There are a significant number of jobs in Portugal for English speakers. Portuguese remains the native language, and a massive chunk of the country speaks it. Hence, you may be worried about moving to a country with little to no knowledge of Portuguese. Fear not, Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscape, and a diverse expat community.
You have plenty of opportunities if you are an English speaker looking to work in Portugal. Many Portuguese companies have made English a required language for their employees. And you can find international companies with their presence in the country.
This article will explore some of the best jobs for English speakers in Portugal.
Cities across Portugal to find jobs for English speakers
Almost every part of Portugal offers opportunities for English speakers. But you’ll find the most positions near or within Portugal’s largest cities and regions. Major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Faro boast the highest concentration of English-speaking jobs. These areas have big international companies or are often hotspots for tourists. However, you shouldn’t also overlook charming smaller towns like Aveiro and Cascais. 
Top Jobs in Portugal for English speakers
Tech and IT
The Tech and IT sectors in Portugal are booming. Every year, more international companies and startups are moving to the region.
Even so, you can find traditional tech jobs in Portugal for English speakers and emerging roles. For instance, I once saw an advert for a Project manager with a solid understanding of AI/ML models and algorithms. These skill sets will also influence your wages, thereby accelerating your earning potential.
Generally, the tech field requires that you have hard skills like Programming languages (Java, Python, React, Ruby on Rails, etc.), data analysis tools, cloud computing, software development methodologies, marketing tools, and analytics. You also need soft skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and creativity (for design roles).
Software Developers (Front-end, Backend Engineers, Fullstack Developers)
Portugal is a growing tech hub, attracting companies like Google and Microsoft. Developers skilled in Java, Python, and other languages are in high demand. Some positions may also demand that you have a degree from a university or technical college in Engineering or natural sciences. Generally, software developers earn €2,874-5,102 per month.
Data Analysts and Scientists
Businesses require expertise in data analysis and visualization to make informed decisions. Strong English skills are crucial for understanding international datasets and communicating effectively. You can expect to earn €1,670-4,910 per month, depending on your skill set. Other related jobs for English speakers include machine learning specialists, cybersecurity specialists, and Big data analysts.
UX/UI Designers
Creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces is vital for digital products. Hence, you will find positions looking for English-speaking UX/UI designers who understand international user trends, which are valuable assets. Often, these jobs demand that you have skills like knowledge of versatile design tools, prototyping skills, and front-end development knowledge. Optional skills that may help you stand out include skills in data visualization, branding, animation, and motion graphics. Ideally, UX/UI designers earn €1,500-6,000 per month.
Marketing Specialists
Companies with global reach need marketers who can develop and execute successful campaigns across diverse markets. English proficiency is essential for working with international agencies and partners. Other jobs under the marketing umbrella include
- marketing optimization specialists,
- marketing and sales agents,
- social media administrators, and
- sales and marketing advisors.
Many marketing specialist positions offer a monthly salary of €1,710-5,430.
Project managers
Tech startups around Portugal often seek project managers who specialize in emerging skills and have versatile tools and knowledge. Often, we find companies seeking project managers proficient in Agile, Waterfall, or Scrum methodologies. Beyond core project management roles, you may also find positions like e-commerce, construction, and marketing project managers. Generally, project managers earn between €1,250-2,500 per month. For higher-end positions like construction project managers, wages might climb as high as €2,050-6,540 monthly.
Content Writing Jobs/ Content Marketing
You can also find content writing jobs across the largest Portuguese cities, such as Lisbon and Porto. Some of these jobs require visiting the office regularly with the option of remote work every other day. You may also need a degree in Journalism, marketing, or other relevant fields.
Beyond content writing, you may find outliers such as content reviewers, video content analysts, virtual assistants, administrative assistants, content moderators, etc. Many such positions pay wages ranging from €1,200-4,000 per month.
Other super profitable technology-related jobs in Portugal for English speakers include:
- Acoustic Engineer
- Platform Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- Test Managers
- Cloud Backend developers
- Senior automation tester
- QA automation engineer
- Brand Managers
- Associate Consultants
- Marketing managers
- Product Managers
- Power Bi Developers
- Digital Designers
- IT architects, and
- IT managers.
