Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by Laila Oliveira
The job market in Portugal has become increasingly attractive for young skilled workers. The southern European country has a good quality of life, safety, a low cost of living, and a highly educated population; all factors that attract expats. But what would it be like to work for the best workplaces in Portugal?
Where should you look for a job in the country? Is the salary good enough? Will communicating be difficult, and how do you get a work permit? These are just a few of the numerous questions you ask yourself when you’re thinking of working in the country.
Understand the labor market and salaries, and decide if getting a job here is worth it. Take a look at the 2024 ranking of best places to work in Portugal.
The 10 Best Workplaces In Portugal
The Great Place To Work ranking is recognized worldwide for its methodology. Its annual rankings evaluate companies in multiple countries and look beyond benefits and advantages.
After 20 years of research and consultancy in Portugal, they realized that a good workplace makes their employees proud and enjoy working there. One of the best parts of Portugal is the work-life balance they strive to achieve.
Therefore, the companies listed in the ranking excel in having a relationship with their employees based on credibility, respect, impartiality, pride, and camaraderie.
Before we begin, you should know that this ranking might not be everything you’re looking for. The ranking is based on what their employees and customers have to say about them. There might be many other workplaces in Portugal that may seem to be a better fit for you, and that’s okay too.
If you are an expat thinking about finding a job in the country, then here are the best workplaces in Portugal you should keep an eye on:
1. Cisco Portugal
World leader in IT and ahead of the future of the internet, the multinational conglomerate Cisco Systems has an important presence in Portugal.
Besides being awarded first place this year, Cisco Portugal has been recognized as a great place to work since 2019. They have a strong sense of community and pride in their work.
Originally from San Francisco, USA, Cisco has the Golden Gate Bridge in its logo, which curiously has a twin sister in Lisbon, the 25 de Abril bridge. The company has certainly found a second home in Portugal.
- Sector: Information Technologies
- Dimension: Between 500 to 1000 employees
- Location: Lisbon
2. AbbVie
AbbVie is a highly research-focused multinational pharmaceutical company. In Portugal, the subsidiary is dedicated to developing healthcare solutions for people around the world.
Having been awarded a Great Place To Work since 2014, AbbVie Portugal has already been recognized for Gender Equality and Social Responsibility in the company.
- Sector: Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
- Dimension: Between 100 and 500 employees
- Location: Lisbon
3. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Portugal
This is the pharmaceutical company of the world’s largest healthcare company, Johnson & Johnson Group. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Portugal has been in Portugal since 1983 and aims to ensure that every citizen receives the best healthcare possible.
Needless to say, they concentrate on all activities of a pharma company with the support of thorough research, development, and production. Almost 98% of their employees say they’re proud of working for this company.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals Portugal is currently dedicated to 6 therapeutic areas: oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, neurosciences, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and pulmonary hypertension.
- Sector: Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical
- Dimension: Between 100 and 500 employees
- Location: Lisbon
4. Medtronic Portugal
Next in the ranking is the Portuguese subsidiary of Medtronic, a global healthcare services and solutions company. Approximately 95% of their workforce says it’s a great place to work.
Medtronic Portugal has been operating since 1998 and was recognized as a great place to work for the first time in 2006. The company stands out for offering employees support with psychological, legal, and financial counseling and much more.
- Sector: Health, Sale, and Distribution of Medical Products
- Dimension: Between 100 and 500 employees
- Location: Lisbon
5. IG&H
The Dutch consultant IG&H subsidiary in Portugal was distinguished in 2021 for the first time as a great place to work. IG&H Portugal and their young team focus on providing strategy consulting and technology development across 5 industries: Retail, Healthcare, Banking, Insurance, and Pensions.
During the pandemic, IG&H Portugal developed a great program to keep coworkers connected through online activities such as cooking lessons and bingo nights.
Although it comes under a “micro company” tag, they are the market leader in its industry, and 97% of people say it’s a great place to work at.
- Sector: Information Technologies
- Dimension: Less than 100 employees
- Location: Lisbon
6. SAS Institute Software
Recognized as one of the best workplaces in Portugal since 2007, SAS Institute Software is an analytical software company with a worldwide presence.
SAS Portugal has stood out a lot since 2020, offering its employees Virtual Wellness and Mindfulness Sessions to fight burnout. It is a long-established company in the country, with 40% of employees working there for more than 10 years.
- Sector: Information Technologies, Software
- Dimension: Between 100 and 500 employees
- Location: Lisbon
7. Mind Source
With over 10 years of experience in IT consulting projects, Mind Source is also one of the best companies to work for in Portugal and Europe. The company’s culture focuses on ensuring employees a good working environment in the company or at home.
This company has 15 years of experience in the banking, insurance, telecommunications, media, utilities, services, and transport sectors. They specialize in projects in the areas of Web and Mobile Development expertise, Business Analytics, and Project Management.
- Sector: Information Technologies, Consulting
- Dimension: Between 100 and 500 employees
- Location: Lisbon
8. Hilton
The world-famous luxury Hilton hotels are also in Portugal, in Lisbon, and the Algarve region, and have been recognized as one of the best places to work.
