Portugal is also becoming a welcoming home for teachers from around the world. With a growing number of international schools, English-language programs, and a renewed push for quality education, Portugal has plenty of opportunities for teachers who want both professional fulfillment and a relaxed lifestyle.
Teaching here feels different from fast-paced systems elsewhere. The rhythm of life is calmer, the work culture is less stressful, and relationships matter a lot both in and out of the classroom. Many international teachers find that Portugal gives them something rare which is the ability to enjoy teaching while also enjoying life.
From Lisbon’s buzzing schools to Porto’s academic charm, and even smaller towns where community spirit is strong, Portugal offers a wide range of teaching experiences. Whether you’re an English teacher looking for language school roles, a licensed educator hoping to join an international school, or someone with a background in higher education, you’ll find doors open here.
Latest Teaching Job Openings in Portugal
1. English Teacher
- Location: Lisbon
- Type: Full-time at a private language school
- Responsibilities: Teach English to adult learners, prepare lesson plans, and assess student progress.
2. Primary School Teacher
- Location: Porto
- Type: Full-time at a bilingual primary school
- Responsibilities: Teach various subjects to primary students, adapt lessons for different learning styles.
3. Secondary School Science Teacher
- Location: Faro
- Type: Full-time at a public secondary school
- Responsibilities: Teach biology and chemistry, prepare students for national exams.
4. Special Education Teacher
- Location: Coimbra
- Type: Full-time at a special needs school
- Responsibilities: Develop and implement individualized education plans for students with disabilities.
5. Kindergarten Teacher
- Location: Cascais
- Type: Full-time at an international kindergarten
- Responsibilities: Plan and conduct activities for young children, support their social and emotional development.
6. University Lecturer in Business
- Location: Lisbon
- Type: Part-time at a private university
- Responsibilities: Teach undergraduate courses in business administration, mentor students on projects.
7. Online ESL Teacher
- Location: Remote
- Type: Part-time
- Responsibilities: Teach English to students worldwide through an online platform.
Most Demanded Teaching Job Opportunities in Portugal
Right now, Portugal’s education sector is quite welcoming to teachers, especially those with international experience or strong English skills and many are ready for visa sponsorship. Let’s look at where the demand is:
1. International Schools:
Portugal has a growing network of international schools, especially around Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. These schools follow British, American, or IB curricula and are always on the lookout for subject teachers in areas like:
- English Language and Literature
- Mathematics and Science (high demand)
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Early Childhood and Primary Education
If you’re licensed and have solid classroom experience, international schools are one of the best entry points.
2. Language Schools (English as a Foreign Language):
With tourism booming and more Portuguese professionals needing English for business, language schools are hiring year round. Opportunities exist for:
- TEFL / TESOL-certified English teachers
- Business English instructors
- Conversation tutors for adults and teens
These roles may not always pay as much as international schools, but they’re flexible and great for teachers looking to start quickly.
3. Public Schools (Through Special Programs):
Portugal occasionally runs programs that bring in international teachers, especially for English. While the majority of teaching in public schools is done in Portuguese, there’s a steady need for English teachers and sometimes STEM educators.
4. Universities and Higher Education:
If you have a Master’s or PhD, Portugal’s universities especially in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra offer roles in research, lecturing, and English-medium programs. These positions are more competitive but come with prestige and higher pay.
Right now, the strongest opportunities for foreign teachers are in international schools and language schools. Public schools and universities also offer pathways, but they may require additional qualifications or Portuguese language skills.
See also: Healthcare and Nursing jobs in Portugal
Teacher Salaries in Portugal
One of the first questions every teacher asks is “Can I actually live comfortably in Portugal on a teacher’s salary?” The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of school and the city you’re in. Let’s break it down.
1. International Schools: International schools usually offer the best salaries for foreign teachers. You can expect around 2,000 to 3,000 EUR per month depending on your subject, experience, and the school’s prestige. In Lisbon or Porto, where life is more expensive, this salary keeps you comfortable with rent, food, transport, and still enough left for evenings out or weekend trips.
2. Language Schools: If you’re teaching English at a private language school, salaries are lower, often 1,200 to 1,600 EUR per month. Some schools also pay hourly, usually 10 to 20 EUR per hour. These roles aren’t usually about getting rich but they can be a great entry point, especially if you want flexibility and a lighter teaching load.
