Employment in the Algarve

Employment in the Algarve is much like any other region, with all of the normal jobs and industries that you would expect to find in a modern society. The predominant industry, however, is definitely tourism, with the majority of supporting employment roles centred on bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, recreational activities and other service sectors. The service sector itself accounts for nearly 70% of employment in the Algarve.  

Due to the impact of tourism on Algarve employment, there is a significant trend in seasonal working, especially in commercial, hotel and restaurant sectors. Between June and September, when hundreds of thousands of tourists visit the Algarve, there is high demand for workers in the commercial and service sectors. However, as the season draws to an end, unemployment rises and jobs become more difficult to come by.

More common forms of paid employment can be found with tour operators, hotels, bars and restaurants in tourist areas such as Albufeira, Alvor, Armação de Pêra, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Lagos, Monte Gordo, Praia da Rocha and Vilamoura.

There is continuing demand for English teachers, because English is the dominant second language in the Algarve; another reaction to the increase in tourism. Roles as au pairs are also available and although wages can be quite low, the inclusion of food and accommodation offers a good standard of living. It is usual that au pairs live with their host and they are usually expected to do some basic domestic duties. Speaking Portuguese is not always a prerequisite, but childcare experience usually is.

For higher skilled positions across the industries, qualifications, relevant experience and sound knowledge of the Portuguese language are often required (and sometimes a third language may be needed depending on the organisation). Entrepreneurship has been cited as a valuable and much needed commodity in the Algarve, so business ownership, a flair for innovation or experience within a dynamic company can help an application in some cases.

How to go about gaining successful employment in the Algarve:

Working in the Algarve, firstly depends on whether or not your home country is a member of the European Union (EU). EU membership entitles you to live and work in the Algarve, without having to obtain a visa. If your home country is not in the EU, then you will need to apply for one if you are planning to stay for a while.

If you are looking for summer work, the easiest way to find work is to often to ‘blanket drop’ your CV or references to as many bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels, as soon you get to where you are going to stay. Staff turnover can be quite high for businesses over the summer, so even if there aren’t any jobs going at the time when you visit, you may find you get a call sooner than you think!

For more information about Algarve employment:

• The public employment service for Portugal “Instituto Do Emprego E  Formacao Profissional” (IEPF) IEPF
•  EURES is an EU advisory body, whose job it is to support anyone seeking employment in another EU country. There is information about studying, working and moving to EU countries EURES

Algarve Job Centres:

• Faro - Job Centre 
  Rua Dr. Cândido Guerreiro, Nº 45-1º, Faro 8000-318
  Tel: ( 351) 289 890 100  

• Lagos - Job Centre IEFP 
  Rua Teixeira Gomes, Lote 1-C, Lagos 8600-000 
  Tel: ( 351) 282 780 100

• Loulé - Job Centre 
  Avenida 25 de Abril, Nº 33, Loulé 8100-000
  Tel: ( 351) 289 400 300

• Portimão - Job Centre 
  Rua da Hortinha, Nº 21-23, Portimão 8500-000  
  Tel: ( 351) 282 400 340

• Vila Real de Santo António - Job Centre 
  Rua Catarina Eufemia, Nº 53-A, Vila Real de Santo António, 8900-000
  Tel: ( 351) 281 510 940