Portugal Employment Guide

Portugal is in southwestern Europe, at the western end of the Iberian Peninsula, bordering the Atlantic (west) and Spain (north). It has ~10.3 million people; Portuguese is official, and Lisbon is the capital. Its economy is service-led, with fast-growing tourism, finance and IT, while agriculture, fisheries and light industry also hold shares. Labor laws (per Código do Trabalho) protect wages, hours, leave and social security. Standard workweek: 40 hours (overtime needs extra pay or time off). Salaries are usually monthly (avg. €1,500 pre-tax). Laws cover paid leave and protect temp/contract workers, balancing interests for a fair, flexible labor market.

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Currency

Euro (EUR, €)

Capital

Lisbon

Official language

Portuguese

Salary Cycle

Monthly

Our Employment Guide in Portugal

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Understanding Paid Time Off in Portugal

In Portugal, both full-time and part-time employees are entitled to 22 days of paid time off (PTO) annually. Eligibility for annual leave begins after six months of continuous service. It's important to note that during the first year of employment, employees cannot exceed 20 days of leave. This policy ensures fairness and compliance with local labor standards, making it easier for companies like SailGlobal to manage international teams effectively.

Navigating Public Holidays in Portugal

Portugal observes 14 national public holidays, along with one regional holiday that varies by location. These holidays reflect the country's rich cultural and historical heritage, providing employees with ample opportunities for rest and celebration. For businesses operating in Portugal, such as SailGlobal, aligning HR policies with these dates is crucial for smooth operations.

Key national holidays include:

New Year's Day
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Freedom Day (April 25)
Labour Day
Corpus Christi
Portugal Day (June 10)
Assumption of Mary
Republic Day (October 5)
All Saints' Day
Independence Day (December 1)
Immaculate Conception
Christmas Day
Shrove Tuesday

For example, a multinational company like SailGlobal might schedule team-building events around these holidays to boost morale without disrupting workflow. Proper planning helps avoid conflicts and supports employee well-being, which is essential for retention in competitive markets.

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