What are the most in-demand jobs in Portugal for the next 10 years?

The most in-demand jobs in Portugal for the next 10 years will be in the Information Technology (IT), healthcare, renewable energy, hospitality, and construction sectors. Professionals such as software developers, cybersecurity experts, AI and data specialists, civil and mechanical engineers, and healthcare practitioners will remain highly sought after.

According to the Cedefop Skills Forecast, nearly 3 million job openings are expected by 2035, driven by replacement demand, technological advancement, and the country’s sustainability goals.

There will also be strong demand for skilled professionals in digital marketing, business support, engineering, and finance, as these fields continue to expand alongside Portugal’s modernising economy.

Portugal’s growing economy, infrastructure expansion, ageing population, and focus on renewable energy are driving long-term job growth, making it one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for skilled professionals.

*Want to work in Portugal? Let Y-Axis guide you through every step of the process.

Top Sectors in Portugal and their Average Salaries

Portugal offers diverse career opportunities across rapidly growing industries such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and renewable energy. These sectors are driving consistent demand for skilled professionals and attracting international talent seeking stability and growth.

Portugal currently has over 57,000 job vacancies across key sectors like IT, healthcare, renewable energy, and engineering. To attract global talent, the government has introduced faster work visa processing within 20 working days, making it easier for skilled professionals to work and settle in Portugal.

Sector	Average Annual Salary (EUR)
Information Technology (IT)	€30,000
Engineering	€28,174
Accounting and Finance	€25,500
Human Resource Management	€30,000
Hospitality	€24,000
Sales and Marketing	€19,162
Healthcare	€19,800
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)	€38,000
Teaching	€24,000
Nursing	€25,350

 

High-Paying Jobs in Portugal for the Next 10 Years

Portugal’s fast-growing economy offers high-paying roles in technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance.

Occupations	High Paying  Job Roles
Information Technology (IT)	Software Developers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Data Scientists, AI & Machine Learning Specialists, Cloud Engineers
Engineering & Construction	Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Project Managers, Electrical Engineers, Construction Supervisors
Healthcare & Elderly Care	Doctors, Nurses, Medical Technologists, Care Assistants, Geriatric Care Specialists
Renewable Energy	Solar Technicians, Wind Energy Engineers, Sustainability Consultants, Environmental Engineers
Business & Finance	Financial Analysts, Accountants, Business Development Managers, Customer Service Executives
Tourism & Hospitality	Hotel Managers, Chefs, Tour Guides, Guest Relations Officers, Event Coordinators
Education & Training	STEM Teachers, Language Instructors, Curriculum Developers, Trainers
Digital Marketing & Sales	Digital Marketing Specialists, SEO Analysts, Sales Executives, Brand Managers

 

Professionals with technical expertise, global experience, and bilingual skills can secure top salaries, especially in fields like IT management, data science, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.

In-Demand Skills Required to Work in Portugal

Portugal’s evolving economy increasingly values professionals with technical expertise, digital literacy, and strong interpersonal skills. As industries modernize, employers seek candidates who can adapt to change, think critically, and work effectively in global and multicultural environments.

Category	Key In-Demand Skills
Information Technology (IT)	Programming (Python, Java, JavaScript), Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data Analysis, AI & Machine Learning
Engineering & Renewable Energy	Project Management, Technical Design, Sustainable Energy Systems, CAD Software, Problem-Solving
Healthcare & Elderly Care	Patient Care, Clinical Expertise, Medical Technology Use, Communication, Empathy
Business & Marketing	Digital Marketing, SEO, CRM Tools, Data Interpretation, Strategic Planning
Tourism & Hospitality	Customer Service, Multilingual Communication, Event Planning, Hotel Management
Education & Teaching	STEM Education, Language Teaching, Curriculum Planning, Interpersonal Skills
Soft Skills	Teamwork, Adaptability, Analytical Thinking, Leadership, Cultural Awareness

 

Factors Driving Job Demand in Portugal
 

Portugal’s job market is expanding due to a combination of strong economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. The country’s digital transformation, infrastructure development, and focus on renewable energy are creating new opportunities across multiple sectors.

An ageing population continues to drive demand in healthcare and elderly care, while foreign investments and government incentives attract international businesses, boosting employment in IT, engineering, and finance. Additionally, Portugal’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry remains a consistent source of jobs, contributing to sustainable long-term growth.

How to Get a Job in Portugal from Australia?
 

Portugal offers excellent opportunities for Australians looking to build an international career in Europe. With rising demand for skilled professionals, the process of finding work in Portugal is simple and well-structured.

Steps to Secure a Job in Portugal:
Step 1: Focus on high-demand sectors such as IT, healthcare, engineering, renewable energy, and finance.
Step 2: Create a Europass-style CV tailored to Portuguese job standards.
Step 3: Apply through trusted job portals like LinkedIn, EURES, and Indeed Portugal.
Step 4: Once you receive a job offer, apply for a Portugal Work Visa at the Portuguese Consulate in Australia.
Step 5: After visa approval, relocate to Portugal and start your professional journey.

*Looking to work in Portugal? Avail Y-Axis Job Search Services to get right job faster.

FAQs

 

1. What are the most in-demand jobs in Portugal for the next 10 years?

Portugal’s job market is growing steadily across key sectors such as Information Technology, Healthcare, Tourism, Renewable Energy, and Engineering. The most in-demand jobs include Software Developers, Nurses, Data Analysts, Civil Engineers, and Sustainability Experts.

As the Portuguese economy modernises and embraces digitalisation, opportunities for skilled professionals continue to expand. International job seekers with relevant qualifications and English proficiency can find excellent roles in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Braga. Portugal’s welcoming work environment, affordable lifestyle, and strong demand for qualified talent make it an attractive destination for professionals seeking long-term career opportunities in Europe.

