Skip to main content
Trabalhar em Portugal

Working in Portugal: Which type of recognition to choose?

Moving to a new country opens up a world of opportunities and challenges. The search for a new environment, new people, and new experiences is exciting, but it also presents unique challenges – one of the most important being the continuation of your professional career in the host country. For those wishing to explore professional opportunities in Portugal, it is crucial to understand how the professional recognition system works.

Portugal’s professional recognition system is governed by the constitutional freedom to choose one’s profession. This means that for a wide range of unregulated professions, employment requirements are determined by the employer. However, in the case of regulated professions, there are certain requirements and standards that must be met.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed guide to navigating the professional recognition process in Portugal. Here, we’ll explore the difference between regulated and unregulated professions, the procedure for recognizing professional qualifications and the general steps to follow if you want to work in Portugal.

Freedom to choose a profession

In Portugal, the constitution guarantees freedom of choice of profession, a principle that guides both access to and exercise of professional activities in the country. This freedom means that for a large number of professions, known as unregulated, the requirements for professional practice are determined by the employer. This allows for greater flexibility in career choice, where requirements are defined according to the specific demands of the employer and the business area in question.

However, this freedom has an exception: for regulated professions, there are specific and mandatory criteria for the exercise of the activity. Regulated professions are those whose standards of practice, qualifications and ethics are defined and maintained by a specific regulatory body. These professions cover a variety of fields, including health, law, engineering, among others, and generally require some kind of formal education, training and certification.

Although freedom of choice of profession is a protected right, it is important that those wishing to work in Portugal are aware of the differences between regulated and unregulated professions. This helps to ensure compliance with the specific rules and regulations of your chosen profession and facilitates the process of obtaining employment in the country.

Regulated and Unregulated Professions

There are two main categories of professions in Portugal: regulated and unregulated. Regulated professions are those whose qualifications and standards are defined by law, and are usually accompanied by regulatory bodies that oversee adherence to these standards. This includes professions such as doctors, lawyers and engineers, which require formal education, specific training and, in many cases, official certifications or licenses.

In contrast, unregulated professions have no specific qualifications required by law. For these professions, the qualification and experience requirements depend on the employer’s discretion. To determine the category of your profession, you can consult the list of regulated professions in Portugal. If in doubt, it is advisable to contact the national organization responsible for professional recognition.

Health Services in Portugal

Regulated professions:

  • They require specific qualifications by law
  • Often require official certifications or licenses
  • They are supervised by regulatory bodies

Unregulated professions:

  • No specific qualifications required by law
  • Requirements depend on the employer
  • They are not supervised by regulatory bodies

Recognition of Professional Qualifications

If you want to work in Portugal and have professional qualifications obtained abroad, it is likely that you will need to go through the process of having your professional qualifications recognized. This process is managed by various Portuguese government agencies, such as the Directorate General for Higher Education (DGES), the Directorate General for Employment and Labor Relations (DGERT) and the National Agency for Qualification and Vocational Education (ANQEP). All agencies provide information on the process and the steps to follow to have your professional qualifications recognized.

Recognition of professional qualifications is essential to ensure that your skills and knowledge are compatible with the standards of your profession in Portugal. The recognition process is personalized, taking into account the nature of the profession and the country where the qualification was obtained. The main objective is to validate whether the foreign qualification is equivalent to the corresponding Portuguese qualification.

This process may involve assessing your certificates, diplomas and work experience in order to confirm that you meet the standards required in Portugal. In some cases, it may be necessary to take an exam or gain more practical experience before obtaining full recognition. Regardless of the path you follow, the ultimate goal is to ensure that you are duly qualified to practice your profession in Portugal.

Working in Portugal with a student visa

Steps to follow

To get your professional qualifications recognized in Portugal, you need to follow a few essential steps. Each one is detailed below:

  1. Investigation: First of all, you need to understand the process as a whole. Contact DGES, DGERT or ANQEP for detailed information on the recognition process. Gather all the information you need about the forms to fill in, the documentation required, the possible need for official translations and other requirements that may be unique to your profession.
  1. Identifying your profession: Check whether your profession is regulated in Portugal. If so, you will need to contact the relevant regulatory authority for more information on the specific requirements for practicing the profession. This step is crucial to ensure that you are aware of all the necessary qualifications and certifications.
  1. Preparing documents: Next, start gathering the necessary documents. This usually includes qualification certificates, academic equivalencies/recognition and proof of professional experience. Depending on the profession and the country where the qualifications were obtained, it may also be necessary to arrange for these documents to be officially translated and notarized.
  1. Request for recognition: Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you can submit your request for recognition to the competent authority. This is a formal stage in which you present all your qualifications and evidence for evaluation. Bear in mind that the evaluation process can take some time. It’s important to be patient and wait for the decision. There are three types of recognition and you will need to have identified which one is right for you.
  1. Follow-up: After submitting your order, monitor its progress regularly. It may be necessary to respond to additional requests for information or clarification during the evaluation process.

