nice weather.

What industries are growing in Portugal?

Portugal's key growth industries are technology, green energy, construction, and tourism. There's heavy investment in digital upgrades, renewable energy projects, and general infrastructure. Because of worldwide demand, tech jobs, like software development and data analysis, are quickly growing.

Can I find remote work opportunities in Portugal?

Yes, there are multiple remote work opportunities in Portugal. The country’s remote work scene is expanding, especially in IT, marketing, and consulting. With many global companies setting up shop there, flexible work options are becoming common. This means UK professionals looking for remote jobs in Portugal should find plenty of openings, particularly in tech and digital roles.