Moving to Portugal for Work
Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for people moving abroad for work. With beautiful coastlines, vibrant cities, and a relaxed lifestyle, it’s a top choice for entry-level customer support, sales, and remote-friendly roles. Here’s your practical guide to getting settled in Portugal.
Essential Documents and Registration
Before starting work in Portugal, make sure you have the right paperwork:
NIF Number (Número de Identificação Fiscal):
This tax identification number is required for signing a work contract, opening a bank account, and registering for social security. You can apply at the local tax office (Serviço de Finanças) or with the help of your employer.Social Security Number:
Needed for employment and healthcare access. Employers usually register employees, but you can also apply yourself at the Segurança Social.Healthcare:
Portugal has a public health system (SNS) accessible once registered for social security. Many people also take private health insurance for faster access to appointments.
Finding an Apartment
Housing in Portugal is competitive in Lisbon and Porto, but there are plenty of options:
Idealista is the go-to site for rentals.
Local agencies and expat Facebook groups are also helpful.
Expect to pay 1–2 months’ deposit.
Tip: Consider temporary accommodation first (Airbnb or short-term rentals) before committing to a long-term lease.
Top Cities to Live and Work
Lisbon
Portugal’s capital offers a thriving job market, especially in customer support, tech, and sales. Lisbon has an international community, coworking spaces, and a mix of modern and historic neighborhoods. Apartments are more expensive than in other cities, but the lifestyle and job opportunities make it worthwhile.
More info: Visit Lisbon
Porto
Portugal’s second-largest city combines a rich cultural scene with a growing tech and service industry. Porto is slightly more affordable than Lisbon, has excellent public transport, and offers a friendly expat community. It’s ideal for those looking for work opportunities while enjoying a smaller-city feel.
More info: Visit Porto
Healthcare, Banking, and Daily Life
Healthcare: Access public healthcare once registered for social security. Private health insurance is widely used for faster services.
Banking: To open a bank account, you’ll need your NIF and proof of address. Major banks like Millennium BCP and Santander have services in English.
Daily Life: Portugal is known for its relaxed pace, affordable groceries, and safe environment. Learning basic Portuguese makes daily interactions much easier.
Extra Tips
Learn some basic Portuguese; even a few phrases go a long way.
Keep copies of important documents: passport, NIF, social security number, and rental contract.
Join local expat groups for housing, job opportunities, and networking advice.
Fun Portuguese Phrases to Try
Learning a few simple phrases goes a long way and can make everyday interactions more fun. Here are some you can use in Lisbon or Porto:
Olá! – Hello! (Use it everywhere; super friendly and easy)
Bom dia! – Good morning! (Perfect for greeting colleagues or neighbors)
Obrigado / Obrigada – Thank you (men say obrigado, women say obrigada)
Com licença – Excuse me / Pardon me (great for navigating crowded streets or shops)
Saúde! – Cheers! (Use this when toasting with new friends)
Tudo bem? – How’s it going? / Everything good? (Friendly way to start a conversation)
Onde fica…? – Where is…? (Helpful when asking for directions or locations)
Tip: Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation — locals love it when you try! Using these phrases can help you feel at home faster and make a great first impression with colleagues and neighbors.