Praia - Post Report Question and Answers

What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?

Our embassy has a limited number of job opportunities for spouses. Most spouses telework. Working on the local economy would be impossible without Portuguese, and wages are very low. - Feb 2024


Many spouses/partners work remotely (CV has a digital nomad visa for those without dip visas) or in the embassy. Spouses with backgrounds in construction could find work; local salaries are reasonable, but the main issue is reliability of timely payment of salaries. - Aug 2023


Some spouses are able to telecommute. I don't know of any spouses working for local firms. - Jan 2023


Most spouses/partners work at the embassy either full or part time. - Sep 2018


Nobody currently works on the local market. Salaries would be quite low. Hiring freeze has made it tough for those seeking work at post. - Dec 2017


The embassy makes a fair effort to find employment for those spouses and partners who want them, and a good number of partners do take advantage of that. Others either stay at home with children or start small businesses. Someone else stated here that it is easy to start a local business here and I agree. People are eager to buy or learn about things that are different. Not too sure about local salary scales, but people don't earn a lot; the average educated worker can make US$400-500/ month. - Oct 2016


There are two positions at the U.S. embassy. You can also teach English. I know several Americans who have started their own businesses. It is very easy to start a business here. - May 2014


It is very difficult to find jobs on the local economy, especially without the language. There are very few jobs at the US Embassy for spouses. But this is changing. There is more industry moving in, and the US Embassy is growing. Also, there are always opportunities to teach English. So if you are interested in doing that, bring supplies. - Feb 2011


No. - Sep 2012


Very few. Teaching English is about the only option. - May 2012


No. - Feb 2008


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