Want to get hired in Portugal without knowing Portuguese? Here's how

5 ways to get a job in Portugal as a non-Portuguese speaker

Are you looking to enjoy the culture, lower cost of living, and great weather year-round in Portugal but don’t speak Portuguese? Don’t worry! It might seem challenging, but it’s not impossible.

And that’s because there are plenty of companies that don’t require applicants to be fluent in Portuguese. Instead, they’re happy to hire people who can demonstrate their competency through another language.

Depending on your particular skill set, this could make things easier for you. After all, the majority of jobs in Portugal require fluency in one of their official languages (i.e., English, French, German, and so on).

This guide aims to give you an insight into how the Portuguese job market works and which opportunities will suit you as an expat who isn’t fluent in Portuguese:

The Portuguese job market for expats

For an expat, the first challenge when looking for a job in Portugal is finding opportunities that you’re able to apply for. There are plenty of websites that list Portuguese job opportunities, but you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at websites that cater to expats.

There are some websites aimed at Portuguese nationals, but these will be in Portuguese and therefore may be difficult for a non-Portuguese speaker to navigate.

Luckily, there are many companies in Portugal that look for foreigners to work in their native language. So with websites like City Job Offers, you can find jobs in Lisbon and Porto, and not have to know Portuguese.

1. Jobs that don’t require Portuguese fluency

If you’re not a fluent Portuguese speaker but still want to work in Portugal, you’ll definitely want to look at the job categories that don’t require a knowledge of Portuguese.

Sectors like sales, marketing, customer service, IT, or even more specific roles like content moderators or UX/UI designers offer job opportunities to work in languages like German, Dutch, French, Polish, Italian, and so on.

Part-time jobs are also a great option as you can work comfortably in your first language and have more time to take Portuguese classes or just enjoy the laid-back life in Portugal.

2. Choosing the right company to work for

Finding an employer that doesn’t require fluency in Portuguese can be helpful, but you also want to make sure you’re working for a company that treats their employees fairly.

To ensure you’ve found a good company, consider the following factors:

• What is the company’s salary and benefits package like? This will give you an idea of the company’s overall standard of living.
• How do they treat their employees? You can learn a lot about a company by reading reviews from current and former employees.
• Is the company growing? You want to be part of a company that is investing in the future and has a good growth path ahead of them.

3. Pro tip: Get your foot in the door with your language skill

Your first language is your biggest asset. Companies like Google Ads, Netflix, Adidas, Nintendo, and more are looking for workers from Norway, Germany, Belgium, England, the Netherlands, and all over Europe to work in their mother tongue.

This can also help you receive better job offers and more benefits, as companies will work hard to convince you to join them. The job market is competitive, so this could result in a potential employer covering your relocation costs, allowing you to work remotely, offering higher salaries, and more.

4. English is key

You can find work in Portugal without being fluent in Portuguese, but it’s important to have a certain level of English. Many jobs will require at least a B1 or B2 level of English, apart from your native language. You may also need to speak to colleagues or clients from other countries in English.

While some knowledge of Portuguese might help in communicating with coworkers, these organizations are very diverse and international; so it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t speak at least some English.

For some jobs, like those in IT, English is the main language spoken. So if that’s your sector, you likely won’t need to worry about learning Portuguese. Plus, most IT jobs allow for remote work.

5. City Job Offers

You can look at job boards online or check out job opportunities abroad with City Job Offers. You’ll even have an expert recruiter who speaks your native language to guide you through the whole process.

Why?

• It’s free.
• You can find jobs in some of the most exciting cities in Portugal.
• Work in your native language.
• We have remote and hybrid jobs.
• Most are entry-level jobs or don’t require much experience.
• Some have relocation packages, meaning all expenses are paid. You just have to enjoy your new experience.

So what are you waiting for? Your next job in Spain is just a click away!

Lisbon has become a hotspot for digital nomads. This has resulted in an increase of coworking spaces and cafes for remote workers. Want to find out which ones are the best? Read more here →