Labour Market Information: Portugal

National level - Portugal

^{* The years referenced in this report vary, as the data is based on the most up-to-date information available for each indicator, as of December 2024.}

Labour market

As of 1 January 2024, about 10.6 million people lived in Portugal. The gross domestic product per inhabitant was EUR 23 500 in 2022, 33.6% lower than the average of EUR 35 400 per inhabitant in the EU27. Between 2018 and 2022, the GDP per capita increased by 18%.

^{Note: nama_10r_2gdp, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, more than 5.4 million people were active on the labour market in Portugal. The employment rate was 72.4%, 2 percentage points higher than the EU27 average and 2.7 percentage points higher compared to 2018..In 2023, for women, the employment rate was 70.2%, for men, the employment rate was 74.7%, and for youth, the employment rate was 28.1%, with only women having a rate higher than the EU average and with men and youth having rates lower than the EU average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, data refer to working age population (15-64), youth age group (15-24)  Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

In 2023, the unemployment rate was nearly matching the level registered in 2022. In 2023, the unemployment rate returned to the level before the pandemic, when it equaled 7.2% in 2018, and 6.7% in 2019. The unemployment rate fluctuated compared to the EU27 average In the year(s) 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 it was below the EU27 average, with rates of 7.2 %, 6.7 %, 7.1 %, 6.9 %, respectively In the year(s) 2022 and 2023 it was above the EU27 average, with rates of 6.3 %, 6.7 % , respectively. In 2023, it was 0.6 percentage points higher in Portugal than in the EU27, nearly matching the EU27 average.

In 2023, 85.7% of the active workforce were from Portugal, 2.7% from other EU Member States and 11.6 from third countries. In the EU27, as of 2023, the highest proportion of the workforce comes from the respective country (85% on average), while on average a smaller portion is from foreign countries (4.3% from other EU Member States, and 10.5% from third countries).

In 2022, most employees worked in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (19.3%), followed by manufacturing (17.4%), administrative and support service activities (13.1%) and accommodation and food service activities (9.5%). In terms of number of enterprises, most can be found in administrative and support service activities (17.6%), wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (17.2%), and professional, scientific and technical activities (11.8%).

In Portugal, the highest proportion of employees (42.7%) worked in micro companies with up to 9 employees. These companies accounted for the majority of all enterprises in the country (96.1%) with 1 277 339 of such businesses. 10.7% of persons employed worked in small companies with 20 to 49 employees and 8.5% of persons employed worked in small companies with 10 to 19 employees.

Vacancies

In 2024, in Portugal, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of shortage occupations were: health professionals, metal, machinery and related trades workers and information and communications technology professionals. On the other hand, the occupational groups with the highest occurrence of surplus occupations were business and administration associate professionals, legal, social and cultural professionals and sales workers.

Read more about labour shortages and surpluses in Europe: Labour shortages and surpluses in Europe 2023 | European Labour Authority (europa.eu)

Job vacancy rate

Regarding the job vacancy rate (defined as the number of job vacancies expressed as a percentage of the total sum of occupied posts and job vacancies), in 2023 this was 1.4 % in the industry, construction and services, 1.4 percentage points lower than the EU27 on average. This rate has increased by 0.1 percentage points compared to 2022 and it is still above the situation before 2020, when it stood only at 1%.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

The sectors with the highest vacancy rates were human health and social work activities; education; arts, entertainment and recreation; public administration and defence; compulsory social security; administrative and support services.

^{Note: jvs_a_rate_r2, Statistics | Eurostat}

Widely used job portals

Wages

Minimum wage

As of 1 January 2024, the statutory minimum wage in Portugal was set at 956.67 EUR. Collective barganing in Portugal is at 77.2%.

Monthly average gross and net earnings

In 2023, the gross average earnings of a single person stood at EUR 1976, while the EU27 average was EUR 3417. The equivalent net wage was EUR 1 412 in Portugal, compared to EUR 2351 in the EU27. Compared to 2018, gross average earnings increased by 26.9% in Portugal and by 19.8% in the EU27. During the same period, the net wages have increased by 24% in Portugal and by 22.1% in the EU27.

^{Note: earn_nt_net, Single person earning 100% average, annual rates transformed into 12 monthly payments. Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu)}

Trends

Go directly to Immigration | Insufficient job offers for jobseekers to find jobs | Insufficient number of jobseekers with the required skills | Remote work | Unemployment

Immigration (from the EU, from third countries)

Portugal has become an incoming country in the past decade, especially regarding third country nationals which represent ¾ of the foreign population living in Portugal. Relevant origin countries have been Brazil, the UK, Cape Verde, India, the Ukraine, Angola, China and Nepal, mostly in these sectors/occupations: agriculture, tourism & HORECA, construction, customer service & shared service centres and elderly care. There’s also a smaller inward movement from EU/EFTA country nationals, namely coming from Italy, Romania, France, Spain, Germany and The Netherlands. Mostly middle to large-sized companies are ready to recruit from other countries, but this varies according to sectors and countries.

