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“How to Find Your First Job in Portugal as a Migrant”
Looking for your first job in Portugal? Discover where migrants can search for jobs, how to prepare a CV, what to do if you don't speak Portuguese and useful Portuguese job websites.
Finding your first job in Portugal can be challenging, especially if you have recently arrived and don't speak much Portuguese yet.
You may have good qualifications and years of experience, but the Portuguese job market can work differently from what you are used to.
The key is to start with a realistic plan.
1. Check Your Right to Work
Before applying, make sure your immigration and employment documents allow you to work in Portugal. Requirements can differ depending on your nationality and situation.
For official information, check the Portuguese Government and IEFP websites.
2. Start Searching Online
There are several websites where you can search for jobs in Portugal:
IEFP / Iefponline – the Portuguese public employment service https://iefponline.iefp.pt/IEFP/index2.jsp
Net-Empregos – one of the largest Portuguese job portals https://www.net-empregos.com/
Indeed Portugal – useful for a wide range of jobs https://pt.indeed.com/?from=gnav-homepage
LinkedIn – particularly useful for professional and international positions
Expresso Emprego – jobs across different sectors https://expressoemprego.pt/ofertas-emprego?order=data
EURES – useful for EU/EEA jobseekers looking for opportunities in Portugal. https://eures.europa.eu/jobseekers_en
Don't rely on just one website. Check several platforms regularly and set up job alerts where available.
3. Don't Wait for the Perfect Job
Your first job in Portugal may not be your ideal position.
You may need to start with a different role while you build local experience, improve your Portuguese or complete recognition of your qualifications.
Think of your first job as a step towards your next opportunity, not necessarily your final career destination.
4. What If You Don't Speak Portuguese?
Don't assume that you cannot work simply because your Portuguese is still limited.
Some international companies and certain sectors have opportunities where English or other languages are important.
Search for positions that match your existing language skills and experience.
At the same time, start learning Portuguese.
You don't need to be fluent before you begin. Learn practical phrases such as:
Bom dia – Good morning
Pode repetir, por favor? – Could you repeat, please?
Não percebi. – I didn't understand.
Pode falar mais devagar? – Could you speak more slowly?
Even basic Portuguese can make everyday communication at work much easier. Look at the courses and opportinities Edpro can offer: https://www.edpropt.org/pla-portuguese-course
5. Adapt Your CV
Don't send exactly the same CV for every job.
Highlight the experience and skills that are most relevant to each position. If you speak several languages, make sure they are clearly listed.
Keep your CV simple, professional and easy to read.
If you have professional qualifications from another country, check whether they need to be recognised in Portugal, particularly if you want to work in a regulated profession.
6. Don't Only Apply Online
Tell people you are looking for work.
Speak to friends, former colleagues, community organisations and professional contacts. Contact recruitment agencies and, where appropriate, send your CV directly to companies.
Sometimes an opportunity comes from a conversation rather than a job advertisement.
7. Be Careful With Job Scams
Be cautious if someone asks you to pay money to get a job, promises unusually high salaries with little experience, or asks for unnecessary personal or financial information.
Before accepting a position, make sure you understand the employer, salary, working hours, location and contract conditions.
Your First Step
You don't need to have everything figured out before starting your job search.
Prepare your CV, check your work documentation, register with the appropriate employment services, search several job websites and start building your Portuguese.
Your first job may not be your dream job, but it can be the first step towards building your career in Portugal.
Useful Job Websites
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. Employment, immigration, visa, residence and professional qualification requirements in Portugal may change and can vary depending on each individual's circumstances.
EdPro Association does not provide legal or immigration advice. Readers should always check the latest information with the relevant Portuguese authorities or qualified professionals before making decisions regarding employment or immigration.
Job vacancies and external websites mentioned in this article are provided for information only. EdPro does not guarantee the availability, accuracy or outcome of any job opportunity listed on third-party websites.
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