Remember, each profession and each case is unique. The exact steps and requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is therefore essential to research and fully understand the process before starting.

Conclusion

Moving to another country and adapting to a new professional culture can be a challenging process, but also an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth. For those planning to work in Portugal, understanding the process of professional recognition is essential. Although it may seem like a complex and time-consuming process at first glance, the good news is that Portugal has a structured professional recognition system that aims to ensure that professionals’ skills and qualifications are duly recognized.

With the right information and resources, such as those available on the DGES website, the process of obtaining professional recognition in Portugal can be a smooth and effective experience. It’s crucial to do careful research, prepare properly and maintain patience throughout the process. Remember that each case is unique and there may be variations depending on the profession and specific qualifications.

And if you want to complement your career with further training, Portugal has a wide range of courses and options available.

Finally, we hope that this detailed guide will provide you with the information you need to help you make the transition to working life in Portugal. The journey may be long, but the rewards of working in your chosen profession in a new country certainly outweigh the challenges. We wish you the best of luck on your journey!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Book an appointment

Appointment to be scheduled with Dr. Vivian Perfeito for legal clarifications and guidance within the scope of a personalized consultation, appropriate to the specific case.

All information will be guaranteed by professional secrecy, duties of confidentiality and protection of personal data.

Capabilities

Jim HudginsJim Hudgins
14:51 31 Jul 24
Vivian Perfeito is by far the best attorney I have used in international and domestic legal services. Vivian’s level of expiernce and expertise far exceeding my expectations. I highly recommend using her services for all your legal needs in immigration, visa applications, business startups and all real estate transactions as well. I will be using her services with our transition from the states to Portugal.
Allen WittertAllen Wittert
16:34 25 Jul 24
I took a chance with going to see Vivian because I am hesitant about finding someone online. But, not knowing many people in PT, and after seeing Vivian speaking confidently and concisely on YouTube links and sharing knowledge generously, I made an appointment and went to see her about my current and future residency status. Vivian is a warm and intelligent lawyer, and gave me quality time, and quickly gained an insight into what would be the best way forward for me. We have just started the process but I feel confident she knows her stuff, and has my best interests at heart, a rare quality to find in any person.
Randy RavaRandy Rava
13:31 20 Jun 24
Hello my name is Randy Rava. I decided to move to Portugal 🇵🇹. I found Vivian Perfeito on internet. She is worth every penny. Vivian was there for me every step of the way. Her fees are very low, she was always there for me and she always answered my emails and gave me good direction. She is very honest and kind. She put in much more time with me and helped me in many ways. If you want to immigrate to Portugal 🇵🇹 without the help of a lawyer it would be foolish because of the many mistakes that you would make that would cost you valuable time and money. I found Vivian Perfeito and she is a blessing because she knows exactly what to do at every point in the process, her fees are very reasonable and she is very honest and reliable. Without her knowledge of Portuguese law I would have made mistake after mistake and would never have even known it. I highly recommend Vivian Perfeito Advogada extrordinare the finest most skilled lawyer in all of Portugal.
Prashant BasanagoudarPrashant Basanagoudar
19:39 07 Jun 24
Dra. Vivian Perfeito is a diligent professional who is reliable and trustworthy. Vivian represented me at Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira/Portal das Finanças for NIF and delivered the result in under 48 hours. I highly recommend Vivian for her exceptional work-ethic and responsiveness.
Samer Marrash (Sqmer)Samer Marrash (Sqmer)
16:56 27 May 24
So far I had one call with Dra. Vivian, and I could already see that she is a very nice person who is very knowledgable about her domain. She was able to answer all my questions as well as recommend other people to me who could help me. She actually cares about her client's cases and takes her time to study the case (via email) before joining the call to give the best experience. I highly recommend Dra. Vivian
My husband and I had the absolute pleasure of working with Vivian for drafting and reviewing a rental contract. Vivian's warmth, responsiveness, and genuine friendliness made the entire process a breeze for both of us. She not only showed incredible professionalism but also made us feel like valued clients every step of the way. With Vivian's expertise and delightful personality, we couldn't have asked for a better experience. We wholeheartedly recommend Vivian to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you, Vivian, for your exceptional service!! :)
Cláudia RodriguesCláudia Rodrigues
19:05 20 Mar 24
Great. I needed help and Doctor Vivian was very quick to respond and helped prevent me from spending a lot of money too. I am truly grateful for the availability and attention she gave me.