Insufficient job offers for jobseekers to find jobs

For some occupations there is some unemployment, more turnover and it becomes more difficult for jobseekers to find jobs:

• Human and social Sciences graduates: sociologists, anthropologists, psychologists, journalists, HR professionals, amongst others
• Life Sciences graduates: biologists, botanists, zoologists
• Managing positions in Finance, Supply and Distribution, Retail and Wholesale trade, Hotel
• Visual Arts Sector: visual artists, film, stage and related directors and producers, photographers, broadcasting and audio-visual technicians
• Agriculture: Tree and shrub crop growers, Mixed crop and animal producers, Subsistence crop farmers
• Construction: Building caretakers, Concrete placers, concrete finishers, Painters and related workers
• Administrative profiles: Office supervisors, General office clerks, Secretaries, Data entry clerks
• Service provision sector: Inquiry clerks, Travel attendants and travel stewards, Domestic housekeepers, Stall and market salespersons, Shopkeepers, Shop supervisors, laundry machine operators, Car and taxi drivers, Domestic cleaners and helpers, Street vendors (excluding food), Sweepers and related labourers

Insufficient number of jobseekers with the required skills

Although there may be some regional differences, Portugal faces a significant shortage of skills in the following occupations:

• Nursing and midwifery professionals
• General and specialist medical practitioners
• Bus and tram drivers
• Toolmakers and related workers
• Metal moulders and coremakers
• Civil engineers
• Mining engineers, metallurgists and related professionals
• Physiotherapists
• Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers
• Fishery and aquaculture labourers
• Electrical line installers and repairers
• Metal production process controllers
• Forestry labourers
• Mining and quarrying labourers
• Survey and market research interviewers
• Machine operators: Plastic products machine operators; Fibre preparing, spinning and winding machine operators; Weaving and knitting machine operators; Bleaching, dyeing and fabric cleaning machine operators; Shoemaking and related machine operators; Crane, hoist and related plant operators

Remote work

In 2023, 10% of employed persons in Portugal sometimes worked from home, compared to 13.3% in the EU27. Additionally, 7.7% of employed persons in Portugal usually worked from home, while in the EU27 it was 8.9%.

^{Note: lfsa_ehomp, Product - Datasets - Eurostat}

Unemployment (e.g. long-term, youth, female, structural or low-skilled)

The unemployment situation in Portugal has improved in recent years, although it still faces some challenges, especially for more vulnerable groups such as young people and people over 45 years of age. The unemployment rate has consistently declined since post-2008 financial crisis, having stabilized at lower values ​​in recent years (6.1% in the 3rd quarter 2024). Youth unemployment remains a significant problem (almost 20% in the 3rd quarter 2024), with many young people struggling to find stable jobs, which (together with the housing and cost of living crises) has raised concerns about talent retention and brain drain. The lack of specific qualifications and the lack of well-paid jobs in certain regions are also issues that contribute to the persistence of a structural unemployment rate. Long-term unemployment, although declining, is still a challenge, with many unemployed people facing difficulties reintegrating into the labour market. Public policies have focused on reskilling and supporting job creation, especially in developing areas such as technology and renewable energies.

North (Norte)

With 3 640 294 inhabitants, North represented about 34.6% of the population in Portugal in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in North was 56.8% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 66.4%.

The North region of Portugal is the most densely populated in the country, accounting for around 35% of the total population. Overall, the region has seen a recovery in employment in recent years, with the creation of jobs in industrial, technology and service areas. although there are still some disparities between urban and rural areas. The Northern region stands out for its wide range of economic sectors, with particular emphasis on the following: 

1. Industry: strong industrial base, particularly in sectors such as automotive, metallurgy, textiles, footwear, and furniture. It is traditionally known as the engine of Portuguese industry, with Guimarães standing out for its clothing industry and the Famalicão area as a hub for agri-food production. 
2. Technology and Innovation: Porto is increasingly positioning itself as one of Europe’s main start-up hubs, attracting more and more tech companies to establish their headquarters in the city. This is due not only to the availability of skilled labour, supported by a strong network of universities and research centers, but also to good infrastructure and accessibility. 
3. Tourism: this sector is increasing, particularly in the cities of Porto and Braga, which have attracted many national and international tourists. