Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Portugal has established itself in recent years as a top destination for expatriates seeking professional opportunities and a better quality of life. With its pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, and growing economic dynamism, the country is attracting more and more international talent. But what is the Portuguese job market really like for expatriates? What opportunities are available and how can you land a job in the land of Vasco de Gama? Let’s dive into the details of this expanding market.
Landing Your Dream Job in Portugal: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding a job in Portugal might seem intimidating for an expatriate, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Here are some tips to maximize your chances:
Master the language: Although English is widely used in international companies, proficiency in Portuguese remains a major asset. Invest in language courses before your departure or as soon as you arrive.
Leverage professional social networks: LinkedIn is widely used in Portugal. Create a strong profile and connect with professionals in your field.
Target dynamic cities: Lisbon and Porto concentrate the majority of opportunities for expatriates, particularly in the tech and services sectors.
Attend networking events: Meetups and conferences are excellent opportunities to make contacts and discover hidden opportunities.
Explore specific visas: Portugal has implemented a digital nomad visa, allowing non-European foreigners to settle and work remotely for one year, subject to a substantial monthly income.
Check local job sites: Platforms like Net-Empregos, ITJobs (for tech jobs) or Expat.com offer numerous listings targeting international profiles.
Good to know:
Networking is king in Portugal. Don’t hesitate to request informal meetings with professionals in your sector. Portuguese culture values personal relationships, even in the business world.
Compensation in Portugal: What You Can Expect to Earn
Salaries in Portugal are generally lower than in other Western European countries, but the cost of living is also lower. For qualified expatriates, compensation can be attractive, especially in certain in-demand sectors. Here are some concrete examples:
IT and digital sector: – Senior Developer: €35,000 to €55,000 gross annual – IT Project Manager: €40,000 to €60,000 gross annual – Data Scientist: €45,000 to €70,000 gross annual
Finance and management: – Financial Controller: €40,000 to €60,000 gross annual – Chief Financial Officer: €70,000 to €120,000 gross annual
Marketing and communication: – Digital Marketing Manager: €30,000 to €50,000 gross annual – Marketing Director: €60,000 to €90,000 gross annual
Engineering: – Mechanical Engineer: €30,000 to €50,000 gross annual – Electronics Engineer: €35,000 to €55,000 gross annual
It’s important to note that these figures can vary considerably depending on experience, company size, and location. Multinational corporations and well-funded startups generally offer more competitive packages to attract international talent.
Tax benefits for expatriates: Portugal has implemented the IFICI regime (formerly NHR), offering significant tax benefits to qualified expatriates. This regime notably allows for a fixed income tax rate of 20% for certain professional activities, significantly lower than the standard progressive tax rates which can exceed 40%.
Good to know:
Although salaries may seem lower than elsewhere in Europe, purchasing power in Portugal remains attractive thanks to a moderate cost of living, especially outside major cities. Remember to consider the entire package, including tax benefits and quality of life, during your salary negotiations.
Headhunters in Portugal: Your Allies for Finding the Ideal Job
To maximize your chances of finding a job that matches your skills and aspirations, using specialized recruitment agencies can be wise. Here’s a list of reputable agencies in Portugal:
- Michael Page Portugal: Specializes in executive and management recruitment
- Hays Portugal: Covers a wide range of sectors, from IT to finance
- Randstad Portugal: Offers opportunities in various fields, including for international profiles
- Kelly Services Portugal: Provides temporary and permanent positions in different sectors
- Adecco Portugal: One of the largest recruitment agencies in the world, with a strong presence in Portugal
- Robert Walters Portugal: Specializes in recruiting qualified professionals
- Multipessoal: Portuguese agency offering recruitment and temporary staffing services
These agencies have the advantage of knowing the local market well and having privileged relationships with numerous companies. They can help you navigate the Portuguese recruitment process and negotiate packages suitable for expatriates.
Good to know:
Don’t hesitate to contact multiple agencies to increase your chances. Each one may have access to different offers and allow you to better understand the Portuguese job market.
Hiring Sectors: Where Are the Opportunities?
Portugal is experiencing sustained economic growth in several sectors, offering great opportunities for qualified expatriates. Here are the most dynamic fields in terms of recruitment:
1. Information Technology: Portugal has positioned itself as a tech hub in Europe. Lisbon and Porto are attracting numerous startups and international companies, creating strong demand for developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts.
2. Tourism and Hospitality: A key sector of the Portuguese economy, it offers numerous opportunities, particularly for multilingual profiles in hotel management and tourism marketing.
3. Business Services: Many shared service centers and international call centers are establishing themselves in Portugal, seeking multilingual profiles in finance, HR, and customer support.
4. Renewable Energy: Portugal is at the forefront in this field, with growing demand for specialized engineers and project managers.
5. Automotive and Aerospace Industry: These sectors are experiencing significant development, offering opportunities for qualified engineers and technicians.
6. Health and Biotechnology: With an aging population and a focus on medical innovation, this sector is expanding rapidly.
7. E-commerce and Digital Marketing: The increasing digitalization of the Portuguese economy is creating strong demand for digital marketing and e-commerce experts.
Good to know:
Portugal is heavily betting on innovation and digital transition. Profiles combining technical expertise and language skills are particularly sought after in these growing sectors.
The Portuguese job market offers real opportunities for qualified expatriates, with an enviable quality of life as a bonus. Although salaries may be lower than in other European countries, tax benefits and the moderate cost of living largely compensate for this difference. The key to success lies in good preparation, language mastery, and the ability to adapt to the local professional culture.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
