Teach in Portugal

Options for teaching jobs in Portugal

Experienced, qualified teachers looking to teach in private international schools will find opportunity in Portugal. Schools often look to hire teachers with a minimum of two years worth of relevant teaching experience.

For those interested in teaching English in Portugal, you’ll have the opportunity to work in either a public or private school setting. As with most opportunities in Europe, these positions are competitive and schools generally look to hire teachers with a TEFL certificate and a minimum of 100 classroom hours.

Depending on the avenue you take for teaching in Portugal, salaries will vary, though teachers are able to live comfortably. Some private schools in smaller towns may include boarding options in their salary package, however, teachers are often expected to find their own accommodations. The average salary for teaching in Portugal per month is around €1,000.

When to apply to teach in Portugal

Many positions in Portugal follow the standard school year — this means that more positions will open come August and September. The Teach Away job board will begin to list positions for this time of year in March or April. A smaller number of positions are often posted in the spring for summer courses, so those interested in arriving in Portugal for the summer, look at the job board around January or February.

Qualifications to teach in Portugal

To teach English in a private language school in Portugal, employers often require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree as well as a TESOL or TEFL certificate from a reputable school.

Visas to teach in Portugal

Non-EU citizens looking to work in Portugal will need a work permit (called an Autorização de Trabalho). If you secure a teaching job in Portugal in advance of your travels, your employer can apply for the permit on your behalf from the local labor office. Teachers will also need an entry visa from the Portuguese Immigration Office (Serviços de Estangeiras e Fronteiras).

Arrival in Portugal

Once you arrive in Portugal to teach, you will need to get a Residency Card (Cartão de Residencia). This official legal document is a requirement for all Portuguese residents that can be obtained from the Portuguese Immigration Office.

As Portugal crops up annually on the Worldwide Quality of Life survey as one of the best places for great work-life balance, teaching in Portugal offers great opportunity to absorb some culture and history while pursuing a teaching career abroad. In a country that has been known for its friendly locals and a relatively low cost of living, teachers will be able to settle in quickly in their local community and feel right at home.

Portugal has something to interest every type of traveler, whether you’re an avid beach-goer, a culture junky, or a history buff. This Iberian nation was home to many: Romans, Christians, Moors, and Visigoths, so there is no shortage of great architectural wonders to explore. Roman ruins, colossal medieval cathedrals, and breathtaking palaces are abundant across the country. Many great weekend adventures lie just outside the bigger cities, so no matter where you’re situated, your time off from teaching can be filled with interesting activities in the surrounding areas.

Many private schools in Portugal require applicants to possess a TEFL certificate. The University of Toronto’s TEFL Online Certificate can help you become a leading candidate for some of the top Portugese private school positions.

Register for a teacher account to apply for teaching jobs in Portugal.