Lisbon - 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?
While this is becoming a global city and there are many jobs on offer, competition is fierce given the low cost of living compared to other European cities and the high unemployment rate. For many local jobs, having Portuguese helps a great deal. - Sep 2016
Not really. Maybe teaching. Some jobs at the Embassy. - Aug 2015
If you speak portuguese and english and can get a work permit, then yes. Otherwise, the Embassy can help with Jobs at the American schools. 90% of EFMs get jobs if they want one. May not be their perfect job, but you'll get work if you want it. - Jul 2015
Outside of embassy EFM jobs, No, not really at all. The embassy is only just now getting a reciprocal work agreement with the Portuguese, but considering the state of the economy, it'd be tough and you'd have to speak fluent Portuguese. - Jun 2012
No. Portugal is in an economic crisis, second only to Greece at the moment and there are no jobs to be had and fewer expat opportunities. - Oct 2011
Absolutely not. The embassy has only a couple of jobs for family members, and non-American family members are usually not eligible. Outside the embassy, some family members have gotten teaching jobs at the American School. But legally they are not supposed to be working there, as there is no agreement with the government to let diplomatic spouses work. And other than that, you are out of luck. Even if you are fluent in English and Portuguese, your chance of getting a job in Lisbon is low. Unemployment is very high and most employers will reject you sight unseen if you're a foreigner. - Aug 2011
Maybe, if you speak Portuguese very well. - Aug 2010
You would need Portuguese for most jobs. - Sep 2008
