Working in Portugal

Working in Portugal: Jobs for German and Dutch speakers, salaries & life abroad

Want to work somewhere others go on holiday? Then working in Portugal might just be your next move. Picture this: you finish your shift, grab a coffee and a pastel de nata for under €2, and twenty minutes later you're sitting by the sea. Portugal has long been more than just a travel destination. More and more international companies in Lisbon and Porto are actively looking for German and Dutch speakers ready to relocate to Portugal and build a life abroad. No Portuguese required, just sun, ocean, and a lifestyle that feels a little more relaxed. In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know, from salaries and living costs to getting settled when you arrive. 🇵🇹

I was nervous at first, but Lisbon welcomed me with open arms. Now I can barely imagine living anywhere else." — Sophie, 23, Lisbon

Can I work in Portugal as an EU citizen?

Yes. As an EU citizen, you can work in Portugal without a visa. Thanks to freedom of movement within the EU, you don't need a work permit, you can start right away. To get started, you'll need:

• NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — Portugal's tax identification number, which you can apply for at the local tax office (Finanças) or online

• NISS — your social security number, applied for at the Centro de Segurança Social
  

Many employers will help you sort out both of these on your first day, which makes the whole process a lot smoother.

What kinds of jobs are available for German and Dutch speakers in Portugal?

Many international companies are based in Portugal and serve customers across Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Switzerland, which is why there's strong demand for German and Dutch speakers who can hit the ground running.

Typical roles include:

• Customer Service Advisor

• Content Moderator

• Sales Agent

• Technical Support
  

Brands you might work with:

You won't be working directly for these companies, but rather on projects that serve global brands such as:

• Netflix

• Mercedes

• Bol
  

Most of these positions:

• Are conducted in your native language

• Don't require Portuguese

• Involve international, multicultural teams

• Come with a free Portuguese language course through your employer
  

Common perks include:

• Flights covered

• Accommodation included

• Support with paperwork and relocation

Can I get by without speaking Portuguese?

TAbsolutely. Both your native language, and English are used within the team. In everyday life, a few basics go a long way — olá, obrigado, por favor — but for your job, Portuguese isn't required.
Good to know: many employers even offer a free Portuguese course, so you can pick up the language naturally on the side.

Salaries and cost of living in Portugal

Salaries in Portugal are lower than in Germany or the Netherlands, but so is the cost of living, often significantly so. Depending on your personal situation, there may also be tax advantages for newcomers. Check with your employer or a tax advisor for the latest details.

German and Dutch speaking customer service jobs in Portugal: approx. €1,200–1,500 gross/month + bonuses and benefits.
For context, Portugal's current minimum wage is around €920 gross. A customer-facing role for German or Dutch speakers puts you comfortably above that.

Cost of living examples:

• Studio apartment in Lisbon: €700–1,100/month

• Studio apartment in Porto: €600–900/month

• Shared room: approx. €350–600 (depending on location)

• Coffee + pastel de nata: €1.50–2.50

• Lunch menu at a restaurant: €8–15

• Monthly metro pass: approx. €40

• Surfing or gym: affordable and easy to access
  

Public transportation: Both Lisbon and Porto have well-developed, affordable metro networks. A monthly pass costs around €40 in both cities. From central Lisbon, the nearest beach on the outskirts is about 30–40 minutes away; Matosinhos beach near Porto is roughly 20 minutes by metro. For day trips to the Algarve or the Douro Valley, cheap coaches and trains are available from around €10–20.

Lisbon is Portugal's biggest job hub, with average gross salaries of €1,300–1,500. Porto is around 20% cheaper day-to-day, with salaries ranging from €1,200–1,400 gross. If you work remotely and can choose where to live, say, the Algarve, you'll typically pay about 10% less than in Lisbon.
The bottom line: even on a moderate salary, you can enjoy a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle, especially if your employer is covering flights and accommodation. 🌊

Porto caught me off guard from the start: lower rents, a slower pace, and yet nothing feels missing. It was the perfect first step into life abroad." — Eva, 27, Porto

How to find German or Dutch speaking jobs in Portugal

The easiest way is through platforms like Yobbers. Here's how it works:

1. Choose a job

2. Apply online

3. Have an introductory call with a Yobbers recruiter

4. Have an interview directly with the employer

5. Receive an offer and move to Portugal
   

Many companies support you with:

• Flight costs

• Airport pickup

• Accommodation

• Help getting your NIF and NISS
  

You don't have to figure it all out on your own.

