Do you want to live and work in Portugal but don’t have any college degrees or specific skills? Unskilled Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners, Don’t worry, foreigners can work in Portugal’s job market, and every year, thousands of unskilled workers are hired in fields like cleaning, building, agriculture, hospitality, and more.
Many Asian and African workers see unskilled jobs in Portugal that support visas as a great way to get a job, make a steady income (€850 to €1,500/month, depending on the industry), and eventually apply for permanent residency.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know, like the types of jobs available, how to apply online, and information about getting a visa.
Details of Unskilled Job in Portugal:
- Job Title: Unskilled Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners
- Country: Portugal
- Knowledge Required: No
- Experience Required: Usually yes (basic work experience preferred)
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Visa Sponsorship: Available for selected employers
Job Categories in Portugal (2026)
These are the most popular low-skilled and moderately skilled jobs that often come with visa sponsorship:
- Staff for customer service and support
- Babysitters and nannies
- Nurses and healthcare assistants
- Staff and packers in a warehouse
- Working in a factory
- Guards for safety
- Cleaners, keepers, and sanitizers
- Workers at a car wash
- Logistics: Pickers and Loaders
- Workers in construction
- Members of the landscaping crew
- People who do laundry
- Maintenance Staff
- Taxi and truck drivers
- People who work in sales
- Staff who work in hotels and restaurants
For foreigners with the right credentials, some semi-skilled jobs are also open, such as financial jobs, ESL teachers, translators, HR help, and IT support.
Work Visa Process for Portugal:
Portugal is part of the EU, meaning non-EU citizens must obtain a work visa to stay and work legally. Here’s how it works:
- Employer Sponsorship: The job posting must stay active for at least one month before the employer can hire a non-EU worker.
- Work Permit Application: The employer applies for your work permit through Portuguese Labor Authorities.
- Work Visa Application: Once the permit is approved, you apply for a work visa at the Portuguese embassy in your home country.
- Visa Duration: Permits are valid for 2 years and renewable.
- Permanent Residency (PR): After 5 years of legal stay and work, you can apply for PR.
Benefits of Job:
- Easy Entry and Quick Hiring: In Portugal, foreigners can get unskilled jobs without having to go through a long process of qualifications or learn specialized skills. This makes it easy to get a job and start making money as soon as they arrive.
- Legal Way to Stay in Portugal and Feel Safe: A lot of low-skilled jobs offer work contracts that help foreigners get residence permits. This sets them up for long-term safety and stability in Portugal.
- Stable Pay at a Fair Minimum Wage: These are low-skilled jobs that pay a stable monthly wage that is in line with Portugal’s minimum wage rules. This way, workers can afford to live and plan for the future.
- Job Openings in a Wide Range of Industries: Foreign workers can find work in many industries across the country, including agriculture, retail, building, hospitality, and more. This means they can pick jobs that fit their physical abilities or lifestyle needs.
- Getting to know the culture and learning the language: Working with locals in low-skilled jobs gives foreigners the chance to use Portuguese, quickly adapt to the culture, and make useful links in the community.
- Opportunities to Move Up to Skilled Jobs: A lot of foreigners start out in low-skilled jobs but later move up to semi-skilled or skilled jobs with the help of training, experience, and company support. This can lead to better-paying career paths.
Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Warehouse Jobs in Portugal
Requirements for Unskilled Jobs in Portugal:
Most of the time, you need to:
- Proof of work (an offer letter or a reference)
- Clean record from your home country and any other places you’ve stayed for more than a year.
- At least €30,000 in health and hospital insurance
- Proof of a place to stay in Portugal
- Original bank records from the last six months, with a minimum balance of less than 200,000 PKR (about €650).
- Certificate for bank maintenance
- Travel insurance that works
- Vaccination records (certified copies)
- Letter of support from your boss
Average Salary of Unskilled Workers in Portugal (2026)
The minimum wage in Portugal was raised to €822.50 per month, but actual earnings rely on the job and industry:
- Cleaning Jobs: €850 – €1,000/month
- Warehouse & Packing: €900 – €1,200/month
- Construction Labour: €1,000 – €1,300/month
- Hospitality Roles: €850 – €1,100/month
- Driving Jobs (Truck/Taxi): €1,200 – €1,500/month
Where to Find Unskilled Jobs in Portugal:
You can apply through trusted job portals such as
- Indeed, Portugal: Search “Unskilled Jobs in Portugal with Visa Sponsorship 2026” and apply directly.
- SimplyHired: Register for free and apply to visa-sponsored listings.
- LinkedIn Jobs: Connect with recruiters and apply for openings.
Conclusion:
In 2026, Portugal will have more jobs available for foreigners with little or no experience, especially in building, logistics, cleaning, and hospitality. It’s a great chance for people who want to work abroad because they can get a sponsored visa, get paid steadily, and eventually become permanent residents.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the average salary for unskilled jobs in Portugal?
Unskilled workers in Portugal usually earn between €850 and €1,500 per month depending on the industry, such as cleaning, logistics, construction, or hospitality, with opportunities for overtime pay and additional allowances.
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How can foreigners apply for unskilled jobs in Portugal?
Foreigners can apply through online job portals like Indeed, SimplyHired, and LinkedIn, submit applications directly to employers, and secure an offer letter required for visa sponsorship and work permit approval.
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Do unskilled jobs in Portugal include visa sponsorship?
Yes, many unskilled jobs in Portugal provide visa sponsorship, allowing non-EU workers to apply legally. Employers must post the job for at least one month before hiring a foreign candidate for work permit processing.
