How to get a job in Portugal from India: (5 easy steps)

Thanks to booming demand and a wave of new startups, Portugal’s job market is buzzing. Skilled professionals in healthcare, IT, and finance are in high demand. Plus, with a low cost of living, it’s a fantastic spot for expats. 

But hold on – before you pack your bags, landing a job is your top priority! Read on to learn how to get a job in Portugal from India. 

Quick read section

How to get a job in Portugal from India?

1. Understand the Portugal job market. 
2. Search relevant job opportunities. 
3. Draft ATS-friendly resume and cover letter.
4. Apply online.
5. Prepare for job interviews.

Do you know?

• Portugal’s GDP is projected to increase dramatically by USD 60 billion (+20.3%) from 2024 to 2029.[1]
• The unemployment rate in Portugal has decreased to just 6.1% in the second quaternary of 2024.[2] 
• Extractive industries and healthcare are top-paying sectors, with average salary increases of 13.6% and 12.1%, respectively.. [3]

How can I get a job in Portugal from India?

Research the Portuguese job landscape

Instead of applying directly on the job portals, take enough time to understand the Portugal job market. 

Learn about top-performing industries, projected growth, in-demand occupations, salary structure, and labour laws. For this, you can refer to various industry reports, and market trends on the Portugal job websites. 

Identify Portugal job opportunities

Once you have clarity of the Portugal job market, start identifying the job roles that match your qualifications and career goals. However, avoid restricting yourself to the same industry. Instead, explore relevant job roles in other industries to diversify your career growth.

Draft ATS-friendly resume and cover letter

Most importantly, draft an ATS-friendly resume and CV according to international standards. Since your resume plays a key role in the selection process, tailor it to the job profile you are applying for. You can use a good-quality ATS resume template for this. Make sure to customise your resume for every vacancy you apply for. 

Apply online

Once you have an impactful resume and cover letter, start diligently applying on various job portals, government websites and other platforms. Before applying for a role,  check the background of the job poster to verify its authenticity. 

Prepare for interviews

Use online tools to find common interview questions, then prepare and practice your answers.

Also Read: 9 Important questions to ask your employer before accepting an overseas job offer.

Top in-demand jobs in Portugal from India

Source: Talent

Portugal job vacancy for Indian – Eligibility

Educational qualifications

Most job opportunities in Portugal for Indians require at least graduation or post-graduation from the candidates. However, these requirements can vary depending on the industry and specific profession.

Language proficiency

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. However, English is commonly used in business and workplaces. 

Apart from fluency in English, you can also consider learning other European languages such as Portuguese, French, German, Dutch, etc. This is especially useful if you are looking for jobs in tourism and hospitality.

Work experience

Jobs available for expats in Portugal require some previous work experience. Thus, if you are a fresher or want to broaden your skill set, consider short-term internships, certifications and training programs. They will significantly increase your chances of getting hired. 

How to apply for jobs in Portugal from India?

Job portals

You can apply for jobs in Portugal through trusted job portals like Indeed, Net-Empregos, JustStream, and Adecco. Government sites like eportugal.gov.pt are also good options. . 

Company websites

You can also apply for suitable jobs on the official websites of your target companies in Portugal. Start by shortlisting the top companies based on your industry and experience. Then, apply for available positions on their website’s career pages. 

Recruitment agencies

Work with reliable agencies to find a job aligned with your career goals, but be cautious of job scams and fake recruiters.

Networking platforms

You can also apply for a job in Portugal on professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn. Many recruiters post their requirements on these platforms and you can apply directly with your resume and cover letter. 

Also Read: Moving overseas for work? Use these checklists before you make the move!

Portugal work permits and immigration processes 

Portugal work permits

In Portugal, individuals require both a work permit and a work visa to work legally in the country. After you are selected for a job, your potential employer will apply for a work permit at the Portuguese Labour Authority. Once approved, your employer will share the permit with you. 

Note that a work permit is a critical document that will be required when applying for a Portugal work visa from India. 

Your work visa allows you to enter Portugal, but it doesn’t automatically provide residency. For this, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit through SEF after arriving in the country. Hence, a work permit (initiated by your employer) enables you to get a work visa and the work visa helps you get a temporary residency permit. All these three documents are crucial for relocation.

Immigration process for Portugal

• Step 1: Secure a valid job offer in Portugal and obtain a work permit from your employer. 
• Step 2: Apply for a Portugal work visa through the embassy/consulate or authorised visa application centre. 
• Step 3: Once you have a visa, you can enter and work in Portugal as per your job contract and visa validity. 
• Step 4: Apply for a residence permit at Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), the immigration and border service. 

