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English Teaching Jobs in
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A beautiful country with friendly people, great weather, and lots of English teaching opportunities – Portugal is a seriously underrated TEFL destination.

If you’re looking to teach English abroad in a place that values hospitality, learning, and culture, Portugal is well worth considering. With an emphasis on sociability and a positive attitude towards language learning, expect warm weather, a warm welcome, and plenty of opportunities to make a decent living as an English teacher.

In this article, we break down how to find opportunities for teaching English in Portugal. We’ll cover the requirements English teachers need to meet to get jobs, how to find teaching jobs, some typical benefits and salaries, plus the kinds of jobs out there. Bem-vindo!

English teaching jobs in Portugal: an overview

In general, although there are lots of opportunities for ESL teachers in Portugal, you’ll need strong Portuguese skills to land a job there. On the plus side, demand for English teaching is high, and you’ll have a solid foundation to start from since proficiency levels in the country are high.

Out of 113 nations, Portugal ranks 8th in EF’s English Proficiency Index, with particularly high levels of English fluency in Coimbra and Braga. This makes sense, given that Coimbra has a historic university and Braga is globally recognised as a top immigration destination. (Of course, major cities like Porto and the capital, Lisbon, also have high levels of English proficiency!)

Here’s a breakdown of English teaching jobs in Portugal:

Peak hiring periods are in April to June and between September and January.
Uptake of English is high – up to 56% of Portuguese people speak English fluently. If you’ve got a TEFL certificate and are keen to move to Portugal, you’ll likely find work.
Most employers prefer to interview candidates in person.
You will need strong Portuguese skills to land a teaching job, assessed through the CIPLE Language Test.
Historically, British English teachers have dominated the TEFL marketplace, but it’s straightforward for any EU citizen fluent in English to work there too.
Non-EU citizens will require a work permit (Au t orização de Trabalho). All foreigners must obtain a residency permit (Cartão de Residencia) to live in Portugal.
Check online job forums for English teaching jobs at private language schools, since they don’t always list jobs online.

Quick facts about Portugal

Capital: Lisbon
Official language: Portuguese (Statistics Portugal)
Population: 10.4 million
Currency: Euro (€)

Download our teaching English in Europe guide

Requirements to get English teaching jobs in Portugal

What are the requirements for teaching English abroad in Portugal? In this section, we’ll tell you everything you need to get started as a TEFL teacher in Lisbon, Porto, Braga or anywhere else in the land of Os Navegadores (the navigators).

Qualifications and certifications

To teach English in Portugal, you’ll need:

A bachelor's degree (in any field)
TEFL certification (with at least 120 hours of training)
Previous teaching experience is usually preferred
A clean criminal background check
An English proficiency certificate if you’re a non-native English speaker (IELTS or TOEFL)
To pass a CIPLE Language Test

Given the high levels of English proficiency in Portugal already, it’s worth considering a teaching speciality to cut through the job market. An advanced TEFL certificate in Business English or English for Academic Purposes, for example, will help significantly - Portuguese students may have the basics of English covered but want to achieve specific learning goals.

Tip: While knowing the native language isn’t as important in other TEFL destinations, it’s a big deal in Portugal. To gain long-term residence or citizenship, you must prove your fluency by passing the CIPLE Language Test. Even basic Portuguese skills won’t be enough to land an English teaching job in Portugal.

Visa & work permits

The conditions you must meet to live and work in Portugal legally depend on whether you’re an EU citizen. For non-EU nationals, the first step is gaining a work search visa (Autorização de Trabalho). You’ll need:

A job offer from a Portuguese employer (the job opportunity must have been posted for at least a month to prove a Portuguese person or EU citizen couldn’t have filled the job)
A completed work visa application application for a work permit, submitted by the employer.

