Looking for a job in Portugal

Documents you need

• Identity document

  required

• Degree certificates and transcripts

  optional

• Document that allows you to live and work in Portugal

  Non-EU nationals registering with IEFP.

  optional

• Social security number (NISS)

  Needed to log in to iefponline with Segurança Social Direta.

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Check whether your qualification needs recognition

   For many jobs, employers judge your experience and degree directly. For regulated professions you need recognition by the competent body before practising; DGES lists regulated higher-education fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and architecture.

   Foreign higher-education degrees can be recognised through the national RecON platform of the Directorate-General for Higher Education (DGES). Automatic recognition costs €32.20 and takes up to 30 days after the file is complete (DGES, 2026); recognition of level or specific recognition is requested from Portuguese public universities and polytechnics.

2. 2

   Step 2: Register with IEFP

   You can register if you are at least 16, able and available to work, and have a valid identity document. EU, EEA, Swiss and Andorran citizens show their national ID or passport; other nationals show a document that allows them to live and work in Portugal, such as a residence permit or a job-seeker visa.

   Register online on iefponline (log in with Segurança Social Direta using your NISS, or with the Chave Móvel Digital): create a user, complete your CV and submit the employment registration. Or register in person at an employment centre (Serviço de Emprego), generally open 9:00–17:00, or at the IEFP desk of some Citizen Shops — the Laranjeiras Citizen Shop in Lisbon has one. IEFP validates your registration and may call you for an interview.

3. 3

   Step 3: Search widely

   Besides iefponline, jobs are advertised on private job boards, professional networks, company websites and through recruitment agencies. EU citizens can also use EURES, the European job mobility network, which IEFP lists among its services. Language matters: EURES notes that use of English varies between companies, with customer service, IT and some multinationals most likely to work in English.

4. 4

   Step 4: Prepare your application

   Prepare a CV in Portuguese or English depending on the job, with clear dates and responsibilities, and keep copies of your diplomas ready. Learning Portuguese — even at a basic level — widens your options; free Português Língua de Acolhimento courses are available (see the language guide).

5. 5

   Step 5: Before you start work

   Make sure you have a NIF, a NISS (your employer can request it for you), a Portuguese bank account for your salary, and a written contract. Check the employment rights guide for minimum wage, trial periods and leave.

If you lose your job

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Applying for regulated professions before having the qualification recognised.
• Waiting for a NISS before signing a contract; employers can request it with you.

Tips

• Keep your iefponline profile and CV updated; offers are matched to your profile.
• Ask employers whether the role is eligible for the IFICI tax regime if you are moving from abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Start your job search in PortugalAdd to plan
• Check whether your qualification needs recognition in PortugalAdd to plan
• Register with the employment service IEFPAdd to plan
• Find the residence visa that fits your move to PortugalAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Apr 2027.