Portugal is a country with friendly people and beautiful beaches. It has big needs for workers in many basic jobs. This means there are real chances for simple work abroad. There are many unskilled jobs in Portugal for foreigners. Do you want a safe and legal way to work in Europe? This guide gives the latest 2025 information. It covers the required minimum wage in Portugal for 2025, which is €870 gross.
It also explains the D1 Visa Portugal for work. We tell you step by step how to get a work contract in Portugal. You can build a good life in the sunniest part of Europe.
Top Sectors Hiring Ajudante Geral (General Helper)
The need for unskilled work in Portugal is in areas that need body work, simple service, and help during busy times. These are easy jobs in hotels in Portugal with no experience needed.
Tourism and Hospitality
The tourism business is growing fast in places like the Algarve and big cities. There are jobs in Lisbon and Porto for foreigners. They always need extra help staff.
- Cozinha Ajudante (Kitchen Helper Jobs Portugal): These jobs include washing dishes, simple food prep, and keeping the kitchen clean. No special skills are needed. Many hotels and restaurants hire people from other countries. You can start right away if you are willing to learn. Pay is at least the minimum wage, and you get meal help often.
- Empregos de Limpeza em Turismo (Cleaning Jobs in Tourism): This means cleaning rooms in hotels, resorts, and vacation homes. You clean beds, bathrooms, and common areas. It is hard work but steady. Shifts can be morning or evening. Many places give uniforms and training.
- Empregos em Hotéis Portugal Sem Experiência: These jobs are posted by recruitment agencies in Portugal. They focus on short-term staff. You can find them online or through agencies. No past work is required for entry-level roles.
Tourism is big in summer. But cities like Lisbon and Porto need help all year. Foreign workers fit well because many tourists speak English. Some jobs let you work without speaking Portuguese at first.
Agriculture and Seasonal Work
In country areas and farms, there is lots of seasonal work in Portugal. This is common during harvest time.
- Apanha de Fruta Portugal (Fruit Picking Jobs Portugal): You pick grapes in wine areas, berries, or olives. It is outdoor work. You need to be fit and work in all weather. Jobs start early in the morning. Pay is by hour or by how much you pick. Many farms give places to stay.
- Operário Fabril (Factory Worker Jobs Portugal): These are in food making, packing, or other factories. You put things together or pack boxes. Some jobs include housing in Portugal. This helps save money. Shifts can be day or night.
Agriculture jobs are short, like 3 to 6 months. But you can move to another farm after. It is a good way to see the Portuguese countryside. You meet people from many countries.
Logistics and Support Services
Online shopping and care for old people are growing. This creates need for basic help.
- Armazém Ajudante (Warehouse Helper Jobs Portugal): You load and unload trucks. You sort items and keep the place in order. It needs strength to lift boxes. Big companies like Amazon have these jobs. Safety training is given.
- Apoio à Terceira Idade (Elderly Care Assistant) / Limpeza Doméstica (Domestic Cleaning Jobs Portugal): You help old people with daily tasks or clean homes. Agencies handle these. You need a kind heart and patience. Some training is provided.
These jobs are in cities and towns. They offer stable hours. Many include transport help or food money.
Salary, Benefits, and Código do Trabalho Português
Portugal cares about worker rights. The Portuguese Labour Code protects everyone. All workers get the minimum wage and benefits, even if from another country.
Salário Mínimo Portugal 2025
The government set a new minimum wage for 2025.
Here is a simple table:
| Salary Metric | Value (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Monthly SMN | €870 | Up from €820 in 2024. |
| Gross Annual Income | €12,180 | Paid in 14 months. Includes holiday and Christmas bonus. |
| Estimated Net Monthly SMN | ~€775 to €800 | After social security cut (11%). No tax for low wage. |
- Extra Benefits: Many jobs give food allowance. This is €5 to €8 per day you work. It is extra money for meals.
- Holiday Pay: Law says 14 payments a year. You get 12 normal months, plus bonus for summer holiday and Christmas.
The net pay is what you take home. After cuts, it is enough for basic life if you share costs. In small towns, it goes further than in big cities.
Worker Protections
With a work contract in Portugal, you get full rights for foreign workers in Portugal.
- You must get social security number (NISS). This covers health and pension.
- You can use public health care. It is free or low cost.
- You get at least 22 days paid holiday each year.
Other rights include sick pay and safe work conditions. Bosses cannot fire without reason. Unions help if needed.
The Legal Path: Como Trabalhar em Portugal Legalmente
The best way for jobs with visa sponsor in Portugal is the D1 Visa Portugal for work.
The D1 Work Visa Process
- Job Offer is Mandatory: You need a signed work contract in Portugal first. Pay must be at least minimum wage. Apply for visa at Portuguese office in your home country.
- Employer’s Role: Boss gets okay from IEFP in Portugal. Job must be offered to locals and EU people first. If no one takes it, they can hire you.
- Consulate Application: With contract, apply for work visa for non-EU.
- Documents Needed: Contract, place to live proof, passport, no crime paper, health cover.
- Residency: Visa lets you enter. In 4 months, get residence permit from AIMA in Portugal.
The process takes 2 to 6 months. Start with job search from home.
Post-Arrival Steps
When you arrive, get NIF for tax and NISS for security. You need them to start job and get benefits.
Old way was Expression of Interest in Portugal. You come as tourist, find job, then fix papers. It is changing now. Best is D1 visa from home. It is safer.
Tips for Success and Avoiding Scams
To find urgent jobs in Portugal and stay safe from job fraud in Portugal:
- Focus on English: Many jobs in tourism and storage in Lisbon and Porto allow work without Portuguese at start. Look for jobs in English in Portugal.
- Use Registered Agencies: Go to licensed recruitment agencies in Portugal for farm or factory work. Check license to avoid scams. Do not pay big money upfront.
- Financial Reality: Know cost of life in Portugal for workers. Minimum wage is okay, but cities are costly. Find jobs with housing included to save.
Learn some Portuguese. It helps daily life and better jobs later. Save money before coming. Have 3 months living costs ready.
Network online. Join groups for expat workers in Portugal. Check official sites for real jobs.
Be patient. Good jobs take time. Verify every offer.
Are you ready to start your job search in Portugal and want to know where to find officially registered Portuguese recruitment agencies that handle international workers?
Would you like me to search for the Portuguese Government portal where you can verify the license of Agências de Recrutamento Portugal to help you Evitar Fraudes de Emprego Portugal?
Disclaimer:
This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only. The data regarding the Salário Mínimo Portugal 2025 (€870 gross) and the D1 Visa Portugal for Employment requirements are based on the latest available official Portuguese government sources (including the Council of Ministers and AIMA/SEF regulations). This information is subject to change based on new government legislation. Readers are strongly advised to verify all specific visa details, salary figures, and the legitimacy of job offers from the official Portuguese Embassy/Consulate or government websites before applying, traveling, or making financial decisions.