July 8, 2025 
6 mins to read You’ve probably seen the pictures: surfers walking barefoot through whitewashed villages, laptops on beachside cafés and the sun setting over Atlantic waves. Sounds like a holiday? For many young expats, this is everyday life.
If you’re in your twenties, planning a gap year, or simply want to work abroad in Portugal without giving up your language or your love for the ocean, this guide is for you.
From the freedom of the waves to flexible jobs in international companies, Portugal is quietly becoming one of the best countries in Europe to live and work, especially for those who want more than just a job abroad.
Why Portugal is one of the best countries to live and work in Europe
To work abroad in Portugal comes with a lifestyle that many young Europeans are looking for: relaxed, affordable, and genuinely welcoming. It may not be flawless, but for those seeking a balance between adventure and everyday comfort, it often feels just right.
Here’s what makes it appealing:
Work abroad in Portugal and enjoy the surfing lifestyle
- Around 300 sunny days a year along the southern and western coastlines
- A cost of living that’s 30 to 50 percent lower than in Northern Europe (depending on the city)
- Strong international job market for native language speakers
- EU country with accessible healthcare, safety, and public transport
- Ocean, surf and a work-life balance that’s more than just a buzzword
Get a job that values your native language
You don’t need years of experience or fluent Portuguese to work abroad in Portugal. Many companies in Portugal hire for roles like:
- Customer support (in Danish, Dutch, German, Swedish, etc.)
- Content moderation for international platforms
- Social media management and community teams
- Quality analyst or team lead (often promoted from within)
Most of these jobs require just:
- A native-level language
- The willingness to learn
- Basic English for internal communication
They’re well-suited for:
- People taking a break before or after university
- Career changers exploring new paths who want to live abroad
- Young adults looking for a structured way to combine travel, work and life experience
Work abroad in Portugal and surf before work
Let’s be real, if you want to surf before work, Portugal makes it possible. Thanks to good public transportation in Lisbon, you can live in the city and still reach beginner-friendly beaches like Carcavelos or Caparica within 30 to 45 minutes.
The country’s surf scene is open, inclusive, and beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be experienced, just bring a sense of curiosity (and maybe a wetsuit).
Here are a few places that make surf and work coexist:
| Surf spot | What it offers | Commute from Lisbon |
| Carcavelos | Ideas for beginners, consistent small waves | 30 mins by train |
| Costa da Caparica | Long beach, surf schools, evening sessions | 40 mins by bus |
| Eiriceira | Laid-back town, beginner to advanced spots | 45 to 60 mins by car |
| Peniche | Surf competitions, beginner to advanced spots | 90 mins by car |
| Sagres | Remote vibe, waves year-round | 3.5 hours by car |
Want to explore the best surf conditions by region? Check out Magicseaweed’s Portugal surf forecast for real-time updates and detailed info on popular spots like Ericeira, Peniche and Sagres.
Living in Portugal: what everyday life really feels like
There’s more to moving to Portugal than surf and sunshine. For many expats, it’s the little things that make everyday life here feel different (and better). Morning coffee at a beach café, a relaxed pace that lets you breathe and the fact that you can finish work and still have time for a swim or sunset walk.
Here’s what many young expats notice after the found work abroad in Portugal:
- Shared flats are affordable, especially outside the city centre
- Eating out is normal, not a luxury (lunch menus start at €7)
- Public transport works, especially in Lisbon and Porto
- You’ll meet people easily through work, housing, or surf
You don’t need to speak Portuguese to find work abroad in Portugal, but picking up the basics helps. People appreciate the effort.
Portugal vs Northern Europe: a living, working and lifestyle comparison
How does Portugal really compare to Northern Europe when it comes to everyday life, job options and cost of living? Here’s a side-by-side look at key factors that matter most when deciding where to live and work abroad.
| Category | Portugal | Northern Europe |
| Average sunshine days | 280 to 300 per year (Lisbon), 320+ (Algarve) | 160 to 200 per year |
| Average rent (1 bedroom flat) | €700 Lisbon, €500 to €600 outside | €1.000+ in cities (Berlin, Copenhagen etc.) |
| Cost of living index | 48 to 55 (source: Numbeo) | 65 to 75 |
| Surf availability | Year-round access (west and south coasts) | Seasonal or not available |
| Language based jobs | Many entry-level options without local language | Limited, fluency in local language often required |
| Work-life balance | High, long lunch breaks, casual dress, slower pace | Medium, faster pace, higher pressure |
| Expat satisfaction | 85% Satisfied (Source: InterNations 2023) | Around 72% average |
Why moving to Portugal is the right choice for your gap year
If you want to try something new, live by the sea and see what happens when you take a risk, Portugal is a good place to start.
Whether you stay for a year or longer, you’ll gain experience, meet people you’ll never forget, and maybe even pick up a new sport. And when it’s time to move on, you’ll carry that part of Portugal with you.
Ready to find a job and surf your way into a new life? That’s what we’re here for.
Support from a work abroad agency
Starting over in another country is exciting, and stressful. A work abroad agency can help with:
- Matching you with companies that hire in your language
- Guiding you through visa, housing, and relocation steps
- Explaining what to expect from Portuguese work culture
- Offering a point of contact once you arrive
And if you’re wondering where to begin, you’re not alone. Moving abroad and find work abroad in Portugal comes with questions and that’s exactly where the right support makes all the difference.
Whether you’re into surf, sunshine or just something new, Job Squad is here to help. Get in touch with one of our recruiters, explore current job openings and take the first step towards your next adventure.
