Working in European countries for non-EU citizens

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 »

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Portugal

If you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you need a visa and a residence permit to work. The main routes:

  • Job-seeker visa (visto para procura de trabalho): valid for 120 days; you may work while it is valid, and once you have a job you apply for a residence permit with an appointment set in the visa.
  • Residence permit for employment – with a job contract or offer; it is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for 3 years at a time.
  • Graduates of Portuguese higher education who held a student residence permit can change to a residence permit to work in Portugal.
  • Highly qualified jobs – separate residence permits for highly qualified activity and for jobs at certified tech companies (“Tech Visa”).

All permits, documents and fees are explained by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum: aima.gov.pt.

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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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