This visa is granted for 120 days. You’re encouraged to apply for a permanent work visa during this time. The requirements are:

A valid passport.
Passport-size photos
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
Criminal records from current and previous country of residence (if resided there for over a year)
Authorisation for SEF (Portuguese Immigration) to check Portuguese criminal records
Proof of health insurance
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Employment contract
Proof of legal entry to Portugal (if you’re there already)
Proof of legal stay in your current country of residence (if applying from abroad)

After this, you’ll need a residence permit. To apply for a Portuguese residence permit, you’ll need to provide:

Proof of accommodation: property ownership deeds, rental agreement, or a formal term of responsibility from a Portuguese host
Job-specific documentation: an employment contract, promise of work, or formal invitation
Verification of professional teaching credentials (TEFL certificate, degree)
Proof of eligibility to practice regulated professions in Portugal (if applicable)

Read our Portugal Country Guide for info about salaries, living costs & requirements

Portugal Country Guide

Types of English teaching jobs in Portugal

Which kinds of English jobs are available to those who want to teach in Portugal? Where can a teacher with TEFL certification teach English as a foreign language in this fascinating part of the Iberian peninsula? Let’s take a look.

Public schools
International schools
Private language schools
Private tutoring

Public schools

While it’s harder for foreign teachers to break into the public school system in Portugal, there are still opportunities. The best way to find English teaching jobs in Portuguese state schools is by being local, since they’re rarely advertised outside of the immediate area. You’ll be up against plenty of Portuguese teachers, after all.

To be considered, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, TEFL certification, and plenty of teaching experience. Being proficient in Portuguese is also crucial.

International schools

With many international schools in Portugal available, highly qualified and experienced teachers have lots of options across Lisbon, the Algarve, Porto and beyond.

International schools in Portugal are widespread, predominantly following UK, USA, or International Baccalaureate programmes. They offer excellent salaries and benefits, including accommodation, paid holidays, and—in some cases—flights.

Requirements for English teachers at international schools in Portugal are high. You’ll need at least a master’s degree, usually in a specific English or educational field, a TEFL certificate and several years of teaching experience.

Private language schools

One of the more common ESL jobs for those teaching abroad in Portugal is working at private language schools. While the standard of English education in Portugal is high, plenty of students still want to work on specific learning goals. Private language schools are the best route if you’re interested in teaching English to enthusiastic adult learners.

Since adult learners are the primary demographic, classes usually occur in the evenings or on weekends. Flexibility is key for English teachers who opt for language schools, and it’s not just in terms of their availability. Being able to teach a range of subjects within English is highly desired, so be prepared for all sorts of interesting questions and demands.

If you have advanced TEFL certification, it certainly helps, as does a bachelor’s degree, but you don’t always need lots of ESL jobs on your CV to get moving.

Private tutoring

For a more flexible option, Private tutoring is great choice. Your clients will generally be in small groups or one-to-one and, like private language schools, many will be adult learners. However, you're also likely to teach English to school kids looking to get ahead.

The more qualified and experienced you are, the better. Therefore, a TEFL certificate or two (advanced TEFL certification is always helpful!) is crucial. Still, the demand is such that you’ll find yourself teaching plenty of students quickly - provided you’re a self-starter who can advertise well.

Tip: If you already have a job teaching English and want to increase your income, why not teach English online? It’s a versatile way to make more money alongside your day job. (Just make sure you don't overwhelm yourself by taking on too many students!)

Salary & benefits

If you’re looking for English teaching jobs, Portugal doesn’t disappoint, with a range of options and significant demand. But what’s the average salary for teaching English as a foreign language in sunny Portugal?

Country	Avg. monthly salary	Degree required	Start of term	Teaching experience	Housing & flights included	Suitable for non-native English speakers	Age restrictions
Teach in Portugal	£616 - £880 GBP ($756 - $1,080 USD)		September	Preferred			None

Salary

The average monthly salary in Portugal for full-time TEFL teachers ranges from €1,657 to €1,800 (£1,411 - £1,532 / $1,826 - $1,984). Elite institutions like international schools tend to offer more lucrative average salaries, starting at around €2,000 per month.

Benefits

Added benefits for public and language school teachers aren’t as common in Portugal as they are in international and private schools.

Public sector workers in Portugal are entitled to 22 days of annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, mandatory pension contributions, agreed overtime payment and insurance contributions.

Meanwhile, English teachers who work in international and private schools can sometimes expect an accommodation offer. According to recent job adverts, this usually comes as a one-bedroom apartment. This can reduce your monthly expenses dramatically!

Many private schools will also tempt teachers with ESL jobs that include additional benefits like performance bonuses and free travel.

