Have you ever wondered about what is the most common job in Portugal? Portugal’s economy has experienced significant growth in recent years. Today, Portugal is one of the most attractive destinations for both tourists and potential immigrants.
The country’s strategic location, favorable climate, and rich cultural heritage have contributed to its thriving tourism industry. However, Portugal’s economic landscape extends beyond tourism, encompassing a diverse range of sectors.
You might worry about the most common job in Portugal to help you prepare ahead to get right into the most profitable parts of the market. Here we’ll share the roles, sectors, and jobs that are more common in Portugal than others.
What is The Most Common Job in Portugal?
Although Portugal is a small country, there’s an amazing number of job opportunities there. It’s also easy to answer the question above by saying that the most common jobs in Portugal exist in the travel industry. Yes, tourism remains Portugal’s highest area where you’ll have tons of opportunities.
But, Portugal’s job market is pretty diverse. So, instead of looking for answers to the most common job or job markets, consider the areas where Portugal has the most shortages which increases your chances of getting a good job in the country.
That said before we consider the shortage of occupations. Let’s look at the common jobs in the tourism industry, that are usually vacant and available, especially during the summer season:
- Hotel and restaurant staff
- Tour guides
- Hospitality management
- Customer service representatives
- Administrative and office support
That said, it’s important to realize that Portugal has surplus occupations. So if you have these skills, you might find it harder or more competitive to find work in these areas:
- Mining
- Workers in textile, clothing, and leather industries
- Keyboard operators
- Blacksmiths, toolmakers, and related trades workers
- Construction workers and similar.
Portugal’s Shortages in Diverse Sectors
According to a 2023 EURES report on shortages, Portugal is facing a shortage of workers in over 30 different occupations. So this means that aside from the obvious tourism job opportunities, there are many more occupations where you can find work. Let’s talk about some of them.
Healthcare
Portugal has a massive number of opportunities in the healthcare scene. This is due to the aging of the Portuguese population, which also leads to a greater need for healthcare services. The demand for healthcare is also such that many health professionals hold two jobs, one in the public sector and another in the private sector. Nevertheless, Portugal also faces low wages in the healthcare sector, so you need to consider that as well.
ICT professionals
Portugal also faces an increased demand for professionals with ICT skills. So, you can find tons of opportunities in this technology sector. Presently, the lack of ICT professionals hinders the growth of the Portuguese ICT sector. This is why the government instituted the strategy program “Programa Operacional Capital Humano” for 2014 – 2020 to invest in training more people on digital skills. However, the shortage persists, thereby creating avenues for more migrants looking for ICT jobs.
Technicians
Portugal also needs a lot of technicians. However, the different regions in the region determine the type of technicians needed. This means the North needs physical and engineering science technicians. In contrast, the Center needs physical and engineering science technicians and process control technicians. However, Alentejo needs physical engineering science technicians.
Technology
Lisbon and Porto have thriving tech hubs. Plus, many global startups are choosing to be headquartered in Portugal due to the favorable economic and legislative policies. Here, you can expect jobs like:
- Software development jobs
- Game development
- Software engineers
- Network engineers
- Cybersecurity analysis and many more.
Engineering professionals (excluding electrotechnology)
Highly skilled engineers are in high demand in Portugal, especially across construction and R&D fields. This is one of the reasons why the region of Aveiro University, has a contract with six companies in the region, whereby the companies pay the students fees in a five-year course in that area. Nevertheless, there are still tons of vacancies in Engineering courses.
Legal, social, and religious associate professionals
The majority of legal and social professionals work in the public sector. However, their working hours have increased, even as their benefits and wages are lower. Such environments create vacancies as more professionals are moving out of the region. That said, from time to time the State opens new job opportunities in this regard, but the vacancies are few and not attractive.
Other Shortage Occupations in Portugal
Portugal also faces other shortages as well including:
- Chefs
- Bartenders
- Waiters
- Healthcare assistants
- Home-based personal care workers
- Adjunct Health services
- Crop farm laborers
- Garden and horticultural laborers
- Electrical mechanics and fitters
- Sewing machine operators
- Lorry drivers and heavy trucks
- Metalworking machine tool setters and operators
- Welders and flame cutters
- Plumbers and pipefitters
- Bartenders
- Bricklayers and related workers
- Hotel receptionists
- Cooks and kitchen helpers
- Software developers
- Generalist/Specialist medical practitioners
- Application programmers
- Electrical engineers
Challenges Expats Should Prepare For in Portugal
Moving to Portugal can be an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to be aware of potential challenges. Here are some common hurdles expats may encounter:
Language Barrier
Portuguese is the official language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, you’ll still need some Portuguese for daily life and professional interactions. However, Portugal also has various regional dialects. This will add to how you learn the Portuguese language.
