If you are an ex-pat living in Portugal or planning to move to this country, you should learn a few things about the Portuguese way of life and job opportunities. This European country has never achieved Spain’s popularity as a destination for British ex-pats, but it represents a cheaper version of its Iberian neighbour. Anyone who works here must contribute to Social Security and pay taxes. Expatriates must obtain a residence card, register for Social Security, and obtain a tax code.
Overview
Portugal’s labour law is being changed to encourage new businesses and investments abroad. Only European Union members need a residence permit (Cartão de Residência) to work in this country. Non-EU citizens need a work permit. Most people earn more than the statutory minimum wage, but that depends on the industry in which they work.
As a member of the European Union, this country has a similar system of work to that of its neighbours. British ex-pats moving to Portugal find a peaceful business environment that offers competitive advantages to foreign investors. Standard business hours will generally be 9 am-7 pm with a two-hour lunch break. The maximum legal workweek is 40 hours. The minimum wage is much lower than in the UK, but the average cost of living allows you to pay for necessities.
Finding a job.
There is an increasing number of graduates in Portugal, so competition in the job market intensifies. The Best Paid Jobs Are Offered in Lisbon and Porto. There is a particular need for English teachers in Aveiro, Coimbra, Lisbon, Faro, Portimao and Braga. If you want to find a job in this European country, be prepared by researching the job market before moving on. Learning Portuguese will help you get more job opportunities. The minimum working age is 16 years old.
There is a seasonal job shortage in the IT sector, the health sector, and the tourism sector. You can work as a programmer, doctor, babysitter, or travel agent. Many British ex-pats find jobs in call centres. You can also search for jobs in real estate, tourism, utilities, and retail. The easiest way to obtain a work permit in Portugal is to work for a multinational company operating in this country. The main advantage is that the business owner usually manages all documents.
