Working in a foreign country can be challenging, especially if you don't speak the local language. Luckily, most companies are very accommodating towards expats and their employees. Nevertheless, finding a job in Lisbon as an expat can seem challenging, especially if you do not speak Portuguese and have no prior experience with the local culture or working in Portugal.
You will need to show your potential employer that you not only have the skills necessary for the job, but also that you are willing to learn and adapt to a new environment.
Creating an impressive resume is one of the first things any job seeker needs to think about when applying for work. In order to apply for jobs in Lisbon as an expat, it is recommended that you create a strong resume showing your language skills and using keywords of the jobs that you are interested in.
Once your resume is optimized, then you can start applying, but why would one take the leap and move abroad to Lisbon?
Lisbon is a city in Europe with an amazing culture and history. It is also one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The people are welcoming and friendly, the food is delicious, and the climate is perfect for year-round travel.
Lisbon offers incredible food like pastéis de bacalhau, grilled sardines, caldo verde, seafood rice, and pastéis de nata. The climate makes it great to go to the beach anytime of the year: it’s never too hot or too cold with average temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F).
It’s a huge vacation destination, and imagine calling it home. It makes it easier to disconnect and relax from work, and it’s a great way to step out of your comfort zone.
Many people living in Lisbon don't speak Portuguese fluently, which may come as a surprise given that it's the native language. However, this linguistic diversity presents a multitude of opportunities for foreigners who wish to work in Lisbon without being proficient in Portuguese. The city is home to numerous multinational companies and organizations that are part of the international business community.
These companies, such as Adidas, Airbnb, HP, Xiaomi, TTEC, Salescode, Intrum, and many others, have a strong presence in Lisbon and are actively seeking to tap into global markets. As a result, they prioritize hiring individuals who can communicate effectively in languages other than Portuguese, particularly English, which is often used as the primary language for business in these international environments.
This opens up a wealth of job opportunities for expats and foreigners, allowing them to work in a vibrant, multicultural setting where English and other languages are frequently spoken. These companies are not just looking for language skills; they value the cultural insights and diverse perspectives that multilingual employees bring, which are crucial for their expansion into international markets. Consequently, the demand for speakers of various languages beyond Portuguese is high, making Lisbon a welcoming and accessible city for those who are not yet fluent in the local language.
In today's globalized world, knowing languages and being able to use them in the workplace can be very beneficial. It is not only about using English as an international language but also about using your native tongue in order to get a better job or reach a certain level of responsibility.
Top companies in Lisbon are actively seeking professionals who are proficient in languages such as Dutch, German, and French, among others. This demand opens up a wealth of opportunities for individuals who can speak these languages fluently, allowing them to pursue careers while enjoying the comfort of communicating in their native tongue. Consequently, language barriers become less of a concern, as these multilingual skills are highly valued and sought after by employers. This means you can immerse yourself in the vibrant job market of Lisbon without the added pressure of needing to master Portuguese immediately. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to advance in your field, the ability to work in your own language provides a significant advantage, enabling you to focus on showcasing your professional expertise and contributing effectively to the workplace.
You can start your search for work in Lisbon by checking the current job opportunities that City Job Offers has!
You’ll even have an expert recruiter who speaks your native language to guide you through the whole process.
Why?
If you’re not ready to go abroad yet, that’s fine! We’re here to help and answer any questions you may have about moving to Lisbon or going abroad in general. You can check out our other blog articles here or message us on social media, and we’ll do our best to help!
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world.