Working in Portugal in 2025: Jobs, Work Culture & Lifestyle for Expats
Thinking about starting a new adventure abroad? Portugal in 2025 is still one of the hottest destinations for expats and it’s easy to see why. Sunshine almost all year round, a relaxed lifestyle, friendly people, and an international job market that keeps growing.
Whether you’re dreaming about life by the beach in Lisbon, the vibrant streets of Porto, or the sunny vibes of the Algarve, Portugal offers the perfect mix of career opportunities and quality of life.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what it’s really like to work in Portugal, how daily life feels, and which jobs are in highest demand right now.
Understanding the Work Culture and Schedule in Portugal
Portugal’s work culture is often described as balanced and people-oriented. While the standard workweek remains 40 hours over five days, many companies now allow flexible schedules and hybrid work options, especially in Lisbon and Porto.
Typical schedule: 9 AM to 6 PM with a 1-hour lunch break.
In smaller towns, some businesses may still close for a couple of hours in the afternoon.
Remote work, introduced widely during the pandemic, is still offered in many international companies.
This culture highlights work-life balance and the importance of leisure, family, and social life.
Public Holidays in Portugal (and Local Traditions in Lisbon & Porto)
Portugal counts 13 official public holidays each year, in addition to 22 days of paid annual leave for employeesmaking the country one of the most generous in Europe for time off. These holidays reflect the country’s strong traditions, combining religious celebrations, historical events, and cultural festivities. making the country one of the most generous in Europe for time off.
National Holidays
1 January: New Year’s Day (Ano Novo)
4 March: Carnival (Carnaval) – not an official holiday everywhere, but most companies and schools close
18 April: Good Friday (Sexta-feira Santa)
20 April: Easter Sunday (Páscoa)
25 April: Freedom Day (Dia da Liberdade) – marks the 1974 Carnation Revolution
1 May: Labour Day (Dia do Trabalhador)
10 June: Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal)
19 June: Corpus Christi (Corpo de Deus)
15 August: Assumption of Mary (Assunção de Nossa Senhora)
5 October: Republic Day (Implantação da República)
1 November: All Saints’ Day (Dia de Todos os Santos)
1 December: Restoration of Independence (Restauração da Independência)
What makes Portugal unique is that, beyond the national calendar, each city also celebrates its own local holiday.
Lisbon, Santo António (13 June): Lisbon comes alive during the Festas de Lisboa. Streets are decorated, people dance to live music, and the smell of grilled sardines fills the air. The night of 12 June is especially famous, with parades and parties across the city. For locals and expats alike, it’s one of the highlights of the year.
Porto, São João (23–24 June): Porto celebrates Festa de São João, one of Europe’s most vibrant midsummer festivals. The city turns into one big street party, with fireworks, dancing, music, and the quirky tradition of tapping people on the head with plastic hammers. It’s an unforgettable cultural experience and a must-see if you live in Porto.
For expats working in Portugal, these holidays are more than just days off, they’re a great way to connect with local culture, meet people, and truly experience Portuguese life.
Living in Portugal in 2025 still means great quality of life at lower costs compared to most Western European countries.
Cost of living: Lower than in France, Germany, or the Netherlands, although rent in Lisbon and Porto has increased in recent years.
Salaries: Not the highest in Europe, but balanced with lower expenses and a laid-back lifestyle.
Climate: Long summers, mild winters, and almost 300 days of sunshine a year. Perfect for outdoor activities, surfing, hiking, and enjoying the beaches.
Culture: Friendly locals, strong food culture, countless festivals and traditions.
Safety & services: Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, with reliable healthcare and public transport.
For many expats, it’s this combination of affordability, sunshine, and welcoming culture that makes Portugal a top choice.
Lisbon & Porto: The Heart of Opportunities for Expats
If you’re moving to Portugal for work, chances are high you’ll end up in Lisbon or Porto. These two cities are the main hubs for international companies, startups, and multilingual job opportunities.
Lisbon has become one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, often called the “Silicon Valley of Europe”. The city hosts many global firms, shared service centers, and fast-growing startups, making it the top spot for jobs in customer service, IT, digital marketing, and sales. Beyond work, Lisbon offers a lively cultural scene, endless sunny terraces, and beaches just 30 minutes away.
Porto, on the other hand, is known for its tech ecosystem and creative industries. Many companies are opening offices there to benefit from the skilled workforce and slightly lower costs compared to Lisbon. Life in Porto is a bit calmer but equally vibrant, with its historic charm, strong community feel, and a growing international expat scene.
Both cities combine career growth with a high quality of life, making them the best starting points for expats in Portugal.
Network effectively: Use LinkedIn, job fairs, and expat groups to connect with employers.
Leverage your languages: Speaking Dutch, German, or French gives you a strong edge in customer service and sales.
Tailor your CV: Highlight international experience and tech/digital skills.
Prepare for interviews: Research the company, highlight adaptability and multilingual skills.
Applying for Jobs in Portugal
Finding a job from abroad can be challenging, but recruitment agencies like Blu Selection can make the process smoother. We know the Portuguese job market and can help you match your skills with the right opportunity, support your application, and boost your chances of being shortlisted.
Ready to Move? Portugal in 2025 offers a dynamic job market for expats, especially in customer service, sales, digital marketing, and IT. Combined with a relaxed lifestyle, sunshine, and affordability, it’s no wonder Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for international workers.
So, pack your bags, polish your CV, and don’t forget your sunglasses, your Portuguese adventure is waiting!
