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

Dreaming of living in Portugal but worried that you don’t speak Portuguese? The good news is that not every employer expects international candidates to know the local language.

Portugal is home to many international companies that recruit people to support customers and markets across Europe. In these roles, your native language can be more important than Portuguese—especially if you speak German, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish or another European language.

Of course, learning some basic Portuguese will make everyday life easier and help you feel more at home. But it doesn’t necessarily have to stop you from finding your first job in the country.

Here are five practical ways to improve your chances of getting a job in Portugal without speaking Portuguese.

1. Focus on jobs where your native language is an advantage

The key is to search for positions aimed at international markets rather than roles serving only Portuguese customers.

Many global companies have offices and service centres in Lisbon, Porto and other Portuguese cities. They often need multilingual employees who can communicate with customers in their native language.

Some of the most common opportunities include:

• Customer service
• Technical support
• Sales and account management
• Content moderation
• Trust and safety
• Digital marketing
• Back-office support
• IT and software development
• Tourism and hospitality

Customer support and content-related positions are particularly suitable for people starting their careers abroad, as many employers provide full training and do not require extensive previous experience.

When searching online, use terms such as “German-speaking jobs in Portugal”, “Dutch customer service Lisbon” or “English-speaking jobs in Porto”. This will produce much more relevant results than simply searching for jobs in Portugal.

You can also explore the latest jobs in Portugal available through City Job Offers.

2. Use your language skills as your strongest selling point

Speaking another language fluently is not just a personal skill—it can be a real professional advantage.

International companies need employees who understand their customers’ language, culture and communication style. If you can provide support to a specific European market, you may have access to opportunities that are not available to Portuguese-only candidates.

Make your language abilities easy to find on your CV. Include:

• Your native language
• Your level of English
• Any additional languages you speak
• Previous experience working with customers
• International study or work experience
• Communication and problem-solving skills

Mention your language clearly in the title or opening section of your CV. For example:

German-speaking customer service professional with B2 English

Even if you do not have direct experience in the position, employers may still consider you if you have the right language skills and can demonstrate that you are adaptable, motivated and comfortable communicating with people.

3. Make sure your English is strong enough for the workplace

You may not need Portuguese, but you will usually need a reasonable level of English.

In many international workplaces, English is used for internal communication, training sessions, company systems and conversations between colleagues from different countries. Job descriptions commonly ask for at least an intermediate level, although the exact requirement depends on the company and position.

You don’t need perfect English to apply for every role. However, you should be able to:

• Understand instructions and training materials
• Communicate with colleagues
• Participate in an interview
• Write simple professional messages
• Explain a problem and ask for help

If you work in IT, digital marketing or another international field, English may even be the main working language.

Before applying, practise explaining your experience and motivation in English. A little interview preparation can make a big difference to your confidence.

4. Look for jobs with relocation support

Moving to another country can feel overwhelming, particularly when you need to arrange accommodation, documents and travel at the same time.

Fortunately, some employers in Portugal offer relocation support to international candidates. Depending on the company and position, the package may include:

• A flight reimbursement
• Airport pickup
• Temporary accommodation
• Help finding a permanent home
• Assistance with local registration
• Support opening a bank account
• Private health insurance
• Paid training

Not every vacancy includes all these benefits, so read the conditions carefully and ask the recruiter what is covered before accepting an offer.

Relocation packages can be particularly helpful if this is your first time working abroad. They allow you to focus on starting your new job while receiving support with the practical side of the move.

If you are an EU citizen, you generally do not need a work permit to work in Portugal. However, registration requirements may apply depending on how long you stay. Candidates from outside the EU normally need the appropriate visa or residence authorisation, so it is important to check your eligibility before applying. Official EU guidance confirms that EU nationals generally do not need a permit to work elsewhere in the EU.

5. Apply through a platform specialising in international jobs

General Portuguese job boards can be difficult to navigate if you don’t speak the language. They may also contain many vacancies where Portuguese is essential.

A platform specialising in international recruitment can help you find opportunities that match your language, experience and preferred destination.

At City Job Offers, you can discover positions with international companies looking specifically for multilingual candidates.

Why apply through City Job Offers?

• The service is free for candidates.
• You can apply for jobs using your native language.
• Many vacancies are suitable for entry-level candidates.
• Remote, hybrid and office-based opportunities may be available.
• Some employers provide relocation assistance.
• Our recruiters can support you during the selection process.
• You can find opportunities in Lisbon, Porto and other European destinations.

Instead of applying randomly to hundreds of vacancies, focus on jobs that genuinely match your language profile and eligibility. A targeted application is much more likely to lead to an interview.

Can you really work in Portugal without speaking Portuguese?

Yes, particularly if you speak a language that international employers need.

Your options will depend on your language combination, professional experience and right to work in Portugal. Learning Portuguese will certainly help you integrate and may open more opportunities in the future, but it is not always necessary for securing your first international role.

Start by focusing on multilingual positions, preparing a clear CV in English and checking whether the employer offers relocation support. With the right search strategy, moving to Portugal could be much closer than you think.

Ready to begin? Explore our latest jobs in Portugal and find an opportunity where your language skills can take you further.

Thinking seriously about making the move? Discover why moving to Portugal could be the right choice for you.