Best cities for teaching English in Portugal

An alluring choice for English teachers, with a more relaxed pace of life than some of its southern European neighbours, Portugal’s international trade and multiculturalism are the dominant factors behind its demand for English teachers – with most jobs available in big cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Geographically and culturally, Portugal is a fascinating example of European living. Much like northern Spain, Northern Portugal is characterised by lush, green fields and a cooler, wetter climate. In the north, you’ll find the famous, picturesque Douro Valle, the home of port wine and countless acres of gorgeous vineyards. The south, significantly warmer and drier, is home to regions like the Algarve, with its golden beaches and dramatic cliff-top views.

Here are some of the top cities for English teaching jobs in Portugal in 2025:

Lisbon

Lisbon being labelled Europe's work-and-play capital accurately reflects the city's well-balanced lifestyle. Demand for English is extremely high. This means English teachers can find work in different institutions. There are plenty of international schools, and it’s no wonder, given Portugal's capital city's multicultural and cosmopolitan feel.

Home toa considerable number of digital nomads, Lisbon’s international population has boomed over recent years. In under an hour, you can get from the city centre to amazing beaches, with excellent quality of living and a climate that’s hard to beat.

However, this has caused some pressure on housing prices in recent years, and finding reasonable rent on a lower income can be challenging.

Porto

Portugal’s historic second city is well worth a look. Intersected by the Douro River, Porto is famous for its colourful architecture, medieval buildings and stunning sites, like the breathtaking Igreja de São Francisco.

Why teach English in Porto? With a growing tourism industry, the city has developed an significant demand for English language skills, with the bulk of the opportunities in language schools, private tutoring, and business English.

Coimbra

If you're looking to teach English in Portugal, and a university city appeals most of all, Coimbra is arguably Portugal's educational hub. Home to the University of Coimbra, TEFL teachers seeking an academic environment and stunning sunshine should opt for this intriguing, historic destination.

Coimbra has some noteworthy sites. There aren’t many cities where the library is a top attraction, but the Biblioteca Joanina justifies the hype. You can also take a river cruise on a dazzling Moliceiro Boat, walk the ancient streets of the Old Town, and take in the campus of the University.

A quieter, more studious locale than Lisbon or Porto, TEFL jobs largely come in the form of tutoring and helping students at the university. While lecturing jobs might arise occasionally, you’re better placed teaching English for Academic Purposes to students seeking opportunities worldwide.

Jobs boards

The TEFL Org Jobs Centre always has great opportunities available, whether you want to teach English in Portugal, find an English teaching job online, or teach English anywhere else in the world!

Wall Street English frequently hire teachers in Portugal, with around 30 language centres across the country.

International House has ten schools in Portugal that serve younger students.

Fun Languages are seeking applications. They offer instruction in English (as well as other foreign languages) as summer schools or extracurricular classes.

Bristol School has 9 schools providing classes for young learners (8 and above), teenagers, adults and corporate groups.

Cambridge School is one of the largest private language schools in Portugal. They occasionally post about TEFL jobs, so keep them saved.

APPI is a great job board to keep bookmarked if you want to work as an English teacher in Portugal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there a demand for English teachers in Portugal?

With extremely high levels of English proficiency and a strong demand for the language, Portugal is a great place to teach English.

Q. How much does an English teacher make in Portugal?

If you teach English in Portugal, you can expect to earn a starting salary of around €1,657 to €1,800 (£1,411 - £1,532 / $1,826 - $1,984. Teachers with various qualifications and experience will typically earn more, and most teachers will find they can earn a higher salary if they teach in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto. Giving private lessons is a great way to increase your salary, in person or online.

Q. Can you get a job in Portugal if you only speak English?

To teach English in Portugal, you must have basic Portuguese. If you want to gain citizenship and teach in Portugal for the long term, you must pass the CIPLE Language Test. Schools will more readily hire teachers with fluency in Portuguese, so having additional qualifications in the language can help.

March Sale! 50% off all courses

March Sale! 50% off all courses

March Sale! 50% off all courses

English Teaching Jobs in
Portugal

English teaching jobs in Portugal: an overview

Quick facts about Portugal

Download our teaching English in Europe guide