Bureaucracy
Dealing with government agencies can be time-consuming and frustrating due to bureaucratic procedures. You’ll meet these problems when getting your Portuguese tax number, or navigating paperwork without proficiency in Portuguese.
Cost of living
While Portugal is still relatively affordable compared to other Western European countries, costs have increased in recent years. You’ll especially notice these higher expenses in the city centers as well as when paying your rent. Of course, vacation rentals also cost a lot more than paying for yearly accommodation.
Public healthcare system
Portugal has a public healthcare system, but access and quality may differ from what expats are used to. For instance, most of your healthcare needs must be handled by private clinics or by visiting public health centers. You’ll also need to pay for a lot of things out of pocket, even when you have considerable private health insurance.
Job market competition
There are a lot of jobs in Portugal. But your proficiency in Portuguese may influence how you get jobs in certain sectors. Also, Portugal’s various jobs often prefer multilingual applicants which expands how you can fulfill your job roles.
Networking
Every expat understands the need to build a professional network. This not only improves your access to job opportunities but helps you adjust to life in Portugal. Check out our post on where to find expat communities.
Culture Shock
Different pace of life: Portugal’s relaxed lifestyle can be a significant adjustment for those accustomed to a fast-paced environment. You’ll need to learn about Portuguese customs and etiquette, which can take time.
Conclusion
So, what is the most common job in Portugal? There is no one common job in Portugal. But you’ll find several opportunities in Portugal, especially in technology, tourism, education, and finance. While Portugal offers a high quality of life, it’s essential to be prepared for the challenges that may arise. By understanding these potential hurdles and taking proactive steps to address them, expats can increase their chances of a successful and fulfilling experience in Portugal.
Final Thoughts On the Portuguese Job Market
What is the main occupation of Portugal?
Portugal’s economy is heavily reliant on the service sector. This includes tourism, hospitality, retail, and customer service. However, other sectors like agriculture, construction, and manufacturing also contribute significantly to the job market.
Can you get a job in Portugal if you only speak English?
Yes, it’s possible to find a job in Portugal with only English. The tourism industry, in particular, employs many English speakers. Additionally, the growing tech sector offers opportunities for English-speaking professionals. However, knowing Portuguese will undoubtedly broaden your job prospects.
Why do people leave or move to Portugal?
People move to Portugal for various reasons, including a high quality of life, a pleasant climate, and a relaxed pace. Compared to many other European countries, the cost of living is relatively lower. The growing economy and job market attract professionals from different fields. Portugal’s attractive lifestyle makes it a popular choice for retirees.
What percentage of Portugal speak English?
English proficiency in Portugal varies. While younger generations tend to have better English skills, overall, the percentage of Portuguese people fluent in English is lower compared to other European countries.
Are there many jobs in Portugal?
Portugal offers a diverse job market. The service sector dominates, but opportunities exist in various industries, including technology, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. The job market is particularly dynamic in major cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Is getting a job easy in Portugal?
Finding a job in Portugal can be competitive, especially for roles that require specialized skills. However, the country is open to foreign workers, and opportunities exist for those with the right qualifications and language skills.
What jobs are most needed in Portugal?
Portugal experiences a shortage of skilled workers in several areas, including technology (Software developers, IT specialists, and cybersecurity experts are in high demand;
- Healthcare: Medical professionals, nurses, and care workers are needed.
- Education: English teachers are particularly sought after.
Are salaries low in Portugal?
Salaries in Portugal are generally lower than in many other Western European countries. However, the cost of living is also lower, making it possible to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. It’s essential to consider the overall cost of living when comparing salaries.
Is it worth it to move to Portugal?
Whether moving to Portugal is worth it depends on individual circumstances and preferences. The country offers a high quality of life, a pleasant climate, and growing economic opportunities. However, it’s important to research the job market and cost of living thoroughly before making a decision.
