Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by TrendyAcads

“Portugal approved over 62,000 work permits for foreign workers in 2024 — with a large portion going to unskilled roles in agriculture, hospitality, cleaning, and construction.” — Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF)

Portugal is one of the most foreign-worker-friendly countries in Europe, with a high demand for unskilled labour in agriculture, hospitality, logistics, caregiving, and construction. The country’s declining population, increased tourism, and expanding agricultural sector make 2025 a perfect year to apply.

If you’re seeking a legal opportunity to work in Europe, unskilled jobs in Portugal with visa sponsorship offer one of the easiest and most accessible entry points through the D1 Work Visa or Seasonal Visa routes.

This detailed guide explains salaries, visa types, employers, requirements, and exactly how to apply.

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Why Portugal Is Hiring Foreign Workers in 2025

Portugal faces workforce shortages for several reasons:

1. Ageing population

Demand is rising for domestic helpers, caregivers, and home support workers.

2. Tourism growth

Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Coimbra, and Madeira require more hospitality staff.

3. Strong agricultural regions

Portugal’s fruit, vegetable, and vineyard industries rely heavily on foreign labour.

4. Local workforce shortages

Many locals move to higher-paying countries like Germany, France, or the UK.

5. Legal pathways for hiring foreign workers

Portugal has one of the easiest EU immigration systems for work visas.

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What Are Unskilled Jobs in Portugal?

These jobs require:

• no degree

• minimal experience

• physical strength or simple service skills

• employer-provided training

Many roles offer:

• accommodation

• meals (for farm work)

• work insurance

• work contracts

• EU residence pathway

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Top Unskilled Jobs in Portugal with Visa Sponsorship 2025

Below are the most in-demand categories:

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1. Agricultural & Farm Work (VERY High Demand)

Roles:

• fruit pickers (berries, oranges, apples)

• vegetable harvesters

• greenhouse labourers

• vineyard workers

• livestock assistants

Salary: €700 – €1,100/month
Regions: Algarve, Alentejo, Oeste, Setúbal

Farm work is the easiest route for foreigners.

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2. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs

Roles:

• hotel cleaners

• dishwashers

• kitchen assistants

• room attendants

• restaurant assistants

Salary: €750 – €1,200/month
Hotspots: Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, Madeira, Cascais

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3. Warehouse & Logistics Assistants

Roles:

• packers

• loaders

• inventory assistants

• delivery helpers

Salary: €800 – €1,200/month
Employers: DHL Portugal, Continente Logistics, Jerónimo Martins

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4. Construction Labourers

Roles:

• general labourer

• site helper

• cement worker

• scaffolding assistant

Salary: €900 – €1,300/month

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5. Cleaning & Domestic Roles

Roles:

• home cleaners

• office cleaners

• school cleaners

• domestic helpers

Salary: €650 – €900/month

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6. Caregivers & Home Support Assistants

Roles:

• elderly carers

• live-in helpers

• home assistants

Salary: €750 – €1,100/month
Accommodation is often included.

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Visa Options for Unskilled Workers in Portugal

Portugal offers some of the most flexible work visas in Europe.

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1. D1 Work Visa (For Unskilled Workers)

The main visa for foreign workers.

Requirements:

• job contract

• employer sponsorship

• accommodation proof

• police clearance

Benefits:

• renewable residence permit

• pathway to PR

• access to healthcare

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2. Seasonal Work Visa

Valid for:

• farm work

• tourism

• hotels

• food processing

Duration: 90 days to 12 months.

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3. Residence Permit for Work (After arrival with job offer)

If you enter legally, an employer can sponsor your work permit after you secure a contract.

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4. EU Blue Card (Not for unskilled workers)

For high-skilled roles only.

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Top Employers Hiring Unskilled Workers in Portugal

Agriculture

• Vitacress Farms

• Madre Fruta

• Maravilha Farms

• Driscoll’s Portugal

Hospitality

• Pestana Hotel Group

• Tivoli Hotels

• Vila Galé Hotels

• Local cafés & restaurants

Caregiving

• Santa Casa da Misericórdia

• Private households

• Elderly care agencies

Logistics

• DHL Portugal

• Sonae Logistics

• GLS Portugal

Construction

• Mota-Engil

• Teixeira Duarte

• Edifer

Cleaning Companies

• ISS Portugal

• Grupo Eulen

• Limpezas ProFacility

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Salary Breakdown for Unskilled Jobs in Portugal

Portugal’s minimum wage for 2025 is expected to be around €840/month.

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Cost of Living in Portugal (Monthly)

Affordable regions:

• Braga

• Aveiro

• Coimbra

• Setúbal

Expensive:

• Lisbon

• Porto

• Madeira

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Requirements for Unskilled Jobs in Portugal

General requirements:

• valid passport

• job offer

• clean criminal record

• medical fitness

• proof of accommodation

• visa application

Optional:

• basic Portuguese

• ability to perform physical work

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Related Article:
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How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in Portugal (Step-by-Step)

1 — Prepare a European-style CV

Simple, clean, skill-focused.

2 — Apply via trusted platforms

• NetEmpregos

• Indeed Portugal

• Sapo Emprego

• OLX Jobs

• EURES Portugal

• Company websites

3 — Employer applies for your Work Permit

They request authorization from SEF.

4 — Submit your visa application

At the Portuguese embassy in your country.

Required documents:

• passport

• police clearance

• work contract

• accommodation proof

• visa form

5 — Travel to Portugal

After the visa is approved.

6 — Apply for your Residence Permit

Valid for 1–2 years and renewable.

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Can Unskilled Workers Get Permanent Residency in Portugal?

YES — Portugal has one of the easiest EU residency pathways.

After 5 years → Permanent Residency

After 5 years → Apply for Portuguese Citizenship (if eligible)

Family reunification allowed

Full access to EU travel

Many workers progress to:

• team leaders

• machine operators

• care supervisors

• kitchen managers

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FAQs

1. Does Portugal hire unskilled foreigners?

Yes — especially in agriculture, hospitality, caregiving, manufacturing, and logistics.

2. Is Portuguese language required?

No, but helpful. Many employers hire English-speaking workers.

3. Does accommodation come with the job?

Yes, mostly in farm work and caregiving roles.

4. Can I change employers in Portugal?

Yes — after receiving your residence permit.

5. How long does visa processing take?

6–12 weeks depending on your country.

Portugal remains one of the most accessible European countries for foreigners seeking unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025. With high demand across agriculture, hospitality, logistics, caregiving, and construction, thousands of roles are open to international applicants. The D1 Work Visa and Seasonal Visa systems make the process straightforward, and Portugal’s residency pathway is one of the easiest in the EU.

If you’re searching for a safe, welcoming, affordable European destination to start your work journey, Portugal is an excellent choice.