How to find a job in Portugal: contracts and rights
Working in Portugal: where to look for jobs, types of employment contract, salary, holidays and benefits, social security and recognition of qualifications.
What this guide will cover
- Where to look for a job
- Employment contracts
- Salary, holidays and benefits
- Social security
- Recognition of qualifications
Official sources
We check our guides against these official pages. If something has changed, the official source wins.
- ACT — Working Conditions Authority portal.act.gov.pt
- IEFP — Employment and Vocational Training Institute iefp.pt
- Segurança Social seg-social.pt
Need help?
Official bodies and services related to this guide. Sponsored listings are always labelled.
- Official Lawyers & legal help
Ordem dos Advogados (Portuguese Bar Association)
The professional body for lawyers. Use it to check that a lawyer you are considering is registered and entitled to practise.
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Where
- Nationwide
- Official Tax & accountants
Portal das Finanças (Tax and Customs Authority)
The Tax and Customs Authority (AT) portal: NIF requests and appointments, income tax (IRS) returns and your tax situation online.
- Languages
- Portuguese, English
- Where
- Nationwide · online
- Official Tax & accountants
Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados
The professional order for certified accountants. Useful for confirming that an accountant is a registered member before you hire them.
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Where
- Nationwide
Average Salary in Portugal: Wages by Industry and Region
Average and median salary in Portugal in 2026: latest INE figures, minimum wage, the 14-payment system, gross vs net pay, and pay by industry and region.
Portuguese Salary Explained: Gross vs Net, 13th and 14th Salary
How salaries work in Portugal: gross vs net pay, social security and IRS withholding, the 13th and 14th month, meal allowance, minimum wage and payslips.
Social Security in Portugal: A Complete Guide for Expats
How Portugal's social security works for expats: NISS, contribution rates for employees and the self-employed, benefits, pensions and EU rules.