Agriculture Jobs
You’ll find a ton of agriculture jobs in Portugal for English speakers. Granted, these jobs are usually more labor intensive, but they are in surplus. You’ll find positions working with common crops like wheat and barley, olive oil production, wine production, flowers, cork production, and livestock.
Keep in mind that these jobs may take you out of the biggest cities to regions like Faro, Coimbra, Setúbal, Tavira, Alcácel do Sal, Montemor o Velho, Vila Real de Santo António, Torres Vedras, and more.
However, many such jobs come with accommodation as well. But also bear in mind that many such agriculture jobs range from 2 to 6 months in terms of contractual time. They also pay Portugal’s minimum wage, which is €740.53 per month (as of October 2023). Also, depending on the jobs, you might find them during planting and harvesting seasons like late autumn (October to November) or spring (March to May).
- Olive harvesting
- Greenhouse flower harvesters
- Greenhouse cultivators
- Gardeners
- Landscapers
- Carpenters
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism and hospitality are fascinating sectors with many opportunities for English speakers. If you would be okay with the long hours, night shifts, and weekend job positions, you have plenty of such jobs. These jobs also do not demand a degree. They might also provide accommodation and some degree of feeding allowance.
Tour Guides and Interpreters
Portugal’s beautiful scenery and rich history attract tourists from all over the world. English-speaking guides and travel agents are sought after to provide insightful tours and cultural experiences. You may find that the salary ranges from €1,500-3,000 per month.
Hotel and Restaurant Staff
The hospitality industry thrives on tourism. Hotels and restaurants often require fluent English speakers for reception, customer service, and waitstaff roles. Depending on your skills, you may also find jobs like cooks, hospitality managers, restaurant managers, kitchen sous chefs, administrative cost controllers, guest relations, night auditors, and maintenance workers. Some hotels may also seek dressmakers from time to time. The salary range is €1,200-2,500 per month, depending on role and experience.
Event Planners and Organizers
There are tons of conferences, weddings, and other events for international clients. These often demand English-speaking professionals to communicate with guests and manage the events. Such roles pay a salary range of €1,800-3,500 per month based on experience and event size.
Education and Training
You can find work in Academia in Portugal, depending on your skill set. Many such jobs demand your proficiency in the English language. Many employers will assess you for the hard skills that help you stand out.
Seek ways to improve skills like teaching methodologies, curriculum development, assessment techniques, subject matter expertise (for academic roles), and English language teaching qualifications.
Some English teaching roles also demand that you have the TEFL certification alongside a relevant degree. You must also demonstrate soft skills like Communication, patience, creativity, motivation, adaptability, and presentation skills. Here are possible positions you can look out for. Also, remember that most teaching jobs offer fixed contracts for one year with the possibility of renewal.
English Teachers
You can find numerous teaching opportunities at public and private schools, language institutes, and online platforms. Look out for job advertisements with terms like Young learners assistant, full-time teacher of English, and more. English teachers may earn €700 to €1,500 per month in private establishments. In contrast, international schools may pay €1,500 to €3,500 monthly.
University Faculty and Researchers
Portugal’s international universities and research institutions frequently seek English-speaking faculty and researchers in various fields. Fields like medicine and engineering also command higher salaries. Depending on the positions, your monthly wages may range from €1,500 to €7,000.
Corporate Trainers
Big companies often offer in-house English language training programs for their employees. Experienced trainers with strong English skills are in demand. Trainers may be paid on a salary or project basis.
Traditional jobs
It’s equally possible to find traditional jobs in Portugal. But generally, these jobs are super scarce and more predominantly filled by the locals. If you do find them, they might also demand to know some other language than English. For instance, you may find an accounting position that requires you to be proficient in English while being a fluent French speaker/writer. Also, many such jobs may demand higher skill sets. Some jobs you may look out for include:
- Electronics engineer (€1,450-4,000 per month)
- Service manager (€3, 000- 6,000 per month)
- Business Intelligence Consultants (€1,2100- 4,170 per month)
- Logistics directors (€1,450-4,620 per month)
- Mechanical engineers (€1,034-1,625 per month)
Other Sectors
Customer Service Representatives
Many international companies have customer service centers in Portugal, offering support to clients worldwide. English speakers with excellent communication skills are highly sought after. Besides the more prominent call centers and customer service outlets like Teleperformance, you can also find opportunities with other smaller businesses, including travel agencies. You should look for job titles like customer support, customer service agents, and customer representatives. These roles regularly earn from (€743-1,7190 per month).
