I composed this article to offer a comprehensive overview of the skills shortage positions available in Portugal for foreign nationals, as well as to offer you some valuable insights into the Portuguese labor market. As you are aware, Portugal is a top tourist destination, which is why there are numerous permanent positions available in the tourism and hospitality industries. The majority of these positions are highly compensated.

So, foreigners are eligible to apply for positions as overseas skilled workers in Portugal. However, there are specific requirements, including language proficiency, qualifications, and visas, that must be met by the job applicant. Consequently, I have composed this informative article to assist you in navigating these processes.

Check Also: Portugal Job Seeker VISA – Check Here

List of Skills Shortage Jobs in Portugal for Foreign Job Seekers

According to the European CEDEFOP report, a significant number of skill-shortage job positions are associated with seasonal work and business categories, including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and the tourism sector. Conversely, certain standard occupations are in high demand, including nannies, cleaners, construction workers, programmers, healthcare staff, and aerospace and IT personnel.

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In addition, it may be worthwhile to mention that Portugal discourages international recruitment for certain low-demand surplus job positions, including mining workers, leather industry staff, textile staff, tool makers, trades workers, and blacksmith workers.

Can You Get a Job in Portugal as a foreigner?

You are eligible to apply for high-demand skill shortage jobs in Portugal, as I previously explained. However, I would like to provide further clarification. If you are a citizen of an EEA European Economic Area country or a European Union (EU) region, you will have no difficulty locating employment opportunities in Portugal. If you are a citizen of any other country, you are permitted to search for employment opportunities in Portugal online. Upon receiving an appointment letter, you will be required to apply for a Portugal work visa or a job seeker’s visa.

In addition, I recommend that you prepare your resume, CV, and cover letter in accordance with the job specifications. Additionally, you should prepare supporting documents, including work experience letters, recommendations, degrees, and transcripts, for the purpose of submitting your job applications in Portugal.

And now, if you are unsure of where to begin your job search in Portugal, please visit the Portugal Government Jobs page. This page will also provide you with a list of all available job positions. As previously mentioned, this government portal is also dedicated to the recruitment of staff for skill-shortage occupations, including call centers, IT, tourism, metallurgy, health, construction, and agriculture. All of these positions are advertised on the IEFP jobs page.

Benefits of Skills Shortage Jobs in Portugal:

• Job Opportunities: Frequently, regions of Portugal experiencing a dearth of skilled labor have an increased need for qualified professionals. International laborers possessing the necessary proficiencies might discover an abundance of employment prospects and an increased need for their specialized knowledge.
• Competitive Salaries: Employers may provide competitive compensation in regions with a scarcity of skilled personnel as a means to entice and retain qualified personnel. This may elevate the living conditions of foreign laborers employed in these positions.
• Visa Assistance: Certain nations, Portugal included, might simplify the visa application procedure for candidates occupying positions with a shortage of qualified personnel. This may facilitate the acquisition of essential work permits by foreign laborers.
• Career Progression: Employment in a sector where skills are scarce may present prospects for professional growth. Professionals who possess sought-after skills may be offered positions that entail more substantial obligations and prospects for advancement.
• Networking on a Global Scale: Skill shortage positions frequently draw professionals from around the globe. Globalization and diversity are fostered in the workplace, enabling international employees to establish connections with individuals from various professional and cultural contexts.
• Cultural Experience: International employees who reside and work in Portugal are afforded the chance to immerse themselves in the nation’s opulent history, culture, and way of life. Cultural immersion can be a gratifying experience that fosters both personal and professional development.
• Language Opportunities: Even though Portuguese is the official tongue, a considerable number of professionals in Portugal, particularly in sectors with a dearth of skilled labor, are conversant in English. This presents an opportunity for foreign employees to gain practical experience in Portuguese while working in an environment that is conducive to the English language.
• Life Quality: Portugal is renowned for its exceptional standard of living. International workers who are employed in regions with a scarcity of skills may have the opportunity to appreciate the nation’s agreeable climate, varied landscapes, and dynamic cultural milieu.
• EU Membership Accessibility: Portugal’s membership in the European Union grants foreign workers occupying positions with insufficient skills the opportunity to engage with a more extensive labor market across Europe. This may provide opportunities for employment in other EU member states.
• Contribution to Economic Growth: International laborers contribute to the development and expansion of the Portuguese economy by occupying positions that require individuals with specialized skills. They enhance the competitiveness and productivity of the nation’s industrial sectors.

Applying for a Portuguese Work VISA:

Applying for a work visa in Portugal is the final stage after receiving a job offer. This can be accomplished by applying for a work visa at any Portuguese embassy in your area, along with the necessary documents and an application fee of €90.

You will be permitted to enter Portugal for work purposes upon acquiring your temporary visa. However, you will be required to convert your temporary visa into a Portuguese residence permit at a cost of approximately €83.

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