Have you ever asked what skill is in demand in Portugal? You might need help finding the right job opportunities in Portugal due to your skillset. Fortunately, Portugal boasts hundreds of jobs for diverse people, including English speakers. As one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, Portugal is often looking to attract overseas workers seeking to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and lifestyle.
First, to answer the question, there are diverse skills available in Portugal. These job opportunities range from waitressing positions requiring no formal education, to high-level positions in the medical and IT fields. This article will outline all in-demand skills in Portugal, helping you accurately assess the skills you need to work in Portugal.
Overview of the job market in Portugal
Portugal has witnessed moderate economic growth, leading to lower unemployment rates. There are also plans to continue enhancing Portugal’s labor market operations to improve skills supply. That said, there are many job opportunities for foreigners and locals, as long as you have the correct skill set. Beyond that, you should also be aware that Portugal’s salaries are lower than Europe’s average.
Statistics show that Portugal’s minimum wage in 2023 (before taxes) is €760. The average salary is also €1,294. The level of income tax in Portugal ranges from 14.5 to 48%. But then, comparing the higher quality of living and lower cost of things, among other unique reasons, it can be worth moving to Portugal.
In-demand job positions in Portugal
CEDEFOP recently outlined fields and industries like construction, textile, clothing, leather, mining, toolmakers, and keyboard operators as ‘surplus occupations”. This means trying to break into these fields as a foreigner will be difficult. That said, the same study outlined “shortage occupations” to include areas that are witnessings declining number of available labor.
These fields include health professionals, ICT professionals, technicians, engineering professionals, and legal, social, and religious associate professionals. These shortages happen because of Portugal’s aging population and lower wages, causing Portuguese-trained graduates to migrate to other countries. The bottom line is a demand for people in many job roles and sectors.
To further add, the most promising Portuguese industries requiring skilled workers include
- biotechnology,
- real estate,
- aerospace,
- footwear,
- tourism,
- telecommunications
- and information technology.
Health professionals
Portugal’s aging population means more demand for healthcare services. Hence, newer private clinics(and government facilities) are looking for health professionals. Naturally, schools are training a high number of graduates and candidates. But there’s still a higher demand than the number of candidates and graduate regions. This includes:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Home-based personal care workers, and healthcare assistants
- Medical imaging technicians
- Laboratory technicians
- pharmacists
Engineering and skilled technicians
Technicians are one of the most in-demand occupations in Portugal. That said, this demand depends on which region you’re moving to. The North has higher demands for physical and engineering science technicians. In contrast, the Center seeks more process control and physical and engineering science technicians. Alentejo explicitly demands more for process control technicians, and physical and engineering science technicians.
Agriculture
Agriculture also provides many opportunities, ranging from engineers to farmers and fisheries. Unsurprisingly, as Portugal faces an aging population, demand for younger persons in agriculture is climbing. You’ll find both skilled and unskilled labor positions in the following:
- Fruit pickers
- Greenhouse workers
- Vineyard workers
- Farm laborers
- Dairy farmers
- Poultry farmers
- Animal caretakers
- Agronomists
- Agricultural engineers
- Food technologists
- veterinarians
Teaching jobs
There’s also a need for more teachers in STEM and non-STEM fields in Portugal. One of the most fantastic incentives for becoming a teacher in Portugal is that you may be entitled to receive 95% of the working wage when you retire. Many such teaching jobs may require more than basic Portuguese. But there are tons of English-speaking job opportunities all over Portugal. These jobs are often popular among expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.
Nevertheless, you may need an undergraduate degree and a TEFL certification to find a decent position. Most employers also prefer you have up to one year of teaching experience. Look especially for teaching jobs around popular cities like Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, and Braga. Generally, contracts are for about nine months. Payment may also be low, usually about 900 euros on average. But some schools pay a higher wage. Beyond actual teaching, universities and research institutions seek qualified professionals to teach and conduct research in various fields.
Tourism
As expected, tourism and hospitality bring about a unique number of job openings seasonally. Getting into these areas also provides lucrative pay as well. On average, a waiter in Portugal earns €8,400. In contrast, bartenders can make an average €12, 600. Even so, the available positions don’t stop at bartending and waitressing. You can also find positions as hotel and restaurant managers, tourism guides, chefs, and cooks.
Legal, social, and religious associate professionals
You can find opportunities in Portugal’s legal, social, and religious sectors. For instance, with the growing economy and increased foreign investment, there’s a high demand for lawyers specializing in mergers and acquisitions, contract law, and corporate law. Generally, the following occupations are always actively in demand:
- Corporate and commercial lawyers
- Tax lawyers
- Labor and employment lawyers
- Immigration lawyers
- Intellectual property lawyers
- Social workers
- Psychologists and mental health professionals
- Speech therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Chaplains
- Community outreach specialists
- Youth ministers, and many more.
ICT/Tech sector
The tech industry in Portugal has been growing rapidly in recent years, attracting local and international talent. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and Java is highly sought after by companies in Lisbon and Porto. Additionally, data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence skills are in high demand as businesses continue to leverage data-driven opportunities. Even so, here is the list of job positions you will find in demand in Portugal:
- Digital Marketing
- Cybersecurity experts
- Social media management
- Search engine optimization
- Skilled software developers
- Data analysts
- Business intelligence
- Customer service and support
- Creative Design
- UX/UI designers
- Sales and marketing
- Project management
- Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Technical support
Although an aspect of tech, technical support roles blend tech and customer service. These roles are highly in demand, and they offer salaries that are above average. Like traditional customer support roles, you must also be fluent in any European language.