Technical support
You may also find technical support positions as an English speaker in Portugal. But often, these roles require special knowledge of computer technology. You must have problem-solving skills, communication, collaboration, and more, depending on the part. Some jobs also often advertise hard skills like Office 365 in an Enterprise environment alongside foundational knowledge in Networking, Protocols, Authentication, and PowerShell. You can expect to earn within a range of (€1,280-3,070 per month) for these roles.
Sales and Business Development
Sales roles are rapidly growing in the country. Often, selling products and services internationally requires strong English skills to negotiate with clients, manage international accounts, and build relationships. To snag these positions, you must develop critical skills such as solid communication, persuasion, negotiation, and industry knowledge of the products and services. Look for job titles like sales representatives, recruitment consultants, and business development managers. You can expect to earn within a range of (€1,890-6,520 per month) for these roles.
Financial Services
International banks and financial institutions operating in Portugal need English-speaking professionals for roles like analysts, investment bankers, and financial advisors. However, your hard skills should include business communication, sales and marketing, financial analysis, project management, and customer service. You must also demonstrate soft skills such as negotiation, problem-solving, and interpersonal relations. You can expect to earn within a range of (€1,985 -4,207 per month) for these roles.
Housekeeping positions
There is a wide range of housekeeping jobs also available in Portugal. English speakers can also find positions there through recruitment agencies. These jobs range from babysitting positions to au pairs, nannies, housekeepers, cooks, drivers, and maids. Many such positions may require having experience as a domestic worker and with children. The base salary for these positions is Portugal’s minimum wage and a little higher.
Where to find jobs in Portugal for English speakers
Many fascinating sites feature jobs in Portugal for English speakers. One of the biggest is LinkedIn. There, you can change your location and quickly find the best matching jobs in the country. Make sure to look for unique features that show the job matches your needs, such as jobs with terms like “relocation package” included, since you will require an employment contract to get your work visa before you can relocate to Portugal. Besides LinkedIn, other websites and platforms you can check include:
More considerations for English-speaking jobs
Searching for a job in Portugal is one thing. Getting that job requires you to be strategic. You need to look at the big picture, such as your goals for relocating to Portugal and whether you want to get permanent residence in the future or travel to other countries. Here are some essential details you also need to remember as you apply for jobs in Portugal for English speakers.
Multilingualism is a thing in Portugal.
In truth, you will find many job adverts that want you as an English speaker rather than demanding you know another language. As said earlier, Portugal is fast growing into a hub for many international businesses with connections with other European countries and beyond. For instance, you could find an advert for a digital marketing sales consultant who is proficient in English but a native French speaker.
Be intentional about learning Portuguese.
While Portugal has a population of only ten million, Portuguese is spoken by over 220 million people. This makes it one of the world’s top 10 most spoken languages. Hence, learning the language adds to your career progression in the country and can aid your international travels.
Some employers provide relocation support.
An employer’s contract is the first step to securing a work visa in Portugal. You should ask for that contract and jump-start your application unless you go through another visa route.
Some employers may also provide concierge support depending on the level of jobs you’re going in for. This concierge support will help you with your paperwork, bank account opening, and getting suitable accommodation. Some may also provide you with free plans to learn Portuguese.
Always compare accommodation benefits.
Employers may also provide accommodation. However, this is more common in the cases of low-paying jobs in the hospitality and tourism market. Before you accept any employment with housing, research the accommodation cost in the area. You wouldn’t want to shoot yourself in the foot using your company’s accommodations when you can get a better one nearby.
Wrapping up
These are just a few examples of the jobs in Portugal for English speakers. Whether you are looking for a career change or an opportunity to work and live in a beautiful country, Portugal has something to offer for everyone. Portugal beckons with its warm climate, welcoming people, and exciting career possibilities. So, dust off your resume, brush up your English, and prepare for your Portuguese adventure!
