Jobs in Portugal for Ukrainians 2024: vacancies, salaries, conditions
- How to get a job in Portugal?
- What are the stages of obtaining a work visa to Portugal?
- What types of work visas are available in Portugal?
- What documents are required for employment in Portugal?
- Where do Ukrainians work in Portugal now?
- What are the salaries of Ukrainians in Portugal?
- Where to look for work in Portugal?

According to Eurostat, more than 56,000 Ukrainians currently live in Portugal, including labour migrants and war refugees. Almost all of them are employed in the country in various ways - by obtaining a visa or temporary protection. Find out everything about working in Portugal - vacancies, documents, salaries and job portals
Portugal is gaining more and more favour among Ukrainian migrants every year. The mild, warm climate, rich cultural heritage, recreational and employment opportunities - all these factors have a positive impact on short-term or long-term migration to Portugal. Today, thousands of refugees are also heading there in search of protection from the war. Most of them plan to stay in the country for a long time, so they immediately start looking for a job. Read all about the procedure for finding and applying for a job in Poland in the material by Visit Ukraine.
How to get a job in Portugal?
If you have temporary protection status:
To find a job, receive assistance in starting a business and receive training, a Ukrainian needs to register with the Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP).
Read moreabout entry, temporary protection, social benefits, work and study for Ukrainians who have obtained temporary protection in Portugal here.
If you have obtained a work visa:
An employment visa is required in the following cases:
- you are not an EU/EEA citizen;
- you are not a Swiss citizen.
What are the stages of obtaining a work visa to Portugal?
1. You must find a job in Portugal
According to the current Portuguese legislation, employers must advertise vacancies for Portuguese or EU/EFTA nationals. Within 30 days, the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEPP) reviews them and classifies those that can be taken by a non-EU citizen.
2. Get a job offer/employment contract
Before you start the visa application process, you need to obtain a formal contract from your employer. The contract should contain the following information:
- company
- location of the company;
- specifics of the job.
3. The employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf.
The employer submits the application to the Portuguese labour authorities. Once granted, the application must contain the following information
- the specifics of the work (what kind of work);
- company (where the work will be performed).
Please note! If you plan to move or change your place of work, you need to go through the procedure again.
4. Apply for a work visa at the Portuguese Embassy
Our visa specialists can help you go through each stage of the procedure as quickly and efficiently as possible .
You can findall the necessary details for those who work in Portugal, having the citizenship of another country, by following the link on the Visit World portal.
What types of work visas are available in Portugal?
- work visa - a standard residence permit valid for 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 5 years;
- Self-employed visa - for those who plan to be self-employed in Portugal, your income must be external (not a Portuguese company) or online;
- Highly skilled work visa - for scientists, teachers, engineers, healthcare professionals;
- Cultural work visa - for performers and artists recognised by the Portuguese authorities;
- Technical visa - for those working in the field of technology and innovation;
- Study visa - for those who have a job offer at a research centre, educational or training institution in Portugal;
- Blue Card - issued to non-EU residents who have useful skills for the EU.
Please note! Another type of visa is the Digital Nomad Visa. In Portugal, it allows remote workers from non-EU countries to live and work in the country. All details are available on the Visit World portal.
What documents are required for employment in Portugal?
1. A valid passport
2. Passport-size photographs that meet the Portuguese visa photo guidelines
3. Proof of adequate funds
4. SEF consent to a criminal record check of the candidate in Portugal
5. Insurance policy - not only the original, but also a copy. You should apply only to those insurance companies that are approved by the EU - their list can be found here. The price depends on the type of insurance policy;
Also, keep in mind that you need health insurance to enter the country - you can also buy it here.
6. Proof of residence in Portugal
7. Employment contract of the candidate
8. Proof of legal entry into the territory of Portugal (if the candidate is already in Portugal).
In order to ensure that your package of documents is formed correctly and protects the rights of the employee, we recommend that you consult with specialists in the field of employment before sending it. You can get qualified legal assistance at all stages by following the link on the Visit Ukraine portal.
Please note! The basis for obtaining a visa is an invitation from the employer. This is a certification from the Portuguese side of the intention to provide employment for a foreigner, or a work permit by the relevant government at the place of registration of the employer.
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Where do Ukrainians work in Portugal now?
What jobs in Portugal are currently in high demand?
Almost all jobs require knowledge of English and Portuguese, so this country is not the best for career development. Currently, the largest number of vacancies is in the following areas:
- software
- system administration;
- network security;
- medicine
- hospital care;
- construction;
- services and hospitality
Where do most Ukrainians work now?
The majority of Ukrainians in Portugal work in the following areas:
- cleaning: cleaning rooms in large hotels and mini-hotels;
- kitchen helpers: washing dishes, assistant cook (e.g. cutting vegetables);
- nannies (often families are willing to provide accommodation).
What are the salaries of Ukrainians in Portugal?
Locals or migrants who are highly specialised in a sought-after profession can earn more than 1000-1500 euros. Ukrainians earn 700-800 euros.
You can find outall about the cost of living in Portugal, including housing, food and entertainment, on the Visit Ukraine portal.
Where to look for work in Portugal?
- Emprego.pt;
- Indeed.pt;
- Glassdoor;
- EURES;
- Jobrapido;
- Jobtome
If you need any support at all stages of employment abroad, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists. You can get advice on the optimal choice of a job, employer verification, registration and legalisation of diplomas, assistance in organising relocation and solving everyday issues.
Just a reminder. Earlier, we told you about the need for Ukrainians in Portugal to obtain a local car insurance policy.
Photo: Business. Censor.
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Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
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