Portugal's Labor Code requires the employer to give written advance notice to employees who are being dismissed. The duration of the advanced notice period varies based on the seniority of the employee:
Employees on probation are also entitled to a notice period for termination of their contract. If the trial period lasts more than 60 days, the termination of the contract by the employer requires 7 days' notice. If the trial period lasts more than 120 days, the notice must be at least 30 days.
Portugal's immigration law requires that non-EU citizens may obtain employment only in a position that cannot be filled by Portuguese or EU nationals. Eligible foreign workers are allowed to apply for a residence permit from the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). The residence permit is granted for 2 years and is renewable.
The Institute of Employment and Vocational Training, as well as each autonomous region's respective departments, maintains an online information system accessible to the public that lists job offers available to foreign (non-EU) workers. The job listings are disseminated on the initiative or at the request of employers.
Portugal's labor law provides employees the right to paid annual leave of 22 working days. Employees can take leave after 6 months of working with the same employer and accrue 2 vacation days per month of work in the first year, up to 20 days. If the employee's contract is under 6 months, the employee is eligible for 2 vacation days per month worked and may use the days immediately before the employment contract terminates. The law prohibits compensation in lieu of vacation.
Leave should be taken the year it expires, but can be taken until April 30th of the following year if the employee and employer agree.
The Labor Code of Portugal stipulates that the regular working hours may not go over 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. The maximum average hours of work per week (including overtime) cannot exceed 48 hours, measured over a reference period established in a collective labor agreement not exceeding 12 months or, in the absence thereof, in a reference period of 4 months, or 6 months in the cases provided for in the Labor Code.
Bill 790/XIV/2 guarantees the right to professional disconnection. Bill 745/XIV/2 contains changes to the legal and labor regime for teleworking, ensuring greater protection for workers.
The Labor Code of Portugal provides up to 30 days of maternity leave before birth, but requires 42 consecutive days of leave after giving birth. In addition, following the birth of a child, both working parents are entitled to 120 or 150 consecutive days of initial parental leave, which they may divide and share between them after the birth, while still respecting the mother’s exclusive rights outlined separately in the law. Parents may also choose to take this leave at the same time, provided it occurs within the 120–150-day period allowed.
An employee who intends to use part of the leave before giving birth must inform their employer and submit a medical certificate stating the foreseeable date of delivery at least 10 days before their leave. If medical urgency makes it impossible, the employee must attempt to provide the employer with a medical certificate at the earliest time possible.
Minimum monthly wage rates effective January 1, 2026, are as follows:
Non-payment of minimum wages is considered a serious offense and is punishable by a fine. Ensuring compliance with the Labor Code provisions, including those on the minimum wage, is the responsibility of the Labor Inspectorate.
Wages must be paid to employees at regular intervals - weekly, fortnightly, or monthly. In the case of variable remuneration with a calculation period of more than 15 days, the employee may demand payment in fortnightly installments.
Get the full Country Snapshot with 25 sections of information about labor law in Bahrain.
Your request has been received. We'll be emailing you the country snapshot shortly.
Get the full Country Snapshot with 25 sections of information about labor law in Portugal.
Your request has been received. We'll be emailing you the country snapshot shortly.
