Looking to work abroad and build a rewarding career? Jobs in Portugal with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners 2026 offer exciting opportunities across multiple industries, including healthcare, IT, hospitality, and skilled trades. Salaries range from €1,200 to €3,500 per month depending on experience, role, and sector, providing both financial stability and career growth. These positions welcome international applicants, with visa sponsorship available to help you relocate and work legally in Portugal. Employees gain hands-on experience, professional development, and the chance to immerse themselves in Portuguese culture while contributing to a dynamic workforce. Additional benefits often include training programs, flexible schedules, accommodation support, and clear pathways for career advancement, making these roles ideal for foreigners seeking long-term employment and growth in Portugal.
Portugal’s Employment Market and Visa Sponsorship jobs for foreigners
The accessibility of the Portuguese employment market differs for English-speaking and Portuguese-speaking individuals because many opportunities rely mostly on language soft skills. Nevertheless, an increasing number of businesses are setting up shop in Portugal and are actively seeking English-speaking individuals.
Jobs in occupations needing specialized training, such as those for architects, accountants, engineers, physicians, and lawyers, are generally more accessible to Portuguese speakers. English speakers are still needed in many professions.
For example, there are many work opportunities for developers in the software and IT industries, and the Lisbon labor market is currently open to foreign applicants.
Over the last five years, Lisbon in particular has been a hotspot for start-ups, expanding the opportunities for foreigners to speak English. This increase in startup activity was probably influenced by hosting the Web Summit.
Finding a job in Portugal that speaks English is simple because of the country’s burgeoning tourism sector. But there are other industries in the country that have been expanding outside the start-up sector.
Read Also: Warehouse Jobs in Portugal Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners
Portugal Work Requirements and Eligibility
For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
- Living and working in Portugal does not require a visa or work permit.
- Finanças must provide a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
- must register as a resident at the Camara Municipal City Hall.
For Non-EU/Third-Country Citizens
- Portugal requires a visa in order to work.
- Prior to applying for a visa, you must have a valid job offer or contract.
- Visit a Portuguese consulate in your nation of residence to apply for a work visa.
- When you arrive, go to the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) and apply for a Residence Permit.
Visa sponsorship jobs in Portugal for foreigners
The following is a list of current positions that provide foreigners visa sponsorship in Portugal:
- Corporate Services Analyst
- Account Executive
- Product Engineering Lead
- Information Technology Senior Associate
- Corporate Services Senior
- Specialist Senior IT Business Analyst (Global POS).
- Software Engineer – Front End
- IT Generalist
- Java Full Stack Software Engineer (m/f)
- Senior Software Engineer – Front End
- Staff Accountant
- Data/Business Analyst (Graduate)
- Data Scientist
- Application Support Engineer
- Corporate Services Senior Specialist
Benefits
1. Legal Work Authorization
- Your work visa application is handled by your employer, enabling you to live and work lawfully in Portugal.
2. Competitive Employment Opportunities
- employment opportunities in teaching, healthcare, IT, construction, hospitality, tourism, and agriculture.
3. Affordable Cost of Living
- Because Portugal’s cost of living is lower than that of many Western European nations, incomes there are more sustainable.
4. EU Residency Pathway
- After five years of hard work, permanent residency may be granted, and after six years, citizenship may be possible.
5. Work-Life Balance
- regular 40-hour workweek that includes paid time off and public holidays.
- Compared to other EU nations, many jobs offer a laid-back work atmosphere.
6. Benefits & Support from Employers
- Some employers offer meals (popular in seasonal and hospitality employment), housing, health insurance, or transportation allowances.
7. Cultural and Career Exposure
- the chance to work in a multicultural setting.
- exposure to Portuguese culture and language, which improves job opportunities worldwide.
How to Work in Portugal as a Foreigner
1. Understanding the Job Market
Portugal has a diverse job market with opportunities for:
- Expats & Digital Nomads—Remote work (IT, design, writing, customer service).
- Students – Seasonal or part-time work (hospitality, tourism, retail).
- Skilled Professionals—Engineering, healthcare, finance, teaching.
- Unskilled & Seasonal Workers – Agriculture, construction, cleaning, caregiving.
2. Legal Requirements
- EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens – No work visa required; just register residence and obtain a tax number (NIF).
