Working in Portugal
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Average Salary
Workers in Portugal earn an average gross salary of around €1,525 per month. This figure varies by industry and job type, with higher pay in sectors like energy and tech, and lower pay in agriculture. For example, in Portugal’s energy sector, the average gross monthly wage is around €3,500 - €3,600. Entry-level or junior roles often start on a lower salary of around €1,200 - €2,000 per month, while mid-level professionals typically earn €2,500 - €3,500 per month, and senior or highly experienced specialists often earn even higher salaries.
General information
Currency
Euro (€)
Official language
Portuguese Mirandese (locally used)
Conversational languages
English Galician Spanish
Time zone
Winter period: Western European Time (UTC+00:00) Summer period: Western European Summer Time (UTC+01:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
In Portugal, workers can be engaged under different employment or contracting arrangements, each with distinct benefits and obligations.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Portugal
Living in Portugal offers a relaxed, high-quality lifestyle with a strong emphasis on family, outdoor life, and local culture. The country is culturally and ethnically diverse, particularly in cities like Lisbon and Porto, where international communities and expatriates contribute to a multicultural environment. The cost of living is modest compared to Western Europe, although Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve tend to be more expensive.
- The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is roughly €60 - €100
- Monthly rent ranges from €800 - €1,500 for a 1 or 2 bedroom apartment, but these costs will be higher in Lisbon or Porto
- Monthly childcare costs are roughly €250 - €500 – this varies by location and age of child
- Petrol costs about €1.70 - €1.85 per litre, whilst diesel is €1.50 - €1.70 per litre
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road in Portugal. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can use their valid licences for the first 185 days of living in Portugal, after which they must register them with Portuguese authorities. Non-EU/EEA licence holders may need to exchange their licence or apply for a new one, depending on bilateral agreements, which can require a medical check, theory test, and practical driving exam.
Weather in Portugal
Portugal experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. In summer, average daytime highs range from 28°C in the south, to 25°C in Lisbon and Porto, and rainfall is minimal. Winter is cooler and wetter, with highs averaging 10-16°C and lows around 5-8°C. The country’s climate is generally sunny and pleasant, particularly along the southern coast.
Language and integration support
While English is commonly spoken in cities, learning Portuguese is important for work and daily life. Language support available includes free or subsidised courses through municipalities, public schools, IEFP, universities, and private language schools. Many initiatives also offer mentorship, community engagement, and networking opportunities, helping newcomers adapt socially and professionally.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Portugal
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
