Employment in Portugal
Economy
Portugal combines a services-led economy with strong export activity in sectors such as tourism, business services, automotive components, textiles, footwear, renewable energy and technology. As of 1 January 2024, Portugal had about 10.6 million inhabitants, and GDP per inhabitant was EUR 23,500 in 2022. Between 2018 and 2022, GDP per capita increased by 18%, showing steady medium-term economic progress. Lisbon and Porto are the main economic centres, while Braga, Aveiro, Coimbra and Faro also play important regional roles.
Demography
Portugal has a population of about 10.6 million people. The country is urbanised along the coast, with Lisbon as the largest metropolitan area and Porto as the second major employment hub. An ageing population and persistent emigration in some age groups have increased pressure on employers in several sectors, which is one reason Portugal has become more open to international recruitment and highly qualified migration.
Migration
Portugal has a long history of both emigration and immigration. In recent years it has increasingly relied on foreign workers and international professionals to support economic growth, seasonal demand and specialist occupations. For highly qualified non-EU nationals, Portugal offers routes for highly qualified activity and the EU Blue Card. Under Portugal’s rules for highly qualified work, AIMA states that the salary threshold is generally 1.5 times the national gross average salary, with a lower threshold for certain shortage occupations in major groups 1 and 2.
Employment
According to EURES, more than 5.4 million people were active on the labour market in Portugal in 2023, and the employment rate reached 72.4%, above the EU27 average. Portugal’s labour market offers opportunities in tourism, shared services, customer support, construction, healthcare, engineering and information technology. As in many European countries, labour shortages are visible in software, healthcare, construction and engineering-related occupations, which improves prospects for both local workers and internationally recruited talent.
Working in Germany
Portugal is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area, making it attractive for companies recruiting international talent and for professionals seeking mobility within Europe.
For non-EU professionals, Portugal offers pathways for skilled immigration, including the EU Blue Card and other highly qualified residence routes.
Immigration Office
Government agency for Employment