- Non-EU Citizens – Require a job offer and a work visa, then apply for a residence permit after arriving.
3. Work Opportunities for Foreigners
- Tourism & Hospitality – Hotels, restaurants, and tour companies (high demand in tourist areas).
- Agriculture & Seasonal Work – Fruit picking, vineyard work (especially in summer and harvest seasons).
- Technology & Remote Work – Software development, IT services, startups.
- Education—English teaching (especially for native English speakers with TEFL/TESOL).
4. Steps to Start Working in Portugal
- Research the job market and identify industries hiring foreigners.
- Secure a job offer (often via job portals, agencies, or direct company contact).
- Apply for a work visa (if non-EU) from a Portuguese consulate.
- Obtain a NIF (tax identification number).
- Register residence at the local city hall.
- Begin work under legal employment terms.
Portugal’s Working Conditions and Pay
Working Hours
- Regular full-time work schedule: eight hours a day, forty hours a week.
- Depending on the industry and the terms of the contract, overtime may be required.
Minimum Wage
- €822.50/month (based on 12 monthly payments).
- €665 per month (based on 14 payments, with a 14-month split for the annual salary).
- Although the cost of living is lower here than in many other EU nations, it is also lower than in much of Western Europe.
Industries with Different Pay Levels
- Hospitality & Call Centers – Pay closer to minimum wage; however, tips in hospitality can significantly boost earnings.
- Startups & Professional Services – Higher salaries, especially in IT, finance, engineering, or skilled positions.
- Tourism & Seasonal Work – Pay varies but can include benefits like accommodation and meals.
Average Salary
In Portugal, the gross average salary is 1,100 EUR (1,200 USD) per month. This figure is completely arbitrary. For highly skilled individuals, the average gross pay is 1,800 EUR (2,000 USD). For those without a university degree, it falls to 900 EUR (990 USD). What, then, constitutes a respectable pay in Portugal?
If you know that the average rent in the country is 1,100 EUR (1,200 USD), you might start to grasp the problems locals are having with the present job market and the growing rent rates. If you wish to live comfortably in the country, aim for at least 1,500 EUR (1,650 USD) net, as you can find housing for one-third of your salary with this amount.
The Most Demanded Jobs and Their Pay
Jobs in the hospitality (hotels, restaurants, caterers, etc.), communication (call centers), information technology (IT), and healthcare (doctors and particularly nurses) sectors are among Portugal’s most sought-after professions. For your reference, we provide a list of these in-demand occupations as well as other common occupations and their average incomes.
Website to find Jobs in Portugal
1. Visa Sponsor Jobs
A global job board listing positions offering EU Blue Cards, tech visas, and relocation support in Portugal. It features roles like Data Engineer, Customer Support, Network Security Engineer, and more.
2. Glassdoor
Offers hundreds of listings in Portugal tagged with visa sponsorship or English language requirement. Positions range from junior support roles to analyst and engineering jobs at companies like Pipedrive, KWAN, Organon, and Airbus.
3. Dr Job Pro (Dr. Jobs)
Highlights visa-sponsorship vacancies in Portugal across sectors like IT, remote work, and customer service, showing about 27+ listings
4. SeasonalWorkVisa / VisaSponsorshipJob.com
Focuses on unskilled/seasonal job opportunities (e.g., agriculture, hospitality, cleaning, construction) in Portugal for 2026. Employers often offer full visa sponsorship for these roles.
Conclusion:
Portugal is a desirable location for foreigners looking for visa-sponsored employment because of its expanding economy, thriving tourism sector, and burgeoning startup environment. Even if wages could be lower than in Western Europe, both skilled and unskilled workers are strongly encouraged by the low cost of living, laid-back workplace culture, and route to EU residency. You can find a position that matches your qualifications and professional objectives by focusing on in-demand industries like IT, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture and using leading job portals. 2026 can be the ideal year to begin your adventure to live and work in Portugal if you prepare properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sectors in Portugal hire foreigners most often?
Key sectors include IT, tourism, hospitality, healthcare, agriculture, call centers, and seasonal work.
What is the minimum wage in Portugal
The minimum wage is €822.50/month (12 payments) or €665/month (14 payments). Skilled roles often pay more.
