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Teach English in Portugal

Teach English in Portugal

Teaching English in Portugal pairs high demand and excellent work-life balance with windswept beaches and historic cities.

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While Portugal might not be the first country that comes to mind when teaching English in Europe, it’s emerging as an unexpected TEFL destination. Whether you’re looking to start your TEFL career by helping out at a summer camp, or you want to teach at the university level, Portugal offers unique opportunities and a laid-back lifestyle. 

Considering that English is a mandatory subject in Portuguese schools, there’s a constant need for TEFL teachers and plenty of options. Requirements are fairly strict, with EU nationals having a slight edge, but locals are eager to learn English, and there’s a healthy demand for lessons in both major cities and rural enclaves. 

From visa requirements to the cost of living, this guide will show you how to teach English in Portugal. 

Requirements for Teaching English in Portugal 

When it comes to the requirements for teaching English abroad, Portugal is much like the rest of Europe. Here’s everything to add to your checklist for teaching English in the “Land of Fado”.

TEFL certification

A TEFL certificate from a recognised provider is essential for teaching English in Portugal. The industry standard is 120 hours of accredited TEFL training. 

Teachers without degrees, who are non-native English speakers, should consider a Level 5 TEFL Course to stand out in the job market. These courses take around 200 hours, depending on the delivery method.

Because English is widely used in the Portuguese business world, getting an advanced TEFL certificate in Business English is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

Portugal also has an audience of learners who move to universities in English-speaking countries, like the United States. Having a certificate in English for Academic Purposes and Exam Preparation can also be useful.

Do I need a degree to teach English in Portugal?

Yes, TEFL teachers will need a bachelor’s degree to teach English in Portugal. Degrees in Education or English are preferred, and for roles in international or private schools, you’ll also typically need a master’s degree.

Even summer camps tend only to hire teachers with degrees and experience, including popular choices like English Quest Camp and King’s College Cascais Camp.

While you won’t be able to teach English without a degree in Portugal, you can boost your resume by gaining teaching experience through volunteering. Organisations like Volunteer HQ post roles for young adults with English teaching skills.

Visa requirements in Portugal

The requirements for a work visa in Portugal will depend on whether you’re an EU national or from a non-EU country.

EU nationals

If you’re an EU citizen, you can live, study, and work in Portugal under Freedom of Movement. After three months, you’ll need to apply for a Registration Document, which will enable you to stay in the country on a long-term basis.

Non-EU nationals

If you’re from outside the EU, the first step you’ll need to take is getting an Autorização de Trabalho (temporary work permit), which is valid for 120 days. You’ll need to ask your employer for:

  • A completed application
  • A job offer (with evidence that a Portuguese or EU citizen couldn’t have filled the role)
After 120 days, you’ll need a Cartão de Residencia (residence visa card), which can be renewed for one year, followed by successive two-year periods. To get a resident visa, you’ll need to provide:

  • A visa
  • Previous residence permit(s)
  • Teaching certificates
  • Formal contract offer
  • Proof of income
  • Travel insurance
  • Proof of address
After five consecutive years of living in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

Types of TEFL teaching jobs in Portugal

From private language schools to summer school, these are the kinds of TEFL jobs you can find in Portugal. 

Public schools

English is a mandatory subject in the Portuguese school system from an early age, one reason why there are high levels of English proficiency nationwide. It can be challenging to find jobs teaching English in public schools, as there are many Portuguese-born English teachers.

If you’re an EU citizen with teaching experience, a degree, a TEFL certificate, and bilingualism in Portuguese and English, you could find work teaching language learners in government schools. English teaching roles are usually only advertised locally, which limits options for teachers outside the country

Download our teaching English in Europe guide

TEFL Salary and Cost of Living in Portugal

English teaching salary in Portugal

A typical salary teaching English abroad in Portugal is around €1,657 - €1,799 (£1,459 - £1,584 / $1,910 - $2,073) per month, with higher wages found in Lisbon and Porto. You can earn more by teaching in private or international schools, though job openings are rarer. 

Jobs in public schools have an average monthly salary of around €2,263 (£1,992 / $2,962), while language schools vary from €1,000 - €1,500 (£881 - £1,321 / $1,152 - $1,729), with rural schools offering the smallest salaries. The largest earning potential is at international and private schools with an average salary of €2,200 - €2,600 (£1,937 - £2,289 / $2,535 - $2,996).

Through private tutoring, you can usually command an hourly rate of €20 to €30 (£17 - £26 / $23 - $35). Specialised classes like Business English and Academic English pay far more.

Tip: Want to compare the typical TEFL salary in Portugal to other countries? Take a look at our Salary Guide, which features up-to-date salaries from around the world.

Cost of living in Portugal

Although salaries are lower in Portugal than in some of Europe's largest TEFL markets, it’s also a more affordable country than Spain, Germany, or France. 

A single person in Portugal typically spends an average of €665 (£580 / $780) per month before rent. In Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city, that figure is slightly higher: €726 (£632 / $851) a month before rent. 

Rent, however, is expensive: the national average for a city centre one-bedroom apartment is €894 (£778 / $1,048) per month, rising to as much as €1,384 (£1,206 / $1,624) in Lisbon. Accommodation is significantly cheaper outside the central hub of a Portuguese city.