In addition, Hilton is the leader in hospitality in Europe and was already the 2nd best place to work in the world in 2019. They have still upheld their reputation as one of the best places to work at.
Hilton has a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,800 properties and more than one million rooms in 122 countries and territories. Nearly 92% of customers rate their service as excellent.
- Sector: Hospitality
- Dimension: Between 100 and 500 employees
- Location: Lisbon and the Algarve
9. DHL Express Portugal
The company needs no introduction; DHL Express is present in more than 220 countries and territories around the world and is one of the best workplaces in Portugal. They connect people and businesses securely and reliably by providing transport services.
Within Portugal, it is present in the Northern and Southern regions, including islands, with 11 facilities and more than 375 stores. DHL Express has remained one of the best workplaces in Europe for the second time this year.
They strive to improve, invest in, and practice the best possible working environment for their employees. It shows in the results of the company since 95% of customers rate their service as excellent.
- Sector: Transport
- Dimension: Between 100 and 500 employees
- Location: Lisbon and the entire territory of Portugal
10. GSK
The multinational biopharmaceutical GSK has been present in the country for over 20 years and was recognized as one of the 10 best places to work in Portugal.
As a global company with a strong presence in Portugal, the company is dedicated to researching, developing, and manufacturing innovative medicines, vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare products.
- Sector: Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
- Dimension: Between 100 and 500 employees
- Location: Lisbon
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How is the labor market in Portugal?
The labor market in Portugal is famous for being very competitive. As the Portuguese are becoming more and more specialized, increased employment opportunities are needed.
Many young Portuguese people, especially after the 2008 crisis, had to leave the country to work under better conditions.
Today, Portugal has achieved economic stability and has increasingly attracted new companies to establish themselves in the country with benefits. Likewise, it has also attracted qualified foreigners to live in the country.
According to official data, the unemployment rate stands at 6%. In 2024, the minimum wage in Portugal is €820 per month, an amount received by about 20% of the population.
Most Portuguese agree that, concerning the cost of living in the country, salaries in Portugal should be higher. Compared to the European Union, Portugal has a very low minimum wage.
However, in recent years, the Portuguese government has concentrated efforts to improve the national economy to bring back thousands of Portuguese who have emigrated since the last crisis.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, many Portuguese families have actually returned to Portugal. They could work at a distance and live in the country’s interior with safety and low cost.
Working in Portugal with European citizenship
According to the Portuguese immigration policy, people with citizenship from any country of the European Union do not need a visa to work or live in Portugal.
As long as you obtain an EU Citizen Certificate, you are free to work in any of the workplaces in Portugal as a Portuguese. One of the many advantages of having European citizenship.
Also, if you are a child or spouse of an EU citizen, you can apply for Family Reunification and obtain permission to live and work in Portugal.
Getting a work visa to live in the country
Let’s talk about the important stuff: getting a work permit to legally work in Portugal!
In order for non-EU citizens to relocate and work in Portugal, they must obtain a Work Visa, also known as a Subordinated Job Visa or its official name, a D1 visa.
However, you must first have a job offer to obtain a Work visa. That means that before applying for a residence visa, you must go through the company’s hiring process and get the job and a Work Contract or promise. You can do this online or in person, depending on the contractor.
- Get to know All About Working In Portugal in our complete article about the D1 Visa to Portugal.
Where can we find more opportunities?
Any well-qualified Portuguese young person joining the labor market agrees that the best job opportunities are to be found in Lisbon. After all, it’s the country’s biggest city, with many different companies of all fields and sizes.
Next, also with excellent companies and many industries, comes the city of Porto, in the north of the country.
If, however, you’re considering working with tourism or restaurants, all of Portugal will receive you very well, with special attention to the southern region, the Algarve.
- If you’re a freelancer or a digital nomad, you’ve got to check out our article on the 10 Best Coworking Spaces in Portugal!
What about remote working?
Ever since 2020’s life-changing Covid-19 and the country’s recommendations to work at a distance, Portugal started looking at remote working differently.
Nowadays, working at a distance is part of the reality of most workers residing in Portugal and is already much more accepted by society. And if you’re interested, you should also read the article Portugal For Digital Nomads: How You Can Join The Movement.
Many expatriates in Portugal sometimes choose to keep their jobs in their home countries at a distance. This is to receive higher salaries than the Portuguese and enjoy the quality of life in the country. In fact, the country has fantastic places for digital nomads to live.
When are you coming to Portugal?
Have you decided on your pick amongst the best workplaces in Portugal? Even if you decide to find work somewhere else in the country, we’re sure you won’t regret choosing Portugal. After all, it is a great place to live.
If you need help in any stage of your relocation process to Portugal, book a consultation with Viv Europe’s team of experts. We can guide you in the right direction. So contact us and let us turn your Portugal project into a reality.
Talk to other expats already living here via our Facebook Group – All About Portugal For Expats. Ask questions related to working here and get the best advice from experienced individuals. We’re a community of Portugal enthusiasts waiting to make your dream come true. See you soon!
