Portugal

Country: Portugal

Portugal’s minimum wage is €920 a month in 2026 – and on top of 12 monthly salaries you get a holiday allowance and a Christmas allowance. 79.6% of people aged 20–64 have a job, above the EU average. Find out where the shortages are, where to look for a job, how to apply (in Portuguese or, if needed, in English) and what to do in your first weeks.

Students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland can work in Portugal without any permit, just like Portuguese students.

  • IEFP traineeships (Estágios ATIVAR.PT): paid professional traineeships of 9 months (exceptionally up to 12) for young people and other job-seekers – eligibility depends on the programme, and offers are listed on iefponline.
  • Summer jobs for students (PEJENE): short placements of 2–3 months in the summer.
  • Public administration (EstágiAP XXI): 9-month traineeships in public bodies; INOV Contacto offers international traineeships of 6–9 months.
  • Seasonal jobs in tourism and fruit picking, especially in the Algarve.

Students from outside the EU with a residence permit for studies may work – as employees or self-employed – alongside their studies.

Thinking of studying there first? See Studying in Portugal – practical information.


published: 2014-09-03
last modification: 2026-10-03

Common questions about job applications and interviews

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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