There is good news for enterprising C-level executives and all working professionals seeking new career options abroad. Portugal is a thriving hub of technology and business enterprise and the European country currently offering exciting job opportunities to high-level earners and senior management.
A combination of factors has created an environment where Portugal is now offering a range of executive-level and compliance operator roles within a flourishing employment market. Key elements include the country’s enthusiasm to embrace innovation and encourage international companies to move to its shores. Over the past few decades, the Portuguese Government has passed a number of crucial policies to ensure it is an attractive location for businesses operations.
This has led to a significant number of large international companies heading to Portugal to set up shop, with credible corporations like Google and Mercedes-Benz now established in the country. These companies also take advantage of Portugal’s competitive economy and the quality Portuguese workforce already on the ground.
International small and medium-sized enterprises are also encouraged, via financial incentives and residency programmes, to expand or create start-ups in the country. Foreign entrepreneurs now face far less bureaucracy and are able to establish a new business via simple online processes. The Portuguese government has also allocated a remarkable 200 million euros to assist local businesses with foreign investment and to help companies from overseas relocate to Portugal.
Employment opportunities in Portugal
This is a positive time for C-suite executives looking for employment in Portugal. The roles of chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), and chief operating officer (COO) are significantly more available here than in previous years.
Ex-pats looking for employment in high-level executive positions are also more likely to find opportunities in global organizations where the English language is commonly used or understood.
Positions in the various fields of technology are growing in numbers as this area of industry continues to expand at such a rapid pace. Individuals with experience in managing the implementation of internal or client-facing digital systems should find that their resumes are of great interest in this marketplace. The creation of C-level roles is vital for the management of projects that require integrating systems for areas of business including sales, marketing, and operations.
Portugal’s standing as the Silicon Valley of Europe was surely confirmed when Web Summit, the annual global tech conference, moved to Lisbon in 2016. The partnership is an additional boost to the country’s status as a digital marketing hub, a positive destination for companies that specialize in web development, web design, and digital marketing. Amongst the respected digital marketing masters that currently reside in Portugal are Social Ninjas, Codedesign, and Aparticula.
Of interest to job seekers looking to work with smaller companies is the news that investment in startup businesses in Lisbon has reportedly grown by 30% each year since 2016. This area of industry has an exceptionally varied number of professional sectors under its umbrella. Successful startups currently include the online housing platform Uniplaces, and Aptoide, an app store rivaling Google Play.
Professionals working in Compliance will find opportunities within their fields of expertise for these important roles in company policies and protocols. Multinationals currently seeking new employees include financial giants like BNP Paribas and EY, and the recruitment specialists Sitel.
Portugal is home to a number of global companies including:
- KPMG
- Siemens
- Nestlé
- Nokia
- Samsung
- Volkswagen
- Mercedez-Benz
- Vodafone
Helpful advice for when searching for a job in Portugal
- Research online for the best headhunters based in Portugal. There are some impressive recruitment companies located in the big cities that are experienced in placing individuals in senior management roles within both multinational organizations and start-up businesses.
- Contact companies directly by telephone or online – the big internationals, in particular, have very efficient recruitment sections on their websites.
- Networking is viewed as important in Portugal – so if you have any contacts that could be helpful to you then use them!
- If you are from outside of the European Union (EU) you will need to secure a job and contract before moving to Portugal.
What are the benefits of living and working in Portugal?
Portugal is a beautiful country with a warm climate and spectacular coastline. The Portuguese people are very friendly and their culture is vibrant and historically interesting. Anyone who has experienced an outdoor lifestyle knows that it is a wonderful way to live and an idyllic environment to raise children in.
Portuguese cuisine is simply delicious and healthy and traditionally prepared using fresh regional ingredients including fish, seafood, tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil. In addition, their range of wines, beers, and other beverages is extensive and of good quality.
Property prices here are extremely competitive compared with other parts of Europe like London, Berlin, and Stockholm. The general cost of living is attractive too as Portugal’s annual rate of inflation remains at around 1%.
Finally, and for once, the word TAX is a positive one! The Portuguese tax system is one of the most generous in Europe and a C-Level executive with a high salary will appreciate this financial benefit.
Visas
If you are from outside of the EU you will need to obtain a work contract before applying for a visa to live and work in Portugal.
Working from home in Portugal
Since the global pandemic, working from home (WFH) has appealed to many high-level business executives. If this new working environment is important to you then the good news is that Portugal appears, on the whole, to have embraced it. Recent national surveys have shown that WFH is generally accepted amongst the most highly skilled professions.
The employment landscape for executives in Portugal has a positive future
Portugal offers great opportunities to any business professional, who is looking to relocate and find a new job abroad. Those already earning a high-level salary will be able to take advantage of the growing number of jobs available here for C-level executives, and the general tax allowance is beneficial for high earners.
The increasing number of international organizations establishing themselves in the country has definitely provided a wider scope of work opportunities to apply for. These multinationals are happy to welcome ex-patriots and to utilize their knowledge and experience to benefit the company.
It appears that this buoyant employment situation will continue for some time into the future. Economically Portugal is a positive place for both individuals and corporations, its education system is producing quality successful learners, whilst unemployment figures continue to fall. As Portuguese governmental policies continue to support businesses of all sizes, the employment options for all employees look positive ahead.
