With its stunning beaches and coastal resorts, the Algarve is known primarily as a tourist destination. However, despite the luxury golf courses, apartment complexes and villas, it’s also a region with high unemployment rates. The inland region of the Algarve is rural and occupied mainly by older people, farmers and expats. Fishing, farming and tourism are the primary industries, none of which offer high wages or lucrative opportunities.
Opportunities for employment in the Algarve are limited for expats unless they are fluent in Portuguese or have specialist skills. It’s possible for EU citizens to work in the Algarve without a work visa, but new arrivals should seek advice from an accountant or financial advisor to get assistance with setting up a business, registering for residency status and paying taxes.
Job market in the Algarve
Unemployment in the Algarve is high, and wages are relatively low, so there are usually plenty of local people seeking employment. Portuguese people generally have a high standard of English, which means that native English speakers aren’t especially in demand. There may be opportunities for teachers of English as a foreign language to work privately or in language schools. Work in tourism is typically low-paying and seasonal, with long working hours.
Some expats start businesses, often working exclusively for the expat market. These tend to be in trades such as building, gardening, pool maintenance and personal care, as some expats prefer to employ an English speaker to ease communication.
Other expats work remotely as writers or business owners in their native countries. WiFi and plentiful cheap flights to Europe make ‘commuting’ possible for those whose profession doesn’t require them to be based in one place. Earning European rates while based in Portugal, with its lower cost of living, is an ideal way for expats to earn an income.
Finding a job in the Algarve
Online portals and expat newspapers advertise existing job offers in the region. Many of these are small ads posted by individuals looking for holiday accommodation cleaners or bar staff. For more professional opportunities, one would need to consider seeking employment in larger cities like Lisbon, where more international employers are based.
Before one considers starting a business in the Algarve, it’s important to research the amount of work likely to be available. New arrivals should remember that many expat tradespeople have been established in the region for decades, and starting from scratch may take some time.
Useful links
- Expats can review the classifieds section on the Algarve Daily News website for listed positions.
- Social media groups such as Jobs in the Algarve are also useful for the job hunt.
Work culture in the Algarve
Expats in the Algarve will find that paternalism and hierarchy permeate almost every aspect of local work culture. Personal relationships are important to local business people, so it’s advisable that expats put considerable effort into getting to know their co-workers and employers.
Expats who manage to learn the local language will also find that more doors are open to them, as local colleagues will usually appreciate the effort they’ve put into adapting to Portuguese culture.
Further reading
► See Accommodation in the Algarve for info on housing options
What do expats say about the work culture in the Algarve?
"Unless you are fluent, skilled, or both, employment in the Algarve is likely to be limited to tourism, if anything. The work culture seems to be a lot more relaxed, and many businesses don't seem to have caught on to the idea of the internet." Read British expat Sarah's thoughts on living in the Algarve.
Are you an expat living in The Algarve?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to The Algarve. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global Health Insurance
Moving your family abroad can be intimidating, but learning about medical options such as family health insurance early on can help you successfully settle in.
- Comprehensive family coverage, wherever you go
- Paediatric coverage for well-child visits & immunisations
- Access to dental and orthodontic care
- 24/7 multilingual customer service
Moving Internationally?
International Movers. Get Quotes. Compare Prices.
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Get your free no-obligation quotes from select removal companies now!