Portugal is not very popular among economic migrants. It mainly attracts tourists due to its proximity to the ocean, Mediterranean climate, fado music and cuisine. If you dream of a longer stay in this country, going to seasonal work may be a good solution. What is seasonal work in Portugal like? You will find the answer in the article.
Entering and staying in Portugal
EU citizens can enter Portugal on one of the following documents:
- ID card
- passport
- temporary passport
There is no need to apply for a visa. The validity of the travel documents has not been specified. People arriving from EU countries are entitled to free movement of people. No additional formalities are required when crossing the border. Passport or ID card entitles you to a visa-free stay in Portugal for a period not longer than 90 days.
After 90 days, you should immediately go to:
- City Office – Câmara Municipal – in order to submit an application for a certificate of residence of an EU citizen (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia)
- or to the local branch of the Office for Foreigners and Borders (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, SEF) to obtain a residence card that is valid for 5 years
Before visiting the office, we have to make sure that we have all the necessary documents. These include confirmation documents:
- having health insurance
- having sufficient means of subsistence
- admission to studies / exchange (e.g. ERASMUS program)
- or employed / running your own business
Working in Portugal – what do you need to know?
It is not without reason that Portugal is at the bottom of the list of destinations most often chosen by economic migrants. The problem with finding employment concerns not only foreigners, but also native Portuguese. After the economic crisis, unemployment in this country was around 35% (at the moment it is about 6,9%). Low earnings and a lack of jobs resulted in mass emigration from the country. It is reported that every year around 120,000 people leave Portugal. In response to these events, the state authorities have for several years, been taking steps to keep young and educated Portuguese in the country. For example, employees are offered numerous bonuses to salary, as well as a 13th salary (holiday allowance), 14th wage (holiday allowance) or a food allowance.
The terms of employment and the actual value of salary are determined by collective labor agreements. The same structures determine which system the salaries will be paid.
In addition, there is a rule – an employee is not fired without giving a specific reason. The employer must always state the reason for his decision. The weekly working hours are set at 35 to 44 hours (usually 8 hours a day).
The official language in Portugal is Portuguese, which will often be required at work. Before leaving for this country, it is worth taking a language course to master the basics of the Portuguese language.
Communicative and sometimes fluent knowledge of the English language will be useful in many positions. Especially during seasonal work – then we deal with tourists from all over the world!
Formerly, the currency of Portugal was the escudo. From 2002, it was replaced by the Euro. The euro is also valid in Madeira and the Azores.
Earnings in Portugal – minimum wage
The minimum wage is set in advance by the authorities. In 2023, the minimum rate in Portugal is EUR 887 gross per month. In reality, it may be slightly lower if we deduct the extra salary for the holiday and Christmas period. It should be emphasized that a significant proportion of the Portuguese population (over 25%) receive the minimum salary. This fact does not make Portugal an attractive destination for migration.
What are the earnings like in individual positions?
The average salary in Portugal is in the range of EUR 900-1500 per month. At the same time, it is worth remembering that mainly people working in Lisbon are considered here. In other towns and villages people live on a minimum wage.
In the table below we have listed sample rates for specific positions from job offers found on advertising portals.
| Position | The amount of monthly salary (gross) |
| Animator | EUR 900 – 1000 |
| Gardening/Harvesting | EUR 1100 – 1300 |
| Cook | EUR 1500 – 2000 |
| Welder | EUR 1200-1500 |
| Warehouse | EUR 1300-1500 |
| Gastronomy/Hotels | EUR 1000-1300 |
| C+E driver | EUR 1400 – 1600 |
| Travel agent | EUR 1000-1200 |
| Construction | EUR 1300 – 1600 |
| Painter | EUR 1000-1300 |
Seasonal job in Portugal
Undoubtedly, a permanent job in Portugal is not very profitable. Especially if we decide to live in Lisbon, where it is easiest to find employment.
However, the cost of living can exceed us. We will pay from EUR 1000 / month upwards, for renting an apartment in the city center. On the outskirts, prices start from 800 EUR / month.
Due to the above, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the seasonal job offers in Portugal. This is a good solution for people who would like for a moment to break away from reality, enjoy the rays of the sun, and even try their hand at surfing. After all, Portugal is a real mecca for Surfers! The wide, sandy beaches and high waves of the Atlantic Ocean will delight everyone.
Seasonal job in Portugal – Where you can find it?
Seasonal jobs in Portugal await foreigners in positions related to servicing tourist traffic. It is worth looking for a job in hotels, restaurants or sports centers. You can look for a job as:
- barman
- waiter / waitress
- cleaning lady
- instructor (water sports and more)
- leisure time animator
- cook
- kitchen helper
- shop assistant
Moreover, seasonal jobs in Portugal also involve harvesting. A popular destination is, for example, the south of the country (near Alentejo), where we can find a job harvesting melons and watermelons. It is also worth looking around for a job in harvesting citrus and strawberries. Let’s also not forget that Portugal is in wine! In the summer, many hands are needed to work on grape harvesting in the north of the country, for example in the valley of the Douro River.
If you like working in the garden, you can look for a job in large tourist resorts that offer holiday home rentals. After all, many people are needed to make the space around a tourist facility beautiful and clean.
Another option is to work on a farm or with horses. The Portuguese care about the environment and care about living in harmony with nature. Local hosts need workers for their permaculture gardens and ecological villages. Many of them are also fond of natural animal husbandry or simply love animals and live with them on a daily basis. It is worth looking for a job with horses or other farm animals.
Seasonal job in Portugal – for whom?
In conclusion, a seasonal job in Portugal is a good choice for students who want to combine work with holidays in a warm country. Certainly, this direction will appeal to digital nomads and freelancers or people who have their own businesses. Portugal will be a paradise on earth for young people who like water sports. Windsurfing and kitesurfing instructors will have the opportunity to combine passion with work.
Where to look for a seasonal job in Portugal?
You will also find job offers in Portugal on our website europa.jobs
