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.
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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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 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:
These trends reflect the growing need for international professionals to support Portugal’s long-term economic development and digital transformation.
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 provides different visas based on an applicant's job, skills, and credentials. Some well-known Portuguese Work Visas are:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The eligibility criteria for Portugal Work Visa are given below.
The documents required to apply for Portugal Work Visa are given below.
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.
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 |
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 |
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.
The benefits of working in Portugal are given below.
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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.
The qualifications required to apply for work in Portugal is given below.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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.
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.
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.
As of 2025, Portugal’s official Shortage Occupations List includes a wide range of in-demand roles across key sectors. These occupations are given priority under the Portugal Job Seeker Visa and other employment-based permits. The list is maintained by the Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP) and updated annually based on labour market needs.
Some of the shortage occupations in Portugal include:
| Sector | Job roles |
| Healthcare | Nurses, General Practitioners, Medical Technicians |
| Information Technology | Software Engineers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Data Developers |
| Construction | Electricians, Plumbers, Masons |
| Hospitality | Chefs, Cleaners, Waiters |
| Transport & Logistics | Truck Drivers |
| Education | STEM Teachers, Vocational Trainers |
| Agriculture | Skilled Farm Workers, Equipment Operator |
Salaries in Portugal vary significantly by sector, experience, and region. As of 2025:
| Sector | Average Monthly Salary (2025) |
| IT Professionals | €2,000 – €4,500 |
| Healthcare Workers | €1,200 – €3,000 |
| Construction & Skilled Trades | €900 – €1,500 |
| Hospitality & Service Staff | €760 – €1,200 |
| Minimum Wage (National) | €820/month |
Note: Salaries vary based on region, experience, and qualifications. Higher wages are generally found in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. Roles listed on Portugal’s official shortage occupation list may offer higher salaries and priority visa processing.
Portuguese is the official working language across most industries. While fluency is not always mandatory, basic to intermediate Portuguese proficiency is strongly recommended, especially in healthcare, education, and government-regulated roles. For tech, engineering, and multinational companies, English may suffice. However, having Portuguese language skills significantly improves job prospects, integration, and long-term residency eligibility. Language proficiency is often a requirement for permanent residency or citizenship applications.
In Portugal, for a non-EU foreign national to be hired, the job must first be advertised to Portuguese and EU/EEA jobseekers through the IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) for at least 30 consecutive days. If no suitable local or EU candidate is found during this time, the employer can proceed with sponsoring a foreign worker for a residence visa or work permit. After this period, the job offer becomes eligible for immigration purposes and can support a visa application through SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).