3. Public Schools: Public school salaries fall somewhere in the middle, usually 1,400 to 2,000 EUR per month depending on your experience and seniority. The benefit here isn’t just the paycheck because you also get job security, holidays, and the strong support of Portugal’s education unions.
4. Universities: Lecturers and professors at universities earn more, typically 2,000 to 3,500 EUR per month, though senior positions can go higher. These roles demand advanced qualifications but reward you with both respect and financial stability.
Top Organizations Hiring Teachers in Portugal
1. Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL): A well-established school that blends U.S. curriculum with the IB program. Teachers here often say it feels like a family, such as supportive staff, active parents, and curious students.
2. St. Julian’s School (Carcavelos, Lisbon area): One of Portugal’s most respected British-curriculum schools. With over 100 years of history, it offers stability, tradition, and a strong academic culture.
3. The British School of Lisbon: A modern and fast-growing international school with fresh energy. It’s known for innovation in teaching and small class sizes, which makes it easier to build close relationships with students.
4. Oporto British School (Porto): The oldest British school in mainland Europe. With its rich history and tight-knit community, it’s a great option for teachers who love tradition but also enjoy working in a multicultural environment.
5. CLIP, The Oporto International School: Another major player in Porto, CLIP is forward-thinking and emphasizes creativity and technology in education. Teachers here often enjoy the balance of academic standards with a modern twist.
6. United Lisbon International School (ULIS): A newer school in Lisbon that’s already gaining a strong reputation. It follows the IB framework and emphasizes innovation, global citizenship, and sustainability which is perfect for teachers who like to inspire beyond textbooks.
7. Redbridge School (Lisbon): A bilingual international school offering both English and French streams. It’s smaller compared to the big names, but teachers often highlight the warm, community feel and supportive environment.
8. The International Sharing School (Taguspark, near Lisbon): An IB World School with a very diverse student body. The school encourages project-based learning and creativity, which attracts teachers who like flexibility and experimentation in their classrooms.
9. British Council Portugal: If your strength is teaching English as a second language, the British Council is a trusted employer. With centers in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra, it offers steady demand, professional development, and international recognition.
10. Wall Street English Portugal: One of the largest private language schools in the country, Wall Street English focuses on adult learners. Flexible schedules make it attractive for teachers who want to balance work with exploring life in Portugal.
Together, these organizations cover everything from international schools with global curricula to language centers for English learners. Whether you’re after long-term stability or flexible teaching hours, Portugal has a space for you.
Qualifications Needed
Portugal has different doors for teachers, and each one opens with slightly different keys. Let’s walk through them:
1. International Schools: If you’re aiming for international schools, they usually accept a teaching degree and license from your home country. What they really want to see is:
- A recognized teaching qualification (PGCE, QTS, state license, etc.).
- Classroom experience (the more, the better).
- Comfort teaching in English.
You don’t necessarily need Portuguese here, but picking up the basics will make your daily life a lot easier.
2. Language Schools: If your focus is teaching English, most language schools will happily hire you with a bachelor’s degree in any field, a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate and a genuine passion for helping students improve their communication skills. Language schools value flexibility and energy. If you’re lively and engaging, you’ll fit right in.
3. Public Schools: Public schools are a bit stricter. To secure a permanent teaching role, you’ll usually need:
- A recognized teaching qualification.
- Fluent Portuguese, since most teaching and parent communication happens in the local language.
- Sometimes, extra approvals from Portugal’s Ministry of Education.
This path is tougher for foreign teachers, but not impossible if you’re committed to long-term life in Portugal.
4. Universities: If you’re thinking bigger like lecturing or research, universities usually require a Master’s degree or PhD, Research experience or publications and a Strong academic English (many courses are international). Knowing Portuguese helps you stand out, but it’s not always mandatory for English-medium programs.
Conclusion
Teaching in Portugal is more than a profession, it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in a culture that values education, community, and balance. Whether you choose an international school in Lisbon, a language school in Porto, or a university role in Coimbra, you’ll find that Portugal offers more than just a paycheck.
The process may take patience from preparing your documents to learning the basics of Portuguese but the rewards go beyond the classroom. You’ll experience a lifestyle where work and personal life coexist, weekends are meant for exploring charming towns and beaches, and colleagues and students value connection as much as results.
If you’re ready to step into a teaching role in Portugal, think of it not just as a job, but as a chance to grow personally and professionally. Here, your skills as an educator are appreciated, your efforts are respected, and your life outside the classroom can be just as rich and fulfilling as your career.
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