Many immigrants in Portugal work in restaurants, farms, construction, delivery, cleaning and shops. Some employers respect the law. Others do not. Knowing your basic rights as a worker in Portugal helps you protect yourself. This guide covers contracts, the minimum wage for 2026, working hours, holidays, the extra “subsidies” and how to complain to the labour inspectorate (ACT).
You have the same rights as Portuguese workers
Portugal’s Labour Code (Código do Trabalho) says that a foreign worker who is allowed to work in Portugal has the same rights and duties as a Portuguese worker. Your nationality does not change your right to the minimum wage, rest days, holidays or safe working conditions.
Get a written contract
For most foreign workers from outside the EU, the Labour Code says the work contract must be in writing. It must include certain information, such as the job, the pay and the start date. (Citizens of the EU and of some countries with special agreements have different rules.)
Always:
- read the contract before you sign, or ask someone you trust to explain it;
- keep a copy of everything you sign;
- never sign a blank page or a document you do not understand.
Types of employment contract
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Permanent (contrato sem termo) | No end date. This is the normal type of contract. |
| Fixed-term, certain date (termo certo) | Has an end date. Only allowed for temporary needs. Maximum total length: 2 years. |
| Fixed-term, uncertain date (termo incerto) | Ends when a temporary task ends, for example when you replace a worker on leave. Maximum: 4 years. |
| Temporary agency work (trabalho temporário) | You are hired by an agency and work at another company. |
| Part-time (tempo parcial) | Fewer hours than full-time. Pay is proportional to the hours. |
Fixed-term contracts must be in writing and must explain the reason for the time limit. If the rules are not respected, the contract may be treated as permanent.
Trial period
Most contracts start with a trial period (período experimental). During this time, either side can end the contract more easily. For fixed-term contracts, the trial period is 30 days if the contract is for 6 months or more, and 15 days if it is shorter. Permanent contracts usually have a longer trial period, often 90 days. It can be longer for some roles.
Minimum wage in 2026
The national minimum wage (retribuição mínima mensal garantida) in mainland Portugal is €920 per month (gross) from 1 January 2026. This was set by Decree-Law 139/2025, published on 29 December 2025.
Important points:
- €920 is the gross amount. Social security (11%) and, depending on your situation, income tax are taken from it.
- The Azores and Madeira can set their own, higher minimum wage.
- If you work part-time, the minimum is proportional to your hours.
- In Portugal, pay is normally split into 14 payments a year: 12 monthly salaries plus the holiday and Christmas subsidies (see below).
For 2027, the government and social partners agreed in 2024 on a target of €970. That value is not yet law. It still needs a new decree.
Working hours and rest
As a general rule, the Labour Code sets normal working time at:
- 8 hours a day; and
- 40 hours a week.
Collective agreements and some flexible schemes can organise hours differently, but they must stay within the law. Extra hours beyond your normal schedule are overtime and must be paid at a higher rate. You have the right to at least one day off every week. During a normal working day, you also have the right to a rest break.
Keep your own record of the hours you work: start time, end time and breaks. A simple note on your phone every day can help a lot if there is a dispute.
Holidays (férias)
- Workers have the right to 22 working days of paid holidays per year.
- In the year you start a job, you earn 2 working days for each month of contract, up to 20 days.
- Your employer should agree the holiday dates with you. If there is no agreement, the law sets limits on when the employer can choose.
Public holidays (feriados) are separate from your 22 holiday days.
Holiday pay and Christmas pay
Portugal has two extra payments each year:
- Holiday subsidy (subsídio de férias): extra pay linked to your holidays, usually paid before you take them.
- Christmas subsidy (subsídio de Natal): equal to one month’s pay, paid by 15 December.
If you work only part of the year (for example you start in June), you receive a proportional amount. Some employers pay these subsidies in small parts every month, if this is agreed. Check your payslip.
Your payslip
Your employer must give you a payslip (recibo de vencimento) every month. It should show your gross pay, the deductions (social security, income tax withholding) and the net amount you receive. Keep all your payslips. You need them for renewals, bank accounts and any complaint.
Things an employer should never do
- Keep your passport or residence card.
- Pay you less than the minimum wage for full-time work.
- Take social security money from your salary and not declare it.
- Force you to work without safety equipment on dangerous jobs.
- Threaten you because you are an immigrant.
How to complain to ACT
The Working Conditions Authority (Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho, ACT) is the labour inspectorate. It checks if employers follow the law.
According to gov.pt:
- Anyone can complain: the worker, a representative (such as a lawyer), or anyone who saw the problem.
- Anonymity is always guaranteed.
- You can complain about many issues, including safety and health, fixed-term contracts, discrimination, working hours, undeclared work, temporary work and the work of immigrants.
How to do it:
- Online: on the ACT portal (portal.act.gov.pt), in the complaints area (Queixa/Denúncia). You need to log in.
- In person: at an ACT local office.
- Information by phone: ACT has an information line, 300 069 300. Check the ACT website for its current hours.
Before you complain, collect evidence: your contract, payslips, bank statements, messages, photos and your record of hours. The more details you give (company name, address, dates), the easier it is for ACT to act.
Check your social security too
Log in to Segurança Social Direta and check that your employer declares your salary every month. Missing months are a warning sign. Unions and immigrant associations can also give free advice.
Quick checklist
- Written contract, signed and copied.
- At least €920 gross per month for full-time work in mainland Portugal (2026).
- Normal limit: 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week.
- 22 working days of holidays, plus holiday and Christmas subsidies.
- Monthly payslip and social security declared.
- Problems? Complain to ACT. Anonymity is guaranteed.
Official sources
- Diário da República – Decree-Law 139/2025 (minimum wage 2026, PDF)
- DGERT – Minimum wage for 2026
- gov.pt – Make a complaint to ACT
- ACT – Complaints page
- Diário da República – Labour Code, consolidated version
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change often; check with the official body before acting. Last updated: 28 September 2026.
