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How to operate a business and work in Portugal as a foreigner, resident, or entrepreneur. The job market in Portugal is competitive.
In 2024, Portugal’s minimum wage stands at 820 euros per month, distributed across 14 months. When calculated on a 12-month basis, this amounts to approximately 956.66 euros each month.
The standard workweek is 40 hours.
Typically, work days begin at 9am and ends at 7pm with a two-hour lunch break in the middle of the day. For instance, regular salaried employees are entitled to 22 days of paid vacation annually along with 12 public holidays.
All workers must pay social security taxes. Employees contracted either full-time or part-time to a multinational company, Portuguese company or foreign company operating in Portugal will have those contributions deducted automatically from their monthly salary.
The employee pays between 11% and 15%; the company matches it with a contribution of about 24%.
Obtaining permission to work in Portugal is a vastly different process depending on whether you are citizen of a European Union country or a third country national.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
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EU citizens need only obtain a residency card, sign up for social security and then register for a tax code.
Non-EU nationals applying for a job from outside the country will need to get in line behind Portuguese citizens, EU nationals and third-country nationals who are already residents in Portugal for any vacancies that come up.
Bear in mind that Portugal still has an unemployment rate of 12% (as high as nearly 30% among younger workers).
In short, competition for jobs in Portugal is fierce.
Foreign nationals who are not EU citizens will need to obtain a visa from a Portuguese consulate in their home country before arrival.
The Portuguese government requires any employer looking to hire from abroad to advertise the job locally first. Secondly, confirm that no suitable applicants were available from the local labor pool.
Once that hurdle has been crossed, the employer will provide a work contract that must be included with the visa application.
Workers in certain trades are required to have professional certifications recognized by the Portuguese government. This is true of trades (electricians, for example) as well as professions like law that may require passing certain written examinations.
Real estate agents are also regulated and licensed.
Self-employed individuals are responsible for paying their own social security contributions, as well as deducting income taxes and value-added taxes. And, these can be paid at post offices or via ATM Multibanco machines.
Workers wishing to operate in Portugal as sole traders are strongly advised to get professional advice before doing so.
Anyone operating a business in Portugal after having run one in the US or the UK, for example, will find it more difficult.
Although new Citizen’s Stores (Loja do Cidadão) are intended to ease the burden of red tape by allowing one-stop shopping for government services such as company registration and financial filings, the myriad of obligations are complicated and many must be validated by a TOC (an ‘official’ accountant registered with a central professional body).
The Portuguese government is working on methods of simplifying this and automation has seen a huge improvement in service levels, but the underlying procedures and multi-stage approvals are still cumbersome.
Lots of people made a shift to remote work thanks to the pandemic, and my dream of blogging our adventure to help others do the same.
Portugal is a destination where work and play blend seamlessly, where safety isn’t a luxury, and where every day feels a little like a holiday.
As a result, moving here is about embracing a whole new world of possibilities.
Becoming a digital nomad in Portugal feels like you’ve been let in on a well-kept secret.
With the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa in 2022, Portugal opened its doors even wider, acknowledging the shifting tides of work culture.
The cost of living, a fraction of what you’d shell out in many Western countries, combined with the quality of life, makes Portugal a paradise for expats.
For someone who cherishes the flexibility of working from home, darting out for an espresso, or brainstorming over lunch by the sea, Portugal offers the perfect backdrop.
Portugal’s landscape is as varied as a patchwork quilt, offering everything from quaint seaside towns to bustling urban centers.
You’ve got choices… Find a spot that feels just right, whether that means waking up to the sound of the sea in the Algarve or soaking in the vibrant energy of Lisbon.
The challenge lies in the competitive housing market, especially in popular areas.
Navigating through rental platforms and sealing the deal quickly can be daunting for newcomers, not to mention the puzzle of understanding local lease agreements.
After securing a spot that feels like home, the next step in grounding yourself in this new lifestyle is carving out the perfect workspace. Whether it’s in a buzzing co-working space or a quiet corner of your new abode, finding the right place to work is crucial.
Embracing the Portuguese way of life means learning to slow down and savor.
For digital nomads, this lifestyle is a breath of fresh air, offering a chance to unwind and gather inspiration.
However, this slower pace can be challenging those used to a more frantic work rhythm to adjust their tempo without losing their productivity stride.
Embracing this balance, you’ll find yourself wanting to explore more of what Portugal has to offer.
Whether it’s for work or leisure, understanding the local transportation system will open up a whole new world of adventure and opportunities.
Portugal is a goldmine for entrepreneurs, and not just because of the sun, sea, and surf.
And, if you’re into tech or dreaming of kickstarting your own thing, this place gets it. From Lisbon’s cool co-working spaces to Porto’s start-up vibe, there’s a real sense of “we’re in this together.”
For digital nomads looking to do more than just bounce from one country to the next, Portugal offers a community that’s all about pushing boundaries and making things happen.
Reviewed By Lief Simon
Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.
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Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visas started in October 2022. It’s a national type D visa that exists in two variations: one for temporary stays and another for securing residency. The temporary stay, also known as the short-stay visa, permits the holder to live in Portugal for a duration of up to 12 months.
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