(Daily Point) — In June of this year, Portugal registered around 57,375 job openings, showing opportunities for potential employees, especially in sectors grappling with recruitment challenges.

The country is actively seeking skilled workers in information and communication technologies, business support centers, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, construction, and renewable energy.

Prospective foreign workers aiming to live and work in Portugal have enhanced prospects of obtaining a Portuguese work visa if their professional backgrounds align with the high-demand sectors. The “Working in Portugal” program, introduced by the government last year, streamlines the process by assisting immigrants in acquiring necessary documents for legal entry, stay, and access to employment opportunities.

Portugal’s aging population, with 23% aged over 65, necessitates the reliance on foreign workers to address labor shortages. Various sectors in Portugal are actively recruiting individuals for specific occupations.

Key Occupations in Demand:

1. Information & Communication Technologies (ICT): In-demand professions include software developers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and IT engineers, with salaries ranging from €50,360 to €50,932 annually.
2. Business Support Centres: Companies are seeking staff in sales administration, human resources, accounting, and management control, offering average salaries like €52,696 for HR managers, €38,438 for accountants, and €30,242 for sales representatives.
3. Healthcare: Demand exists for doctors and nurses with various specializations, offering average salaries of €88,488 for medical doctors and €31,702 for registered nurses.
4. Hospitality & Tourism: Positions related to hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, and tourism are in demand, with average salaries including €27,797 for kitchen chefs, €14,609 for waiters, and €12,932 for baristas.
5. Agriculture: Seasonal workers, especially fruit and vegetable pickers, are needed, with an average salary of €10,628 per year.
6. Construction: Plumbers, electricians, and other skilled tradespeople are sought after, with salaries ranging from €29,927 to €31,199 per year.
7. Renewable Energy: Workers with expertise in development, installation, and maintenance are needed, with varying salaries depending on the specific occupation.

Job Vacancies and Preferred Regions:

The majority of job vacancies are concentrated in the Centre region of Portugal, with demand in personal care, healthcare, transportation, pharmaceuticals, civil construction, machine operation, and agriculture (seasonal unskilled workers).

Work Visa Requirements: While citizens of EU/EFA countries and Switzerland don’t need a visa to work in Portugal, other foreign nationals require a work visa. The application process involves employers posting job vacancies for at least a month, allowing relevant authorities to assess the availability of Portuguese or EU citizens for the position.

Cost of Living in Portugal: For individuals considering a move to Portugal, the estimated monthly expenses for a single person, excluding rent, are €617. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately €773.78 per month. Monthly expenses for a family of four are estimated to be €2,168.6, with a three-bedroom apartment’s rent in the city center averaging €1,275.27. Living outside the city center can result in lower monthly rents, around €992.89.

Understanding these aspects, including job market dynamics, work visa procedures, and living costs, provides valuable insights for those contemplating a professional journey in Portugal.