Living and Working in Portugal: The Questions Candidates Ask Us Most

Moving abroad for work sounds exciting — and it is. But let’s be honest: before you pack your suitcase, book a flight or say yes to a job offer, you probably have a lot of questions.

Portugal is one of the most popular destinations for international candidates in Europe, especially for people looking for customer service, sales, technical support, marketing, finance and multilingual roles. With its sunny climate, international work environment, relaxed lifestyle and growing job market, it is easy to understand why so many people are interested in building a new life there.

But candidates do not only ask about the job. They ask about everything around it: housing, documents, salaries, relocation support, daily life, language, public transport, healthcare and what actually happens after applying.

So, we have gathered some of the most common questions candidates ask recruiters before moving to Portugal for work.

1. Do I need to speak Portuguese to work in Portugal?

Not always.

Many international companies in Portugal hire candidates because they speak other languages, especially German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, Danish, Swedish or English. In cities like Lisbon, Porto and Braga, there are many multilingual roles where the working language may be English or your native language, depending on the position.

That said, learning basic Portuguese will always help you in daily life. You do not need to be fluent from day one, but knowing how to order food, ask for directions or deal with simple appointments can make your first weeks much easier.

A good way to think about it is this: you may not need Portuguese to get the job, but you will enjoy Portugal more if you learn a little.

2. What documents do I need before moving to Portugal?

This depends on where you are from.

If you are an EU citizen, you can usually move to Portugal without needing a work visa. However, if you stay in Portugal for more than three months, you may need to register your residence locally and request the EU citizen registration certificate. Official Portuguese information states that EU citizens staying for more than three months should apply for this certificate at the local council within 30 days after their first three months in the country.

You may also need practical documents such as:

• A valid passport or national ID card
• Your employment contract
• A Portuguese tax number, known as NIF
• A Portuguese social security number, known as NISS
• Proof of address, depending on the procedure
• Bank details, once you are settled

Portugal’s official public services portal explains that foreign citizens who want to live and work in Portugal usually need to register with the tax authority and social security, and it provides guidance on how to request the NIF and NISS.

3. What are NIF and NISS?

These are two of the most common words you will hear when moving to Portugal.

The NIF is your Portuguese tax identification number. You may need it for many practical things, such as signing a contract, opening a bank account, renting accommodation or dealing with tax-related matters.

The NISS is your Portuguese social security identification number. It is linked to your social security rights and obligations in Portugal, and non-Portuguese citizens can apply for it online according to the official Portuguese services portal.

Do not worry if these names sound confusing at first. Most candidates moving abroad feel the same. Recruiters and employers often explain which steps are needed depending on your situation.

4. Can I apply for jobs in Portugal before I move there?

Yes — and in many cases, that is the best option.

Many candidates apply while they are still living in their home country. This gives you time to understand the job, speak with recruiters, go through interviews and check if relocation support is included.

For international roles, employers are often used to interviewing candidates remotely. You may have video interviews, online assessments or phone calls before receiving an offer.

Applying before moving also helps you make a safer decision. Instead of arriving in Portugal and then starting your job search from zero, you can move with a clearer plan.

5. Do companies in Portugal offer relocation support?

Some do, but not all.

Relocation packages depend on the company, the role and the location. Some international employers may offer support such as flight reimbursement, temporary accommodation, airport pick-up, help with paperwork or onboarding assistance.

Other companies may not offer a full relocation package but may still guide you through the first steps.

This is one of the most important questions to ask before accepting an offer. Do not only ask, “Is relocation included?” Ask what exactly is included, for how long and under which conditions.

6. Is accommodation included in jobs in Portugal?

Sometimes, yes.

Some offers include temporary accommodation or an accommodation allowance, especially for international candidates moving from abroad. Others may give you time to find your own place after arrival.

Accommodation is one of the biggest concerns for candidates moving to Portugal, especially in Lisbon and Porto, where demand can be high. If housing is included, check the details carefully:

• Is it temporary or long-term?
• Is it shared accommodation?
• Are bills included?
• How long can you stay there?
• Is it deducted from your salary or included as a benefit?

A relocation package can make your first weeks much easier, but it is always better to understand the conditions before saying yes.

7. How much money should I bring before moving?

Even if you have a job offer, it is smart to arrive with some savings.

Your first salary may not arrive immediately, and you may need money for food, transport, deposits, documents, local SIM cards, basic household items or unexpected expenses.

The amount depends on your city, your accommodation situation and whether relocation support is included. If your employer provides temporary housing, you may need less. If you need to rent a room yourself, you will probably need more.

As a general rule, candidates should avoid moving with only enough money for the flight. Portugal can be more affordable than some northern European countries, but the first month abroad always brings extra costs.

8. What is the salary like in Portugal?

Salaries in Portugal vary depending on the role, language, company, experience and benefits.

For multilingual customer service and support roles, salary packages may include base salary, meal allowance, performance bonus, health insurance, relocation support or accommodation options.

