In-Demand Professions in Portugal Easing Work Visa Acquisition in 2024

In-Demand Professions in Portugal Easing Work Visa Acquisition in 2024

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Portugal, with one of the oldest populations in Europe, requires foreign workers to address labor shortages.
2. Labor shortages are prominent in food and hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and IT sectors.
3. Migration is projected to reduce Portugal's unemployment rate.

Portugal Faces Labor Shortages Across Multiple Sectors

Portugal is experiencing significant labor shortages in 31 occupations, according to the latest European Labour Authority report. The most impacted sectors include food and hospitality, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and information technology.

Additionally, Portugal has one of the highest percentages of elderly citizens among EU countries. Eurostat statistics show that the share of people aged 65 and above in Portugal increased from 23.7 percent in 2022 to 24 percent in 2023.

While these issues challenge the Portuguese labor market, they also create more employment opportunities for international workers. Foreigners seeking to live and work in Portugal have a better chance of securing a work visa if they belong to any of the most in-demand professions.

According to the 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses, some of the professions facing labor shortages include:

  • Garden and horticultural laborers
  • Crop farm laborers
  • Heavy truck and lorry drivers
  • Sewing machine operators
  • Electrical mechanics and fitters
  • Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers
  • Metal working machine tool setters and operators
  • Welders and flame cutters
  • Plumbers and pipe fitters
  • Bricklayers and related workers
  • Home-based personal care workers
  • Bartenders
  • Waiters
  • Cooks and kitchen helpers
  • Hotel receptionists
  • Applications programmers
  • Software developers
  • Nursing professionals
  • Generalist/Specialist medical practitioners
  • Electrical engineers

Seasonal Variations in Labor Shortages

The report also found that some occupations experience seasonal labor shortages. For instance, kitchen assistants and waiters are in short supply between April and October but are in surplus between November and March. Other seasonal occupations experiencing shortages during specific periods include hotel receptionists, cooks, bartenders, and crop farm laborers.

Migration Expected to Reduce Unemployment

Portugal's unemployment rate rose from 6.2 percent in 2022 to 6.5 percent in 2023. However, an analysis by the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs of the EU Commission predicts a decrease in this rate due to positive migration flows.

In early 2024, the working-age population increased due to positive migration, which is expected to gradually absorb the labor supply. The unemployment rate is projected to be 6.5 percent in 2024 and 6.4 percent in 2025.

Basic Rules for Foreigners Applying for a Work Visa in Portugal

Citizens of EU/EFTA countries and Switzerland do not need a visa to work in Portugal. However, they need a Residence Certificate if they plan to live in the country for over three months. Citizens of other countries require a work visa to work in Portugal, with the application process to be completed by the employer through the Portuguese Labour Authorities.

Before submitting the application, the employer must confirm that the job vacancy has been posted for at least one month to allow Portuguese workers to apply. This ensures that Portuguese or EU citizens had the opportunity to fill the position.

Cost of Living in Portugal

Prospective residents may also consider the living expenses in Portugal. According to the Cost of Living Index 2024 by Numbeo, Portugal is ranked 29th in Europe and 60th in the world.

A single person’s estimated monthly expenses, excluding rent, are approximately €670. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €960 per month, while the same size apartment outside the city center costs about €730 per month.

A one-way ticket for local transport costs about €2, and a monthly pass ticket costs €40. Living expenses may vary depending on the number of family members and apartment location.

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