Thinking about working in another European country? For each of 32 countries – all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom – you will find the key labour market figures, where the jobs are, how to apply, pay and working conditions, student jobs and what to do in your first weeks. General advice on job search, your CV and your rights: How to find a job abroad – 10 practical guides »
Portugal is a country of 11.4 million people with an employment rate above the EU average: 79.6% of people aged 20–64 have a job (EU: 76.1%).
Unemployment has been fairly stable – 6.2% in 2022, 6.5% in 2023 and 2024 and 6.0% in 2025, exactly the EU average. Young people find it harder: youth unemployment is 19.5% among people aged 15–24, compared with 15.2% in the EU.
As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen you do not need a work permit – you can move, look for a job and work on the same terms as Portuguese citizens. Portuguese helps a lot, but if you do not speak it, you can send your CV in English.
Key figures: Eurostat (population on 1 January 2026; unemployment and employment rates 2025; minimum wages July 2026); for the United Kingdom – Office for National Statistics; for Liechtenstein – national statistics. Country information: EURES – Living and working conditions, public employment services and the official government websites listed under each country. Rules, thresholds and amounts can change – check the official sources before you move. Updated: October 2026.
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