More people are choosing to work in Portugal than ever, from digital nomads and startup founders to remote employees and job seekers chasing new opportunities. With Portugal’s sunny climate, welcoming culture, and growing tech ecosystem, it’s very easy to see why.

Working in Portugal as an expat has never been more popular, but figuring out how to legally work here, what visa you need, and how to get a job in Portugal can be confusing, especially if you're not a native speaker. 

Whether you're an American chasing a new lifestyle, a crypto-native escaping overregulation, or a freelancer looking to reduce taxes, this guide is for you. We've helped hundreds make the move with Touchdown, and here’s what you need to know.

What’s new in 2025

Portugal’s immigration landscape has evolved. The new NHR 2.0 tax regime was released after the end of the original NHR. Some things have changed, but this keeps Portugal an interesting location for so many people looking for a new country to work in. (Read more about the new NHR here)

And that’s not all. Portugal also came up with the IRS Jovem – a new tax scheme for young people under 35 in Portugal. (More about IRS Jovem here)

What’s more, with Portugal’s remote work and tech talent demand growing, there are more English-speaking jobs and international-friendly companies than ever. The key is knowing which route fits your goals and profile.

Why working in Portugal is worth it

✅ Warm weather, strong expat communities, and great quality of life
✅ New visa options for digital nomads, job seekers, and entrepreneurs
✅ Fast-growing job market for tech, tourism, customer service & startups
✅ Remote work-friendly environment with coworking hubs
✅ EU access and a possible path to Portuguese residency and citizenship

Visa options for working in Portugal (2025)

1.

Best for: Remote workers or freelancers with income over ~€3,480/month (4x minimum wage).
- You’ll need proof of remote income, health insurance, and a Portuguese tax ID (NIF).

Apply via the Portuguese consulate in your home country or through Touchdown’s visa service.

2.

Best for: People with a job offer from a Portuguese company.

3. Job Seeker Visa

Best for: People actively looking for work in Portugal.
- Valid for 120 days (renewable once). You must show proof of funds and accommodation.

4. Startup or Entrepreneur Visa

Best for: Founders launching innovative companies.
Portugal’s Startup Visa requires endorsement from a local incubator and a solid business plan.

Touchdown can help map the right path based on your idea and setup.

Where to find a job in Portugal (based on your situation)

Expats and Americans – try LinkedIn or Expat, both are full of international-friendly listings and remote opportunities.

Tech & remote workers – Landing.jobs is Portugal’s go-to platform for tech roles. Remote OK also features jobs that don’t require relocation.

English speakers – There are pages listing jobs where Portuguese is not required, like englishjobs.pt. You can also try different Facebook groups for expats in Portugal.

Entrepreneurs – Explore Startup Portugal or pitch your idea to Unicorn Factory Lisboa for local support.

Common questions about working in Portugal

Can foreigners work in Portugal?

Yes, also non-EU citizens can work in Portugal if they have a valid visa. There are multiple visa options in 2025, including the Digital Nomad Visa, Work Visa, and Job Seeker Visa.

Is it hard for Americans to get a job in Portugal?

Not necessarily. While Portuguese or EU applicants can often be preferred, Americans with tech skills, remote roles, or English teaching qualifications stand a good chance, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

Can I work in Portugal if I only speak English?

Yes, especially in tech, tourism, and customer support roles. Many startups and global companies use English as their working language. But speaking Portuguese is a long-term advantage.

Can you live in Portugal on €1,000 a month?

It depends on the city. In Lisbon, that’s tough. But in smaller towns or inland areas, it's possible, especially with shared accommodation. However, for a comfortable life, €1,300–€1,500/month is more realistic.

How the process works (and how Touchdown helps)

You don’t need to figure it all out alone. With Touchdown, here’s how the journey typically looks:

✅ Get a free visa recommendation
✅ Apply for a Portuguese tax ID (NIF)
✅ Gather the required documents and book your appointment
✅ Relocate with confidence, visa, bank, housing, and compliance sorted

Whether you're applying solo, as a couple, or with a family, we simplify every step so you can focus on the move, not the paperwork.

Need help figuring it out?

Still feeling unsure? We’ll help you explore all your options, from remote-friendly visas to job seeker routes. Whether you’re self-employed, a startup founder, or a retiree exploring part-time work, there’s a path for you.

Touchdown is your partner in navigating Portugal’s legal, tax, and relocation landscape, with a 99% visa approval rate.

Ready to work in Portugal?

Portugal has a lot to offset, but getting started can feel overwhelming. Between choosing the right visa, figuring out the paperwork, and actually landing a job, it’s easy to get stuck.

That’s where Touchdown comes in. We help you from choosing the best visa to setting you up with a local tax ID, and walking you through the relocation step by step.

We specialise in relocation, tax strategy, and business setup for global professionals landing in Portugal.

Join a growing, connected international community that is thriving in some of the fastest growing corners of the world. Portugal - now; Spain - soon; the rest of the world - to come. 

👉 Want to know more? We’ll walk you through it – no jargon, just straight answers. Answer a couple of questions in the Touchdown Advisor to book a free introduction call with our team.