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CV to Work
Portugal · Lisbon · Porto · Curriculum Vitae
CV to Work
in Portugal
Portugal has become one of the most attractive destinations for expats in Europe. Here is how to adapt your CV to the fast-growing Portuguese job market.
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CV rules for this country
What local recruiters expect — and what to avoid.
- 🌍A highly international marketLisbon and Porto attract many multinationals and tech startups. English is widely accepted in these sectors. Portuguese remains essential for local SMEs.
- 📸Photo: common but optionalA photo is still present on many Portuguese CVs, but practices are evolving, especially in the tech sector. A professional photo is recommended if you include one.
- 📏1 to 2 pagesPortuguese CVs follow a format similar to European standards. 1 page for junior profiles, 2 pages for experienced profiles. Conciseness is valued.
- 💰Cost of living and salariesPortugal offers an attractive cost of living compared to other European capitals. Salaries in tech in Lisbon have been rising strongly since 2023.
- 🏠D8 Visa (Digital Nomad)Portugal offers an attractive visa for remote workers (D8). If you work remotely, you can live in Portugal while working for a foreign company.
- ✉️Carta de apresentaçãoA cover letter is generally expected for serious applications. It should be in Portuguese or English depending on the target company.
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Create my CV in 2 minutes →Sectors and opportunities
The strongest sectors for foreign candidates.
| Secteur | Villes clés | Opportunités |
|---|---|---|
| Tech / Startups / SaaS | Lisbon, Porto | 🔥 Excellent |
| Tourism / Hospitality | Lisbon, Algarve, Porto | 🔥 Very strong |
| Shared service centres | Lisbon, Porto, Braga | ↑ Strong |
| Renewable energy | National | ↑ Strong |
| Finance / Banking | Lisbon | Stable |
| Agriculture / Agro-tech | Alentejo, Algarve | Stable |
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the sector. In tech and multinationals in Lisbon or Porto, English is often sufficient. For local SMEs, tourism and the public sector, Portuguese is essential.
Yes, Portugal is one of the most open countries for foreigners in Europe. EU citizens do not need a visa. Outside the EU, there are several attractive visas including the D8 (digital nomad) and D3 (qualified talent).
Yes, 100% free. No credit card, no subscription, no watermark on the PDF. ForgCV will always be free.
No. No sign-up, no email required. Go directly to the generator and create your CV in 2 minutes.
Yes. The PDF is high resolution, A4 format, watermark-free, ready to send to recruiters.
✉️ Next step
Your CV is ready? Create your cover letter
CV + cover letter = 3× more chances of landing an interview.