Working in Portugal
Members of EU countries do not need a work permit to take up employment in Portugal, and do not need to register with the Ministry of Labour. You will be treated on a par with Portuguese nationals. However, you do need to adhere to the regulations governing Residency and you require a formal work contract on the same basis as for Portuguese workers. In addition, you need to make sure you are registered for the Caixa (National Insurance).
Another thing to bear in mind is that, despite the lifting of employment restrictions and the theoretical policy that any EU national can take up work wherever they wish, the application procedure for any job will be as it is in one's own country, and within some companies preference may still be given to Portuguese nationals. You will always stand a much better chance of work if you have at least a working knowledge of the language. Rules for non-EU nationals are more stringent and need checking at your nearest consulate.
Information, in Portuguese, on these issues is available on the website of the Foreigners Dept: www.sef.pt. You can also download a Residency application form in Portuguese or English.