When comparing offers, do not only look at the gross monthly salary. Look at the full package:

• Gross salary
• Net salary estimate
• Meal allowance
• Bonus structure
• Health insurance
• Accommodation or relocation support
• Working hours
• Contract type
• Career growth opportunities

A lower salary with accommodation included may feel very different from a higher salary where you need to pay rent from day one.

9. Is Portugal expensive to live in?

It depends on the city and your lifestyle.

Lisbon is usually more expensive than smaller cities, especially when it comes to rent. Porto can also be competitive, although many candidates still find it more manageable than other major European capitals.

Smaller cities may offer a lower cost of living, but they may also have fewer international job opportunities.

EURES provides country-specific information about living and working conditions in Portugal, including topics such as accommodation, cost of living, health and social legislation.

For many candidates, Portugal offers a good lifestyle balance: sunny weather, social life, beaches, culture, food and international communities. But it is still important to calculate your budget realistically before moving.

10. What cities are best for international workers?

The most popular cities for international candidates are usually Lisbon and Porto.

Lisbon has a large international community, many global companies, a strong startup scene and plenty of multilingual jobs. It is also a very social city, with events, coworking spaces, nightlife and easy access to beaches.

Porto is smaller but very attractive for candidates who want a beautiful city, a slightly calmer rhythm and a strong cultural identity. It also has international companies and customer support opportunities.

Other cities such as Braga, Coimbra or Faro may also be interesting depending on the job and lifestyle you are looking for.

11. Is Portugal good for a first work abroad experience?

Yes, Portugal can be a great first destination for working abroad.

Many candidates choose Portugal because it feels international but not overwhelming. There are many people from different countries, especially in Lisbon and Porto, and companies are used to hiring international teams.

For young professionals, Portugal can be a good place to gain experience, improve language skills, build confidence and start an international career.

It is also a destination where work and lifestyle often go together. You can work in an international environment during the week and spend your free time discovering beaches, cafés, viewpoints, music, food and new people.

12. What is the work culture like in Portugal?

Portuguese work culture can be professional but also social and relationship-based.

In international companies, the work environment is often multicultural, especially in customer service, tech support, sales and shared service centres. You may work with colleagues from many different countries and use English daily.

Punctuality, communication and reliability are important, but the general atmosphere can feel warmer and more personal than in some other countries.

As always, the experience depends on the company. That is why it is useful to ask recruiters about the team, training, schedule, management style and career path.

13. Will I receive training?

In many international roles, yes.

Companies hiring candidates from abroad usually know that new employees need proper onboarding. Training may include product knowledge, tools, customer communication, company procedures and sometimes language or cultural training.

If you are applying for a customer support, content moderation, sales or technical support role, training is often part of the first weeks.

Before accepting an offer, ask whether training is paid, how long it lasts and whether it is online or on-site.

14. Can I work remotely from Portugal?

Some jobs are remote, some are hybrid and some are fully on-site.

Portugal has become popular among remote workers, but not every job allows remote work. Many customer support and international service roles may require you to work from an office, especially during training.

Hybrid work is also common in some companies, where you may work part of the week from home and part of the week from the office.

Before applying, always check the work model clearly:

• On-site
• Hybrid
• Remote within Portugal
• Remote from another country

This detail matters a lot, especially if you are planning where to live.

15. What happens after I apply through CityJobOffers?

After you apply, the recruitment process usually starts with a review of your profile. If your experience, language level and availability match the role, a recruiter may contact you for the next steps.

Depending on the company, the process may include:

• A first screening call
• Language or skills checks
• One or more interviews
• Information about salary and benefits
• Relocation details
• Final offer and contract steps

The best thing you can do is keep your phone and email active, answer quickly and be honest about your availability, location and expectations.

Recruiters are there to help you understand if the role really fits you — not just to send you to any job.

16. What should I ask the recruiter before accepting a job in Portugal?

Here are some useful questions:

• What is included in the salary package?
• Is accommodation provided or supported?
• Is relocation support included?
• When would I start?
• Is training paid?
• What is the work schedule?
• Is the job on-site, hybrid or remote?
• What documents do I need before arrival?
• Will the company help with NIF, NISS or local registration?
• What are the career growth opportunities?

Asking questions does not make you look difficult. It makes you look prepared.

Final thoughts: Portugal could be your next chapter

Moving to Portugal for work is not just about changing jobs. It is about changing your daily life.

It can mean waking up in a new city, meeting people from different countries, building your confidence, improving your language skills and discovering what you are capable of outside your comfort zone.

Of course, it also comes with practical steps: documents, housing, salary, contracts, relocation and adaptation. But with the right information and the right support, the move can feel much less scary.

If you are thinking about living and working in Portugal, start by exploring real job opportunities, ask the right questions and choose the offer that fits not only your CV, but also the life you want to build.

Ready to work abroad? Discover international job opportunities in Portugal with CityJobOffers and take your next step.