Pedro CesarPiressPedro CesarPiress
08:33 18 Mar 24
Extremely competent professional, I recommend him.
Gil AldorGil Aldor
10:53 15 Mar 24
Vivian was really kind and professional in her service and helped me with everything I needed. Recommended!
Dra. Vivian provided excellent and timely advice to my inquiry. Highly recommended.
Raphael BRaphael B
05:32 04 Mar 24
Vivian and team were excellent in executing my citizenship application!
Abdul Rehman YasinAbdul Rehman Yasin
16:07 16 Feb 24
Dra. Vivian is the most humble and caring lawyer I have met in a long while. I am writing this as a lawyer myself, she is very sincere and dedicated in solving her client's issues. Keep up the good work and I wish her best of luck !
NWCHEVYNWCHEVY
19:16 19 Jan 24
My wife and I made a decision to start our immigration process in October of 2023. Vivian was recommended to us around that same time.We both appreciate everything Vivian has helped us with through the process. We are now waiting on our visa. Vivian has proved very knowledgeable and without her help, we would have struggled. Her communication has always been excellent and never missed a meeting. We communicated in English with no problems. Her dedication and experience are highly rated by us.
Dr Vivian was incredibly kind to deal with. She is very confident and knows her job very well, preparing my emigration to Portugal. Her vast legal knowledge leaves me safe and confident in future decisions regarding the purchase or rental of property, avoiding the traps and tricks so common in this segment.
Dennis KeithlyDennis Keithly
00:55 18 Jan 24
Dra. Vivian Perfeito went above and beyond, plus exceeded my expectations on getting banking and insurance handled with special notary requirements. I highly recommend her on your tax ID, banking and insurance matters. She has been a God send with the Potugues bureaucracy,
Cilmar KuczkowskiCilmar Kuczkowski
23:22 17 Jan 24
Samir CostaSamir Costa
15:44 15 Jan 24
Dr Vivian Perfeito is an excellent lawyer. My family is in the process of applying for citizenship for their Portuguese grandson and their attention, dedication and constant support impresses us. We recommend your services. Distinguished professional in her area of ​​expertise.
Marco QuelhoMarco Quelho
17:42 02 Jan 24
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Vivian Perfeito on business opening issues. She was extremely helpful in guiding me through the process of opening a business in Portugal. Her experience and knowledge in business law were evident from the beginning, and she kept me informed at every step of the process. She was very professional and attentive, and I recommend her services to anyone who needs help with business issues.
Fernando PernicaFernando Pernica
09:54 12 Dec 23
Dr. Vivian was more than a helping hand when I moved to Portugal! In addition to carrying out the work I hired her for, she was always available to answer my questions; and I had many! Always responding to my emails within 24 business hours, she took care of what was a stressful process for me, and helped me focus on the other aspects of the move. If I could, I would hire her as a lawyer in all areas!
Becky ShursonBecky Shurson
19:01 08 Dec 23
Dra. Vivian Perfeito provided professional and timely assistance with our foreign corporate tax issue. She demonstrated her expertise and knowledge and provided resources to help us to find the best solution for the situation. She was extremely helpful and courteous throughout our interactions, and I am thankful for her support and guidance.
MonicaMonica
10:49 07 Dec 23
Sergio SousaSergio Sousa
17:22 06 Dec 23
Dra.Vivian Perfeito is very professional and courteous.Highly recommended!!
James ParkerJames Parker
11:27 05 Dec 23
If you need a attorney in Portugal, I highly recommend Vivian Perfeito. She is a kind and professional person. My wife and I are from the United States, and are now living here in Portugal. Mrs Vivian took care of us before we arrived. She acquired our NIF'S for us quickly and at a very reasonable rate. I also know I can count on her to answer any questions that may arise. Mrs Vivian responds quickly and her communication skills are excellent. My wife and I fully trust her with her expertise. She truly is a exceptional person and attorney..!!!
Tania CustodioTania Custodio
17:40 20 Nov 23
Dr Vivian Perfeito is a highly-capable, professional, diligent, charismatic, caring, and above all, honest, attorney! It has been and continue to be a pleasure working with her, and we would highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal services. Thank you Vivian! Best Regards, Tania and Luiz Custodio.
Ilana Amar LeshemIlana Amar Leshem
15:00 27 Oct 23
I found Dr. Vivian Perfeito online. I asked to speak to her, and she responded immediately. She is not only a good lawyer , but also a super nice person. We are immigrants in Portugal, and she referred me first of all, to all the no cost options of getting our documentation! I was very impressed by her willingness to help get us on our feet! I highly recommend it!
ilanilan
16:22 10 Oct 23
I was referred to Vivian and I wanted to thank her for her responsiveness and help. Vivian is very thorough and professional, in addition to being very nice person. Her English proficiency was very much appreciated and it made our communication easy. I would definitely recommend her for anybody who is looking to purchase property in Portugal or move to this wonderful country and I will definitely use her legal services in the future.
Paula CorreiaPaula Correia
15:09 10 Oct 23
js_loader

Dra. Vivian Perfeito - Copyright © 2023 | Todos os direitos reservados.
Desenvolvido por Bravo Bird - Negócios Digitais