⚑Portugal Imigrante
💼 Still in your country

Looking for work from your country

Where to look for a job in Portugal safely, how to spot a fake offer and what your contract must include. The rights of people already working here — minimum wage, holidays, dismissal — are on the rights page.

⚠️ An employment agency cannot charge you anything for finding you work. If you are asked for money to get the job, be suspicious.

Where to look

  • IEFP vacancies for people living outside the EU

    The IEFP (public employment service) has a vacancy search for citizens of non-EU countries who do not live in Portugal. When you apply, the company receives your CV and can contact you for an interview (iefponline — vacancies for non-EU countries).

    📜 IEFP

  • With the contract, apply for the visa

    To enter and work in Portugal you need a contract or promise of employment with a company in Portugal; then you apply for the work visa. See the documents on the work visa page.

    📜 IEFP

Employment agencies

  • They cannot charge the candidate

    Private placement agencies must make sure their services are free for the job seeker: they cannot charge you, directly or indirectly, any amount in money or in kind.

    📜 Decree-Law No. 260/2009, art. 23(1)(f)

  • Check that the agency is registered

    The IEFP publishes the National Register of Private Placement Agencies, with the tax number and address of each one (iefp.pt — private placement agencies). If an agency that claims to operate in Portugal is not on the list, be suspicious.

    📜 IEFP

  • The advert must identify the agency

    An agency’s job adverts must identify the agency and cannot misrepresent the working conditions offered. The agency must also inform you in writing of your rights and the conditions of the placement.

    📜 ACT — Practical guide to private placement agencies

Warning signs

  • Be suspicious if…

    …you are asked for money to get the job; you are charged excessive fees for the journey; you do not know how your work documents were obtained; you will not have direct access to your wages; or the offer promises very good conditions and you do not know the organisation making it. Always check that the company exists before accepting.

    📜 gov.pt — Support in human trafficking situations; CIG — leaflet on human trafficking

  • Where to get help

    Migrant Support Line: 808 257 257. CIG helpline: 800 202 148. For questions and complaints about working conditions: ACT (labour inspectorate). Victims of human trafficking can request support on gov.pt.

    📜 CIG — leaflet on human trafficking; gov.pt

Your contract

  • It must be in writing

    The employment contract of a foreign worker must be in writing and state, among other things: the identification and signatures of the parties, a reference to your visa or residence permit, the job and place of work, the working hours, the amount and method of payment of the wage and the start date. It is made in duplicate and the employer must give you a copy.

    📜 Labour Code, art. 5

  • The same rights as a Portuguese worker

    A foreign worker authorised to work in Portugal has the same rights and duties as a Portuguese worker.

    📜 Labour Code, art. 4

  • Who is not covered by this rule

    The written contract requirement of art. 5 does not apply to citizens of the European Economic Area or of countries that guarantee equal treatment with Portuguese citizens in the exercise of a profession.

    📜 Labour Code, art. 5(6)

Your degree

  • Recognition of a higher education degree

    If you completed a higher education degree abroad, at an institution recognised in your country of origin, you can apply in Portugal, at any time, for recognition of the degree or diploma (gov.pt). If your profession is regulated in Portugal, also check with the body that regulates it.

    📜 gov.pt; Decree-Law No. 66/2018

Your rights at work in Portugal →

Official sources (in Portuguese)

Checked in October 2026.

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