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If you speak German and have been eyeing a move to sunny southern Europe, Portugal might already be on your radar. The country has become a magnet for multilingual professionals, and German speakers are especially in demand across customer service, tech support, and sales roles.
City Job Offers connects German-speaking candidates with jobs in Portugal that include relocation support, paid training, and real career growth. This article walks you through eight things worth knowing before you send your first application.
Key Takeaways: What to Know About German Jobs in Portugal
- Most German-speaking roles in Portugal are in customer support, tech, and sales for global brands.
- Lisbon and Porto are the two main hiring hubs, with most positions based on-site or hybrid.
- Relocation packages often cover flights, temporary housing, airport pickup, and help with local administrative paperwork.
- You do not need to speak Portuguese to start, as companies operate in German and English.
- City Job Offers guides you from your first application through relocation with personal recruiter support.
8 Things to Know Before Applying for German-Speaking Roles in Portugal
1. Customer Support and Tech Roles Dominate the Market
The majority of German-speaking positions in Portugal fall under customer service, technical support, and inside sales. Global companies have set up multilingual service centres in Lisbon and Porto specifically to handle inquiries from the DACH region, covering Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Your native German gives you access to roles with international brands in finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and telecommunications. You can expect to work across phone, chat, and email channels, often helping customers troubleshoot products or manage their accounts on a daily basis.
2. You Don't Need to Speak Portuguese
One of the biggest questions candidates ask is whether they need Portuguese before arriving. The short answer: no. Employers in Portugal run their day-to-day operations in German and English. Portuguese is a bonus for your social life outside of work, not a hiring requirement.
That said, picking up some basics will make your daily life in Portugal more enjoyable and help you connect with the local community. Many expats start learning informally once they arrive and find that people are patient and happy to help you practise.
3. Lisbon and Porto Are the Main Hiring Hubs
Almost all German-speaking openings are concentrated in Lisbon or Porto. Lisbon offers a larger job market, a buzzing international scene, and a wide choice of restaurants, nightlife, and cultural events. Porto is smaller, more affordable, and known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Both cities have growing expat communities, reliable public transport, and plenty of co-working spaces if you need them. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer big-city energy or a calmer, more laid-back pace of life by the Atlantic coast.
4. Relocation Packages Make the Move Easier
Many employers in Portugal offer relocation packages designed to attract international talent. These typically include a paid flight to Portugal, temporary or company-arranged accommodation, and airport pickup when you first land.
Some packages also cover help with tax registration, opening a local bank account, and obtaining your Portuguese fiscal number (NIF). This kind of hands-on support takes much of the stress out of moving to a new country, so you can focus on settling into your role and exploring your new surroundings.
5. Salaries Reflect the Local Cost of Living
Salaries for German-speaking roles in Portugal are lower than what you might earn in Germany or Switzerland. A typical customer support position pays between EUR 1,000 and EUR 1,400 net per month, depending on the company, your seniority level, and the specific role.
Portugal's cost of living is also significantly lower, especially outside central Lisbon. According to the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, 61% of expats rate the general cost of living in Portugal positively, well above the 39% global average for that question.
6. Paid Training and Onboarding Are Standard
Employers hiring for German-speaking positions typically offer fully paid training periods that last anywhere from two to six weeks. These programmes cover product knowledge, internal tools, and communication standards so you are prepared before handling your first customer interaction.
This means you can arrive without industry-specific experience and still get up to speed quickly. City Job Offers matches candidates with roles that include structured onboarding programmes, giving you a solid foundation to build your confidence and skills from day one.
7. Career Growth Is Possible If You Stay
Starting in a customer-facing role does not mean staying there permanently. Many candidates who arrive for a German-speaking support position move into team lead, quality assurance, or training roles after six to twelve months of solid performance.
This kind of internal progression is especially common at larger service centres that value promoting from their own teams. If you show initiative, hit your targets, and build strong relationships with your colleagues, you can advance without switching companies. It is a strong entry point for an international career.
8. Applying Early and Having a Clear CV Matters
Hiring cycles for German-speaking roles in Portugal move quickly, and positions fill fast because demand from candidates across Europe is high. Applying early and having a clean, up-to-date CV gives you a clear advantage over other applicants in the process.
Highlight your language skills (German, English, and any others you speak), mention any customer-facing experience, and keep the format simple and easy to scan. Recruiters review hundreds of applications for each opening, so clarity and relevance win over length every single time.
Ready to Explore German-Speaking Jobs in Portugal?
Portugal offers German speakers a rare combination: the chance to build an international career, enjoy a high quality of life, and do it all with real support along the way. The roles are there, the relocation help is there, and the lifestyle speaks for itself.
City Job Offers gives you access to German-speaking positions in Portugal with relocation packages, paid training, and personal recruiter guidance throughout the entire process. If you are ready to take the next step, browse open roles in Portugal and start your application today.
FAQs About What to Know About German Jobs in Portugal
What types of jobs are available for German speakers in Portugal?
Customer support, technical assistance, and inside sales roles make up the majority of openings. City Job Offers lists German-speaking positions across finance, tech, and e-commerce sectors in Lisbon and Porto, with new vacancies added regularly.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to work in Portugal?
No. German-speaking positions operate entirely in German and English. Portuguese is helpful for everyday activities like grocery shopping or meeting neighbours, but it is not a hiring requirement for these roles.
What does a typical relocation package include?
Relocation packages usually cover a flight to Portugal, temporary accommodation for your first weeks, and airport pickup. Some employers also help with tax registration, bank account setup, and local administrative paperwork through their onboarding teams.
How much can I expect to earn in a German-speaking role?
Net salaries typically range from EUR 1,000 to EUR 1,400 per month for customer support roles. Performance bonuses and benefits like health insurance are often included on top of the base salary.
Is Portugal a good place to start an international career?
Yes. Portugal gives you hands-on experience with global brands, exposure to multicultural teams, and a strong line on your CV. City Job Offers supports candidates through every step, from application to settling into a new city.
How do I apply for German-speaking jobs in Portugal through City Job Offers?
Visit the City Job Offers website, filter by language and country, and submit your CV directly. A recruiter will review your profile, match you with relevant openings, and guide you through the interview and relocation process.
