Portugal has become a top destination for expats, digital nomads, and international professionals. With its thriving tourism industry, booming tech ecosystem, and expanding service sector, there are many job opportunities where English fluencyis a clear advantage. Whether you're looking for remote work, teaching roles, or customer service positions, here are some of the most in-demand jobs for English speakers in Portugal in 2025.
1. IT & Tech Roles (Web Developers, Software Engineers, Cybersecurity, Data)
Portugal's IT sector continues to surge, especially in Lisbon and Porto. Roles in web and software development, cybersecurity, data science, AI, and related fields are in high demand. Strong technical skills and English fluency are often sufficient, even without Portuguese.
2. Teaching English & Educational Roles
Teaching remains a cornerstone for English speakers. Positions range from TEFL-certified English teachers in language schools to roles in international schools and higher education. Certifications and experience are typically required, and major cities like Lisbon and Porto offer the most openings.
3. Tourism & Hospitality
With tourism contributing roughly 12% of Portugal’s GDP, the tourism and hospitality sector remains robust. There’s demand for tour guides, hotel and restaurant staff, event planners, and more—particularly in regions like the Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto. Many roles offer seasonal contracts, and English is often a must.
4. Customer Service & Call Center Jobs
International companies and call centers operate across Lisbon and Porto, seeking English-speaking agents for customer support roles, often in global service centers like Teleperformance, Sitel, and Apple. These positions typically require no formal degree and are relatively easy to enter.
5. Content & Digital Marketing
As digital business expands, roles for content creators, copywriters, social media managers, and digital marketers are rising—especially in Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Coimbra. English fluency and creativity are key assets.
6. Real Estate Agents
Portugal’s booming property market has created demand for English-speaking real estate agents, particularly in areas with foreign buyers. Certification through the Instituto da Construção e do Imobiliário is required to operate legally.
7. Healthcare & Senior Care
There’s growing demand for nurses and specialized caregivers, particularly experienced in elderly care. Some roles may offer live-in options. For doctors, especially multilingual ones, there are high-paying roles such as those offered by Mercadona’s health services in Portugal (salary range €45,600–€69,200/year).
8. Agriculture & Seasonal Work
Regions like Faro, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António offer agricultural jobs—from olive harvesting to greenhouse work. These roles usually pay minimum wage (~€740/month) and often include accommodation, ideal for seasonal work.
9. Engineering, Renewable Energy & Finance (for Qualified Professionals)
Qualified professionals in engineering (civil, electrical, mechanical) and renewable energy are sought in infrastructure and sustainability projects. Meanwhile, the finance sector, especially in Lisbon and Porto, offers opportunities in banking, investment, and insurance with higher earnings.
10. Freelancing & Remote Work
Freelancing is on the rise. Popular roles include IT consulting, digital marketing, writing/editing, and English teaching online. Portugal's favourable visa schemes (like the Digital Nomad visa) and high quality of life make it an attractive base for remote professionals.
Summary Table
Job Category | Why It’s In-Demand |
---|---|
IT & Tech | Growing tech hub, English widely accepted |
Teaching | Steady demand, certification needed |
Tourism & Hospitality | Tourism-based economy, many seasonal roles |
Customer Service | Multinationals hiring in Lisbon/Porto |
Content & Marketing | Rising digital business needs English content |
Real Estate | Foreign buyers need English-speaking agents |
Healthcare & Senior Care | Aging population & international interest |
Agriculture | Seasonal work with accommodation |
Engineering & Finance | Specialized roles in growing fields |
Freelancing & Remote Work | Flexibility and visa-friendly environment |