Monthly utilities typically come to €113 (£98 / $132) in Portugal, with internet usually costing €36 (£31 / $42) per month. Lunch at a cafe is usually around the €11 (£10 / $13) mark, which means you can indulge in Portuguese staples, like Francesinha, without spending too much.

Restaurants
EUR
USD
GBP
Inexpensive restaurant meal
Domestic beer (0.5 litre)
Regular cappuccino
Water (0.33 litre)
Markets
EUR
USD
GBP
Regular milk (1 litre)
Loaf of white bread
Regular eggs (1 dozen)
Apples (1 kg)
Transportation
EUR
USD
GBP
One-way ticket (local transport)
Monthly pass (regular price)
Taxi start (normal tariff)
Gasoline (1 litre)
Utilities
EUR
USD
GBP
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment)
Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL)
Clothing and shoes
EUR
USD
GBP
Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar)
Summer dress in a chain store
Nike running shoes (mid-range)
Men's leather business shoes

How to Get a Job Teaching in Portugal

One of the best ways to search for English teaching jobs in Portugal is through online job boards and forums. Contacting language schools directly can be another great way to get your foot in the door, as they have the most up-to-date list of openings. 
Similar to teaching English in Spain, there are a few English teaching opportunities with specific programmes in Portugal, like the US Fulbright Program. The peak hiring period in Portugal is from April to June and September to January as teachers are hired for the upcoming semesters.

Life and Work Culture in Portugal

Life in Portugal is all about finding balance, whether it’s in your personal life or at work. The same can be said for TEFL teachers. Here’s everything to know about the quirks of life and work culture in Portugal.

Work-Life balance

Outside the classroom, the Portuguese pace of life is slower, with an emphasis on socialising, eating, music, and high-quality cafés and bars. If you tutor privately, expect some students to want to work on their English skills over a coffee.

Rain or Shine

While Portugal might be best known for its sunny shores, most of the country actually sees quite a bit of rain. Take Porto, for example, a coastal, northern city that sees 45 inches of rain on average - over double the average rainfall in London! You’ll want to choose your home city wisely if you’re picturing sun-drenched beaches.

Learn the language

Learning Portuguese beforehand is a great way to connect with locals and form stronger bonds. While English is widely spoken, speaking some Portuguese is appreciated.

Teacher Respect

Teachers generally enjoy a high level of respect in Portugal. Expect students to address you formally, arrive on time, and wear smart casual clothing.

Tip: If you teach Business English or teach English to adults, they'll usually expect a slightly more formal approach at first. However, over time, you might be invited to take classes outside, in a cafe, or in a less formal setting.

Is Portugal Right For You?

One of Western Europe’s more affordable destinations, Portugal offers a wide array of English teaching jobs that pair perfectly with its moody cities and fresh seafood. This coastal country on the Iberian Peninsula is an interesting option if you have the required qualifications.

  • Average Salary: The average English teaching salary is €1,657 - €1,799 (£1,459 - £1,584 / $1,910 - $2,073). Portugal has a lower cost of living than its European neighbours, so most teachers live comfortably on a TEFL salary.
  • Requirements: In general, you’ll need a 120-hour TEFL certification, a bachelor’s degree, and previous experience to teach English in Portugal.
  • Visas: Many Portuguese schools prefer to hire EU nationals, although non-EU citizens can get temporary work visas through their employers. This can make Portugal a tricky destination to teach in Europe for Americans.
  • Insider Tip: Come prepared by brushing up on your Portuguese ahead of time.

Though salaries aren’t as high as in many major European countries, the quality of life and English language teaching make Portugal one of the more underrated TEFL destinations. If you’re ready to start teaching English in Portugal, the first step is to check out our 120-hour Premier Online TEFL course. You’ll have 24/7 access to coursework from anywhere in the world, a dedicated online tutor, and the ability to reference the materials indefinitely.

More on teaching English in Portugal

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. Can I teach English in Portugal without a degree?

    It’s extremely difficult to find teaching jobs in Portugal without a degree. If you want to teach English in Portugal but don’t have a degree, consider volunteering, which can be a great stepping stone for other teaching opportunities and helps build your resume.

  • Q. Do I need to speak Portuguese to teach English in Portugal?

    No, you don’t need to speak Portuguese to teach English in Portugal, although having some knowledge of the local language is beneficial. 

  • Q. What is the average salary for teaching English in Portugal?

    An average English teaching salary in Portugal is around €1,657 - €1,799 (£1,459 - £1,584 / $1,910 - $2,073) per month, although salaries can be much higher depending on where you teach.

  • Q. When is the best time to apply for teaching jobs in Portugal?

    The best time to look for teaching opportunities in Portugal is from April to June and September to January - the months leading up to a new school semester. Start looking about a month or two in advance. You can apply year-round for roles in private language schools.

  • Q. Can non-EU citizens get a visa to teach English in Portugal?

    Yes, non-EU citizens with a job offer can get a visa to teach English in Portugal. Your employer will need to sponsor your visa, which makes the process a bit more tricky as some Portuguese employers prefer to hire EU nationals and avoid the headache of visa paperwork.