Portugal workplace culture

Work-life balance

Portugal offers excellent work-life balance. Long working hours are not common at most workplaces. Instead, employees are encouraged to take short breaks between work to enjoy a meal or unwind. 

Communication at workplace

Portuguese work culture encourages both direct communication in business and indirect communication in semi-formal and interpersonal settings.

Importance of hierarchy

In Portugal, respecting workplace hierarchy is crucial. Higher managers make decisions, and you should address seniors with formal titles.

Dress code and appearance

Men typically wear formal suits, whereas women opt for smart formal attire. Note that casual outfits are not generally accepted in Portuguese workplaces.

Time management and punctuality

Punctuality and time management are highly valued in the Portuguese work culture. Arriving at the office or other formal events on time is a sign of respect and professionalism. On the other hand, being late is usually frowned upon. 

Dos & Don’ts 

Do’s

• Research the company and job profile well before applying. 
• Customise your job application as per the job profile. 
• Apply with an ATS-friendly resume. 
• Practice enough for job interviews. 
• Build a powerful professional network on platforms like LinkedIn. 
• Take relevant courses and certifications to upskill yourself. 
• Have basic knowledge of Portuguese. 
• Use only reliable job portals. 
• Make sure to take follow-ups on your job applications. 
• Apply for as many job roles as possible to increase your chances of selection. 

Don’ts

• Don’t submit incomplete/generic job applications. 
• Don’t exaggerate the skills and qualifications in your resume. 
• Don’t neglect the language barrier in Portugal. 
• Don’t rely on random recruitment agencies. 
• Don’t neglect visa and work permit requirements. 
• Don’t stick to a specific industry or job profile. 

Before you go…

Getting a lucrative job in Portugal requires a strategic approach and planning that begins with a clear understanding of the Portuguese job market. Once you are familiar with top industries and high-demand occupations, you can tailor a CV and start applying on the various platforms we have discussed above. 

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FAQs

Q. What is the best way to apply for jobs in Portugal from India?

You can apply for jobs in Portugal using online job portals and official websites of relevant companies. You can also reach out to reliable recruitment agencies. 

Q. How do you find jobs in Portugal from India?

You can search for suitable jobs on portals such as Indeed, Adecco, Net-empregos, BonsEmpregos, and more. LinkedIn also works as a great Portuguese job portal for Indians. 

Q. Is it possible to get a job in Portugal from India?

Yes. If you have the right qualifications and skills, you can secure a lucrative job in Portugal from India. 

Q. Which job is best for Indians in Portugal?

Jobs in healthcare, IT, and finance are in the highest demand among Indian job seekers. Securing jobs in these industries can accelerate your career growth. 

Q. Does Portugal need IELTS for a job? 

No. IELTS is not needed to get a job in Portugal from India. However, proficiency in English is often required from foreign professionals. 

Q. Can I directly apply for a job in Portugal?

Yes, you can apply directly on the employer’s website or through platforms like LinkedIn and other job portals.

Q. How do you get a job in Portugal from India without PR?

To work legally in Portugal you will need a work permit, which is obtained through your employer. Basis of a work permit, you can apply for a work visa and upon arrival in the country you must apply for a temporary residency permit. The temporary residency permit is valid for one year and is renewable for two-year periods. Upon holding a temporary permit for 5 years, you can apply for permanent resident permit.

Q. How much can an international student earn in Portugal?

An international student can earn around € 4.38 per hour. However, the hourly rates can vary depending on location and type of job, among other factors. Moreover, students can work up to 20 hours per week during their semesters and full-time during holidays. 

Q. What is the age limit for working in Portugal?

There is no maximum age limit for working in Portugal. Anyone over 16 can work legally in the country. 

Q. Can I work for a company in Portugal from India?

The chances of getting a work-from-home job in Portugal from India are very slim. Most companies offer on-site or hybrid working models for their foreign employees. However, you can search for Portuguese companies with remote work opportunities. 

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Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with the products or vendors mentioned.

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Salaries data were taken on 13th September 2024 and are subject to change.

Citations : 

• [1]https://www.statista.com/statistics/372332/gross-domestic-product-gdp-in-portugal/
• [2]https://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xpgid=ine_tema&xpid=INE&tema_cod=1114&xlang=en
• [3]https://www.portugalbusinessesnews.com/post/which-sector-has-the-highest-paying-jobs-in-portugal