From day one I had a place to stay and someone to walk me through all the admin. I never expected relocating abroad to be this straightforward." — River, 25, Lisbon

Moving to Portugal from Germany or the Netherlands: steps, documents & your first weeks

The move is simpler than most people think. Here's how to get started:

1. Line up your job

2. Travel to Portugal

3. Apply for your NIF (your employer often handles this)

4. Apply for your NISS (also usually organized by the company)

5. Open a bank account
   

Documents you'll need:

• A clean criminal record check

• A copy of your passport or national ID

• A copy of your school or university certificate
  

Good to know: many employers will accept your home country bank account at first. Down the line, it's worth opening a Portuguese account or a free EU account (such as N26 or Revolut).

Finding accommodation in Portugal

Many jobs through Yobbers include accommodation, so you can arrive stress-free and look for your own place once you're settled.
If you're searching independently, useful platforms include:

• Idealista — one of Portugal's main property portals

• Uniplaces (use code UP20YOBBERS26 for a discount)

• Spotahome (use code YOBBERS20 for a discount)

• HousingAnywhere(through this link with a discount)
  

There you will find:

• Furnished apartments

• Rooms in shared flats

• Long-term rentals
  

Tip: look at neighbourhoods slightly outside the centre, rents are often noticeably lower while metro connections are just as good. Also check out our guides for accommodation in Lisbon and accommodation in Porto.

Lisbon or Porto? Finding the right city for you

Choosing between Portugal's two biggest cities comes down to what matters most to you day-to-day.

Lisbon is Portugal's largest job hub. Most international companies are based here, and it offers the widest range of German and Dutch speaking jobs in Lisbon for those looking to work and live abroad. Ideal if you want maximum job choice and a buzzing city lifestyle. Gross salary: approx. €1,300–1,500/month.

→ Everything about jobs, neighbourhoods, and life in Lisbon.

Porto is quieter, around 20% cheaper to live in, and has a growing number of job opportunities. Perfect if you value community, Douro-side vibes, and a bit more breathing room. Gross salary: approx. €1,200–1,400/month.

→ Everything about jobs, neighbourhoods, and life in Porto.

Remote jobs in Portugal

With a remote job in Portugal, you're free to choose where you live, whether that's the Algarve, somewhere near Lisbon or Porto, or anywhere in between. One thing to note: remote means working from mainland Portugal, not from the islands like Madeira or the Azores.

Workplace culture in Portugal

The work culture in Portugal is international and generally more relaxed than in Germany or the Netherlands. Teamwork and a positive atmosphere are genuinely valued.

What to expect:

• International teams from across Europe and beyond

• Modern office spaces

• Structured hours, often in shifts (8 hours, 5 days a week)

• Extra pay for evening, night, or weekend shifts

• Access to the public health system (SNS) via your social security number

• Many employers also offer private health insurance
  

Work-life balance: Portugal takes free time seriously. After work, you're not just heading home, you're wandering through Alfama, grabbing a glass of wine with colleagues, or making a quick trip to the beach. Weekends are easy to fill: by train or bus, you can reach the Algarve, Sintra, or the Douro Valley for very little. Portugal is small enough to explore and varied enough to keep surprising you. 🏄

Experiences & tips from Portugal

Want to know even more about living and working in Portugal? Check out our blogs and first-hand stories:

• A day in the life in Lisbon: River's experience living in Portugal

• Jobs in Portugal for German and Dutch speakers: salary, costs and everyday life

• Porto vs. Lisbon: Eva's experience studying and working in Portugal

• Working in Lisbon and finding love: Max's story

• A typical working day in Portugal: life and work abroad

Your first words in Portuguese

Work happens in German or Dutch, but a little Portuguese goes down well in everyday life:

• Olá — Hello

• Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you

• Por favor — Please

• Posso pedir um Pastel de Nata? — Can I order a pastel de nata?

• Queres ir à praia comigo? — Do you want to go to the beach with me?

• Trabalho em Lisboa e adoro estar aqui! — I work in Lisbon and I love it here!