Are you planning to work and settle in Portugal but don’t have higher education or specialized skills? Don’t worry—Portugal’s job market is open to foreigners, and thousands of unskilled workers are hired every year across industries like hospitality, construction, agriculture, logistics, and cleaning.
For many Asian and African workers, unskilled jobs in Portugal with visa sponsorship are an excellent opportunity to secure employment, earn a stable income, and eventually apply for permanent residency.
This guide will explain everything you need to know, including job categories, visa sponsorship details, salary expectations, and how to apply online.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Unskilled Worker
- 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)
Here are the most in-demand unskilled and semi-skilled roles that often come with visa sponsorship:
- Customer Service & Support Staff
- Childcare Workers / Nannies
- Healthcare Assistants / Nurses
- Warehouse Staff & Packers
- Factory Workers
- Security Guards
- Cleaners / Custodians / Sanitors
- Car Wash Attendants
- Pickers & Loaders (logistics)
- Construction Labourers
- Landscaping Crew Members
- Laundry Attendants
- Maintenance Workers
- Truck & Taxi Drivers
- Sales Representatives
- Hospitality Staff (Hotels, Restaurants)
Some semi-skilled categories like financial jobs, ESL teachers, translators, HR, and IT support are also open to foreigners with relevant qualifications.
Related: Factory Worker Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
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.
📌 Note: Visa procedures for unskilled workers may take longer compared to highly skilled professionals.
Requirements for Unskilled Jobs in Portugal
To qualify, you typically need:
- Proof of employment (offer letter or reference)
- Clean criminal record from your home country (and any other country you’ve lived in for over a year)
- Health/medical insurance of at least €30,000 coverage
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Original bank statements (last 6 months, minimum balance ~200,000 PKR / €650 equivalent)
- Bank maintenance certificate
- Valid travel insurance
- Vaccination documents (legalized copies)
- Sponsor letter from your employer
Average Salary of Unskilled Workers in Portugal (2026)
Portugal’s minimum wage was raised to €822.50 per month, but actual earnings vary depending on the industry and employer:
- 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 with Visa Sponsorship
You can apply through trusted online job portals. Here are the most popular ones:
- Indeed Portugal – Indeed.com
- Create an account, search “Unskilled Jobs in Portugal with Visa Sponsorship 2026”, and apply directly.
- SimplyHired – SimplyHired.com
- Register for free, browse listings, and use the Apply Now button for visa-sponsored jobs.
- LinkedIn Jobs – LinkedIn.com
- Great for networking directly with employers and recruiters.
Final Thoughts
Portugal offers a growing job market for unskilled foreign workers in 2026, especially in construction, logistics, cleaning, and hospitality. With visa sponsorship options, stable salaries, and a pathway to permanent residency, it’s a valuable opportunity for those seeking work abroad.
👉 Start applying today through Indeed, SimplyHired, or LinkedIn to secure your future in Portugal.