Welcome to Porto, a city that fuses historical charm, modernity and the warmth of Portuguese culture. Situated on the banks of the Douro River, Porto is a great destination for those seeking an enriching living experience in northern Portugal.

As Portugal’s second largest city, Porto attracts students and expatriates for its educational and professional opportunities, as well as its culture, history, gastronomy and leisure.

And beyond its architectural beauty, Porto is a growing economic center. The Universidade do Porto attracts academics and researchers from all over the world, while the technology and tourism sector provides diverse job opportunities.

Preparing for life in Porto involves not only getting to know the practicalities, such as finding a job and accommodation, but also immersing yourself in the cultural essence of the city. This guide will provide you with the information and tips you need to make your stay in Porto a rewarding experience.

Work and live in Porto

Porto is famous for its wine. However, beyond the wine industry, the city has a large seaport and a highly developed industrial and professional sector. From tourism to the technology industry, Porto offers a wide range of job and training opportunities.

Many young professionals come to Porto in search of jobs in the tourism and service sectors, but it is the technology industry that is growing strongly throughout the country. Generally, professionals with the right training and skills have no problem finding a job, but those without the necessary experience also come to the city for internships or scholarships in local companies.

In recent years, there has also been an increase in job opportunities for customer service centers. In many cases, companies do not require Portuguese, so professionals can communicate in English. However, having a second language will always be an advantage when looking for a job in the country.

Visa to work in Porto

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you can work in Porto without a visa. However, you will need to apply for a Portuguese residence permit. You can do this at the Portuguese Immigration Office in your region.

If you come from a country outside the EU/EEA, you will probably need a visa to visit Portugal and work here. In most cases, you will first need to obtain an employment contract and then use it to apply for a permit through a Portuguese embassy in your country.

The definitive guide to live in Porto

Accommodation

As the city becomes more popular, rental prices go up and the search for accommodation becomes more complicated. Tourists, digital nomads, expats? Looking for housing in Porto takes time.

While it is true that the price will depend on the type of accommodation and the area where you want to live, prices range from 600 to 1,200€. For example, if you are looking for a one-bedroom apartment near the city center, you can find it for around 1,200 €. However, if you are looking for more space and/or a place with a terrace, you may end up paying between €1,500 and €2,000 per month.

Outside the city center, districts that require a long commute to the center can offer rental options for around €600/€700 per month, while seaside neighborhoods (such as Matosinhos and Foz do Douro) offer accommodation from €1,000 and up.

If you are looking for accommodation for half a stay in the city, here you will find the best options.

Transportation

Porto has an efficient metro system that reaches most of the suburbs of the city. You will have very little reason to feel the need for a car to get around Porto. Especially if you intend to live or work in the city center, where steep, narrow streets and lack of parking make public transport preferable.

In addition to the metro, Porto has other public transport systems, such as:

• The tramway: ideal for exploring the center and the banks of the Douro River. It shares rules and fares with the metro.
• Buses: an economical option for areas not covered by the metro. You can check itineraries and schedules on the STCP website.
• Train: if you have to leave Porto and visit other regions of the country, you can take the train at Campanhã station.

Leisure

Porto is not only a place to work, but also to enjoy unforgettable leisure experiences. Whether alone, as a couple, with family or friends, the city offers options for all tastes.

• Explore the hippest street in the city: Rua Miguel Bombarda. With multiple art galleries along its length, it is a symbol of counterculture.
• Visit the Casa da Música, the Carlos Alberto Theater or the Rivoli Theater.
• Navigating the Douro River by boat is one of the most romantic plans in Porto.
• Visit the Port wine cellars in Cais de Gaia.
• Visit the Palácio de Cristal Gardens.
• Visit the beach of Matosinhos.
• Visit the Rua das Galerias de Paris, the most popular nightlife center of the city, full of bars and nightclubs.
• Visit Rua de Santa Catarina for shopping.

Work culture in Porto

Adapting to the Portuguese work culture is crucial for a successful integration. Here are some guidelines for navigating the working environment in Porto:

• Working hours: typically, you typically work 40 hours per week. In the country, you enjoy 14 annual holidays and 22 days of paid vacation.
• Company hierarchy: although still fairly traditional, there is a shift towards a more collaborative and horizontal approach to work.
• Dress code: although the dress code varies according to the area of specialization, it is generally more formal than in other European countries. Some jobs are stricter than others, for example, if you work in the banking, finance or investment sector, you will be required to wear very formal clothes.
• Work environment: In general, Portuguese people do not tend to mix their work and personal lives. This means that you will not see many teams leaving work and going downtown for a drink. However, the work environment must be taken care of, as in any other country.

Live in Porto for work

Leisure, culture, history and job opportunities. Porto has become a favorite destination for many. Thanks to its educational and work offer, the Portuguese city has become a magnet for students and young professionals, and finding part-time accommodation is not an easy task? Or is it?

Do you want to live in Porto? At Lodgerin we have a wide selection of mid-stay accommodations for students and young professionals, with a completely digital booking process. Find yours here.