These roles will require specialized hardware, software, and operating systems knowledge. You must have excellent troubleshooting skills. You should have a computer science degree. That said, any other specialized training can also give you an advantage. Some job titles to look for include IT support specialists, IT Help Desk Representative, or Technical Support Advisor.
Sales
Sales is also becoming an in-demand profession in Portugal. As more international companies set up in Portugal, they require sales specialists. Amazingly, you don’t have to speak Portuguese to snag a juicy position. You need strong persuasion and negotiation skills and industry knowledge of the products intended for selling.
Some sales roles, however, require specialized sales training. Fortunately, the company hiring may provide this training. When looking for sales roles in Portugal, look for advertisements with titles like Recruitment Consultant, Business Development Manager, and Sales Representative.
Seasonal work
Summer has several lucrative opportunities. During such times, you’ll find hotels, restaurants, catering facilities, resorts, and others seeking temporary workers. If you also have experience in basic childcare, you can find employment as an au pair. There are also positions for voluntary work if you are interested in making some impact while in Portugal.
Voluntary work is also a fantastic option, especially for those looking to move abroad and make an impact. Generally, seasonal work opportunities come with accommodation, travel, food, and allowance from European grants, and a small monthly allowance is received.
Customer Service and Call centers
One of the easiest ways to get employed in Portugal is at a call center. You’ll find a job as a call agent or customer service representative. These jobs offer a minimum wage salary or slightly above it. That said, you’ll need to be fluent in a foreign language.
The most in-demand languages for these positions are German, Dutch, Spanish, French, and any Scandinavian languages. Also, note that these jobs are typically strenuous. Plus, they could be more rewarding. This is why they often have a high turnover rate.
Entrepreneurs
Portugal has a big hub for entrepreneurs and startups. Hence, if you’re thinking of creating a company or already have, there’s a market ready for you. All you need to do is navigate the bureaucracy, and you’re off to a great start. You can arrive in Portugal, network with like-minded people, and find qualified talent or potential co-founders in this fantastic country. Plus, there’s a higher level of spoken English in cities such as Lisbon than in neighboring countries. This is another reason many startups are flocking to the region.
How to stand out as a foreigner looking for work opportunities in Portugal
Format your CV for the Portuguese job applications.
Europe has some specifications about resumes, CVs, and cover letters. You should format your applications according to the region’s demands and the specifications for each job application letter. For instance, your CVs can be up to three pages long, but two is better when possible. Cover letters should also not exceed one side of A4. You should also prepare as some applications may require Portuguese.
Network strategically
Networking is one of the most remarkable ways to find the perfect job for you. In fact, the higher up the ladder, the more vital it is to find jobs by networking. Aim to attend industry events and conferences to build connections with potential employers. Actively connect with Portuguese professionals and join relevant online groups and forums. These groups may help you access some insider tips to prepare adequately for acquiring that job in Portugal.
Leverage soft skills
According to CEDEFOP, you can seize the advantage by ensuring you have the skills employers in Portugal demand. Remember that these skills depend on your industry and the job roles you seek. Some such skills you need to have include:
- Using digital tools for collaboration, content creation, and problem-solving
- Multicultural understanding
- Solving problems
- Liaising and networking
- Teamwork and communication
- Creating artistic, visual, or instructive materials
- Performing administrative activities
- Promoting, selling, and purchasing
- Supervising people
- Accessing and analyzing digital data
- Setting up and protecting computer systems
- Developing objectives and strategies
- Organizing, planning, and scheduling
- Analyzing and evaluating information and data
- Designing systems and products.
- Managing information
For executive positions, business and management skills are highly sought after. Hence, you must have these skills if you’re looking to break into sectors such as finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Knowledge of financial analysis, strategic planning, project management, and digital marketing can significantly enhance your job prospects in these fields.
Aim to be multilingual
English speakers can find many job opportunities in diverse sectors, from hospitality to tech. Being fluent in multiple languages, especially Portuguese and English, is a valuable asset in the Portuguese job market. So when you ask what skill is in demand in Portugal, you must also consider your communication and language skills. Multilingual individuals have better chances of securing employment in customer service, translation, and traditional sectors.
Visa applications to get a job in Portugal as a foreigner
Suppose you belong to any EEA, European Economic Area country, or European Union (EU). In that case, you can easily find jobs in Portugal. You only need to find the opportunities online. You are also allowed to work in Portugal without requiring a residence permit. You’ll only have to use a copy of your employment contract to obtain a residence permit from your local Portuguese Embassy.
In contrast, It’s equally possible for other foreigners looking to relocate to Portugal to get jobs here. In that case, you’ll have to use your appointment letter to apply for a work permit in Portugal. That said, because the competition is usually fierce, especially for foreigners, you should find a secure job before moving to the country.
Also read about, How to Find Jobs in Portugal with Accommodation>>
Conclusion – What skill is in demand in Portugal?
What skill is in demand in Portugal? The reality is that Portugal is an evolving market with tons of in-demand skills. So, depending on the type of skills and experience you have, many job opportunities are waiting. That said, you should always pick getting a job before relocating to Portugal, compared to arriving and getting a job later.
Pay attention to having tech skills, language proficiency, communication, business, and management abilities. These are the top-sought-after skills by employers in various industries in Portugal. You can position yourself as a valuable asset in Portugal’s job market by continuously developing and showcasing these skills.
