Portugal is a sunny country with friendly people, amazing beaches, and a growing need for workers in many basic jobs. 🌞🌊
This creates real opportunities for simple, entry-level work abroad — even if you have no experience.
This updated 2025 guide explains:
✔️ Unskilled jobs in Portugal for foreigners
✔️ Minimum wage Portugal 2025 (€870 gross)
✔️ How the D1 Work Visa Portugal works
✔️ How to get a legal work contract
✔️ How to avoid scams and work safely in Europe
Let’s begin! 🇵🇹💼
🧰 Top Sectors Hiring Ajudante Geral (General Helper)
Portugal has high demand for manual labor, basic service roles, and seasonal help. These are often easy jobs with no experience required — perfect for beginners.
🏨🌴 1. Tourism & Hospitality
Tourism is huge in places like Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto. These areas hire foreign workers all year, especially during summer.
👨🍳 Cozinha Ajudante (Kitchen Helper)
Tasks include:
- Washing dishes
- Simple food preparation
- Cleaning the kitchen
💶 Salary: Usually the minimum wage or slightly higher
🍽️ Extra: Many places give meal allowance
🧹 Empregos de Limpeza em Turismo (Hotel Cleaning Jobs)
You clean:
- Guest rooms
- Bathrooms
- Public areas
Shifts can be morning or evening. Training and uniforms are usually provided.
🏨 Hotel Jobs with No Experience (Empregos em Hotéis Sem Experiência)
Recruitment agencies often hire temporary workers for:
- Reception support
- Housekeeping
- Event help
Foreigners fit well because tourists speak English.
🍇🚜 2. Agriculture & Seasonal Work
Rural Portugal needs many workers during harvest seasons.
🍓 Apanha de Fruta (Fruit Picking)
Pick:
- Grapes 🍇
- Berries 🍓
- Olives 🫒
This job requires good physical condition. Farms often provide housing.
🏭 Operário Fabril (Factory Worker)
Includes:
- Packing food
- Assembling items
- Preparing goods for transport
Some factories offer shared accommodation and night-shift bonuses.
⏳ Most agriculture jobs last 3–6 months, and you can move to another farm afterward.
📦🚚 3. Logistics & Support Services
Portugal’s logistics and care sectors are growing fast.
📦 Armazém Ajudante (Warehouse Helper)
You help with:
- Loading/unloading
- Sorting packages
- Organizing storage
Companies like Amazon offer these roles. Training is provided.
🧓❤️ Apoio à Terceira Idade (Elderly Care Assistant) & Domestic Cleaning
You assist seniors with:
- Daily routines
- Light cleaning
- Companionship
Agencies handle paperwork and provide basic training.
💶 Salary & Rights Under the Portuguese Labour Code
Portugal protects all workers — including foreigners. 🇵🇹⚖️
📊 Salário Mínimo Portugal 2025
| Salary Metric | Value 2025 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Minimum Wage | €870 | Increased from €820 (2024) |
| Gross Annual Income | €12,180 | Paid in 14 months (Holiday + Christmas bonuses) |
| Estimated Net Salary | €775–€800 | After 11% social security deduction |
🍽️ Extra Benefits
- Food allowance: €5–€8 per working day
- 14 payments/year (extra Holiday & Christmas pay)
- 22+ days paid annual leave
Net salary is enough for basic living — cheaper in small towns, more expensive in Lisbon or Porto.
🛡️ Worker Protections (Código do Trabalho Português)
With a legal work contract, you get:
✔️ NISS (social security number)
✔️ Medical coverage through public healthcare
✔️ Paid holidays & sick leave
✔️ Safety protections
✔️ Protection from unjust dismissal
✔️ Access to unions if needed
🧳🇵🇹 How to Work Legally in Portugal — D1 Work Visa
The safest and best path is the D1 Work Visa Portugal, designed for non-EU workers with a job contract.
🧾 D1 Visa Step-by-Step
1️⃣ Get a Job Offer (Mandatory)
You must first secure:
- A signed work contract
- Salary meeting the minimum wage
- Work conditions stated clearly
2️⃣ Employer’s Responsibility
The employer must request clearance from IEFP (Portugal’s employment institute), proving the job was offered to locals first.
3️⃣ Apply at the Portuguese Consulate (in your home country)
Submit:
- Passport
- Work contract
- Proof of accommodation
- Criminal record certificate
- Health insurance
4️⃣ Enter Portugal & Get Your Residence Permit
The D1 visa is valid for 4 months.
After arrival, apply for your residency card from AIMA.
⏳ Processing time: 2–6 months total.
🛬 After Arriving in Portugal
You will need:
🧾 NIF – tax identification number
🔒 NISS – social security number
🏦 Bank account
📄 Registration with local authorities
This lets you work legally and receive benefits.
⚠️ The old “Expression of Interest” pathway is being restricted.
The best option in 2025 is the D1 visa from your home country.
🛑 Tips to Avoid Scams (Evitar Fraudes de Emprego Portugal)
✔️ Use licensed recruitment agencies
✔️ Never pay money upfront for job offers
✔️ Look for jobs with included housing
✔️ Learn basic Portuguese (helps a lot!)
✔️ Join expat worker groups online
✔️ Always verify every offer carefully
✔️ Prepare savings for 2–3 months of living costs
❓ Want me to help you next?
Would you like:
🔍 A search for the official Portuguese government portal to verify recruitment agency licenses?
👷 A list of legally registered Portuguese recruitment agencies that hire foreign workers?
💬 Assistance finding real jobs in Portugal for 2025?
Just tell me — I can help you find the safest and most official sources. 🇵🇹✨
⚠️ Disclaimer
This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only. The data regarding the Salário Mínimo Portugal 2025 (€870 gross) and the D1 Visa Portugal for Employment requirements are based on the latest available official Portuguese government sources (including the Council of Ministers and AIMA/SEF regulations). This information is subject to change based on new government legislation. Readers are strongly advised to verify all specific visa details, salary figures, and the legitimacy of job offers from the official Portuguese Embassy/Consulate or government websites before applying, traveling, or making financial decisions.