 

2. Why are IT and technology jobs growing in Portugal?

Portugal’s thriving tech scene is driving high demand for Software Engineers, Web Developers, Cybersecurity Specialists, and Data Scientists. Lisbon and Porto have become major tech hubs, attracting global companies and startups. With strong government support for digital transformation, the IT sector is one of the country’s fastest-growing industries. Professionals with experience in coding, cloud computing, and AI are in high demand.

Many international employers also hire English-speaking talent, making it easier for Australians and other expats to work in Portugal. The combination of affordable living, innovation, and job stability makes Portugal a top tech destination in Europe.

 

3. Which healthcare jobs are most in demand in Portugal?

Healthcare remains one of Portugal’s most critical and expanding sectors. Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, Dentists, and Physiotherapists are among the most in-demand roles. The ageing population and healthcare system reforms are creating thousands of new job opportunities.

Hospitals and clinics across Portugal, especially in rural regions, face significant staff shortages. International healthcare professionals with EU-recognised qualifications and basic Portuguese language skills can access stable employment. The Portuguese government also offers work permits for skilled foreign healthcare workers. With growing investment and strong social benefits, healthcare careers in Portugal provide long-term job security and professional fulfilment.

 

4. Why are engineering jobs in high demand in Portugal?

Engineering plays a vital role in Portugal’s infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing industries. Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Environmental Engineers are among the most sought-after professionals. With major projects in renewable energy, construction, and transport networks, job demand remains strong. Portugal’s green transition and investments in smart cities are opening doors for engineers with sustainability expertise.

International professionals with strong technical backgrounds and EU-recognised qualifications can find excellent opportunities. The engineering sector offers competitive salaries, career growth, and stability, making it a promising field for Australians and other skilled workers looking to relocate to Portugal.

 

5. What renewable energy jobs are growing in Portugal?

Portugal is a European leader in renewable energy and aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This creates strong demand for Solar Energy Engineers, Wind Turbine Technicians, Energy Analysts, and Environmental Scientists. The country’s solar and offshore wind projects continue to expand, driving employment across the green energy sector.

Professionals with experience in sustainability, clean technology, or environmental management are highly valued. With significant government incentives and private investments, renewable energy jobs offer long-term stability, high salaries, and the chance to contribute to global sustainability. Portugal’s commitment to green innovation makes it a future-ready job market.

 

6. Are tourism and hospitality jobs still in demand in Portugal?

Yes, tourism continues to be one of Portugal’s largest industries, employing hundreds of thousands of people annually. In-demand roles include Hotel Managers, Chefs, Tour Guides, and Customer Service Specialists. As international tourism rebounds, demand for multilingual professionals has increased, especially in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. English-speaking Australians with experience in hospitality or travel can easily find seasonal and full-time work.

 The tourism industry also offers strong opportunities in event management and eco-tourism. With Portugal’s global appeal and growing hospitality sector, skilled professionals in tourism will continue to enjoy job stability and career growth over the next decade.

 

7. Which industries will create the most job opportunities in Portugal by 2035?

By 2035, the top job-creating industries in Portugal will include Information Technology, Healthcare, Green Energy, Engineering, and Tourism. Emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Digital Marketing, and Biotechnology will also experience strong growth. The Portuguese government’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and digitalisation ensures new opportunities for skilled professionals.

As companies expand globally, English-speaking workers are increasingly valued. For Australians and international talent, Portugal offers a balanced lifestyle, affordable cost of living, and access to Europe’s growing job market. These industries promise stable employment, attractive salaries, and opportunities to work in Portugal’s modern economy.

 

8. Can foreigners find good job opportunities in Portugal?

Yes, Portugal welcomes skilled foreign workers, especially in shortage occupations like IT, Healthcare, and Engineering. English-speaking professionals are highly valued in international companies and startups. Australians can apply for work visas or the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa if working remotely. Learning basic Portuguese improves integration and job prospects.

Many employers assist with relocation and offer visa sponsorships for qualified candidates. With its strong economy, safety, and quality of life, Portugal ranks among Europe’s most attractive destinations for foreign professionals seeking long-term careers and a better work-life balance.

 

9. How can job seekers prepare for careers in Portugal?

To build a successful career in Portugal, focus on high-demand sectors such as Information Technology (IT), Healthcare, and Renewable Energy.

Step 1: Gain relevant qualifications that are recognized within the EU.

Step 2: Learn basic Portuguese to improve communication and integration.

Step 3: Search for jobs through platforms like LinkedIn, EURES, and Net-Empregos.

Step 4: Prepare a professional CV and cover letter in English or Portuguese.

Step 5: Apply for a Portuguese work visa if required.

Additionally, networking with local professionals and participating in industry events can enhance your job prospects. Skilled candidates with adaptability, digital expertise, and strong cross-cultural communication skills are most likely to thrive in Portugal’s evolving job market.

10. What is the average salary for in-demand jobs in Portugal?

Salaries in Portugal vary by sector and experience. On average, IT professionals earn €2,500–€4,500 per month, Engineers earn €2,000–€3,500, and Healthcare professionals earn €1,800–€3,000. Tourism and hospitality workers earn between €1,200–€2,000 monthly, while renewable energy experts can earn upwards of €3,500.

Though salaries are lower than in Australia, Portugal’s affordable cost of living, healthcare, and tax benefits balance it out. International professionals also benefit from relocation packages and remote work flexibility. For skilled workers, Portugal offers stable income, strong social support, and a high quality of life within the European job market.Apply Now