If you’re wondering whether working abroad might be something for you, then you should definitely consider Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. We have listed the five top reasons why working in Lisbon is worthwhile. On the one hand, this experience will look extremely good on your resume. In addition, you are guaranteed to have the time of your life in Lisbon, because whether you are a culture or nature lover or simply enjoy good weather, Lisbon really has something for everyone.
Our latest jobs in Portugal
- Customer support
- Portugal
- Customer support
- Portugal
Living in Lisbon: The Top 5 Reasons
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe today is clearly Portugal. The cultural and political center of the country is located in the capital Lisbon, although it only has a population of around 550,000. All the major cultural events take place there, and anyone interested in working in Lisbon is also likely to find what they are looking for here, as more and more international companies are setting up there.
1. Career opportunities
Have you just graduated from university and want to pursue a successful career, but would like to work abroad for a while and gain some experience first? Or do you lack the necessary international experience to fully launch your current job and climb the career ladder? Then working in Lisbon could be a great way to change this and gain the experience you need to advance your career. Since Portugal is part of the EU, you don’t need a visa to live here or apply for a job. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind, such as applying for a tax identification number in Portugal if you decide to work in Lisbon. Another advantage of Lisbon is the demand for international and well-trained professionals. No matter what industry you work in—IT, communications, tourism, human resources, finance, logistics, or healthcare—the likelihood of finding a job in Lisbon as an expat is definitely high. Another reason for this is the many company headquarters that have settled here due to Lisbon’s strategic location.
2. The Seven Hills
Lisbon is also known as the “city of seven hills.” And not without reason. It was built around a total of seven hills, which give the city its very own charm. If you wish, you can easily explore them on foot. From each of the hills, you can enjoy breathtaking views. This is where its Portuguese name “Miradouros” comes from, which means “great view” in English. If you want to treat yourself after the climb, you can do so in one of the small cafes, restaurants, and gardens located at the top of the hills. Here you will often meet artists who try to capture the picturesque view in their paintings. Enjoy a coffee or wine, admire the view over the city and watch Portugal’s painters at work – there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life. If we’ve already whetted your appetite for working in Lisbon, you can start memorizing the names of the seven hills you may soon be climbing: São Jorge, Santo André, São Vicente, Sant’Ana, Chagas, Santa Catarina, and São Roque.
3. The richness of culture
As already mentioned, Lisbon is bursting with history and culture and also has a lot to offer in terms of architecture. One special piece of culture is certainly the famous traditional yellow trams, which many people immediately associate with Lisbon, and with good reason. They are considered one of the most important sights and are an integral part of the cityscape. Anyone who decides to work in Lisbon will see them all too often as they travel through narrow streets and up steep hills. Those interested in culture will of course also want to marvel at the many historical buildings that abound here. The Belém district is particularly well known for its impressive architectural gems. Here, for example, you can admire the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos monastery, whose design is reminiscent of the Pentagon and which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The Torre de Belém and Padrão dos Descobrimentos landmarks are also World Heritage Sites. On the southern bank of the Tagus River is the Cristo Rei statue, from which you can enjoy what is probably the best view of the entire city.
4. The pleasant weather
The weather in Portugal is one of the main reasons why many people choose to work in Lisbon, as it enjoys a pleasant climate all year round. Winters here are particularly mild. There are plenty of hours of sunshine, with an average of 250 per year. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, so there is almost never any snow or frost. Even in the winter months, the temperature can reach highs of up to 20 degrees Celsius. There are also not many rainy days here. It is no surprise that Portugal is one of the most popular countries in Europe for expats who want to spend their retirement here, especially those from Germany. One of the main reasons for this is the consistently good weather. So if you are tired of the gray weather and rainy winters in Germany, you should consider what life in Lisbon could be like. Another reason why many people consider emigrating to Portugal is the low cost of living.
5. The reasonable prices
Compared to Germany, the cost of living in Lisbon is significantly lower, which is why many expats choose to work in Lisbon. In Western Europe, the country is considered one of the most affordable, especially compared to most other popular European cities. Things like groceries and restaurant visits are particularly affordable here, which naturally attracts many expats. For example, you can get a meal in a restaurant with a drink for one person for as little as 12 euros. A coffee at one of the beautiful viewpoints mentioned above costs only 1.50 euros, and a beer only 3 euros. Public transportation is also inexpensive, costing an average of 1.50 euros. Overall, prices are significantly lower than in many German and other European cities. The average salary in Lisbon is around €1,000, although as an expat with foreign language skills, you can expect to earn a higher wage. The tax system in Portugal is also not as strict as in Germany, so you pay considerably less tax here. As you can see, working in Lisbon is worthwhile – both figuratively and literally.