Work and Travel in Lisbon

WORK IN LISBON ALL YEAR ROUND

The main source of work for travellers in Lisbon is work exchanges in hostels. There are over 60 in the city centre and the quality of most of theses is REALLY high. 6 out of 10 of the highest rated hostels in the world are in Lisbon City Centre. Many of them don't advertise positions, but are open to taking on staff from outside of Lisbon as travellers have great experience and knowledge to bring to a hostel. If you're planning on coming here to work in a hostel, I would pick a few out and email them before you arrive. Otherwise, try to find ones that are foreign owned or staffed and stay in them, let them know you're looking for a job and get to know all the staff. I've seen plenty of people get work at a couple of hostels here that way. While generally most hostels will only offer food and accommodation in return for work, some in Lisbon will over a small wage as well as the option to run events and tours that you can generate an income from.

Other than hostels, there are a number of tour companies in Lisbon and pub crawls that are always looking for staff. However, jobs with these companies are difficult to get unless you're actually in the city.

There is also a growing online start up community in Lisbon, so if you have skills and experience in that area there could potentially be a lot of work here for you.

SEASONAL WORK IN LISBON

SPRING

What kinds of work are available in the spring time in Lisbon. Remember to keep work that is all year round in the section above and not mention it again here.

SUMMER

Work that is needed by hosts in the summer in Lisbon

AUTUMN

What kinds of work are there in Lisbon in autumn? Maybe it's harvest time, but do people need the help of foreigners for either cheap labour or expertise? This is the kind of thing we need to know here.

WINTER

Skiing in Lisbon - does it exist? Are there plenty of opportunities for people to get work in Lisbon in the winter? What kind of skills are needed at this time of year? Please update this section and let fellow travellers know what you have learnt if you have worked in Lisbon in the winter or if you are a Host and live here and can share your knowledge.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING IN LISBON

Generally speaking, the Portuguese people are very open and laid back. They are amongst the friendliest in Europe and are always willing to help out visitors. They also have a really high level of English. While the country is in the midst of an economical crisis and unemployment rates are incredibly high, there doesn't seem to be too much of an issue with travellers coming here to work, as it is generally in areas that most Portuguese people have no interest in working. Also, they usually understand that working in a hostel, you are not going to be paid much, if at all, so you are not taking income away from them.

When you meet Portuguese people and tell them you are here working, they are usually surprised and very interested to find out why, and what you think of their home city. Lisbon residents are very proud of their city, as they should be. It's an amazing place. And they are happy if more people are discovering it as a destination, as it means a great boost for their economy.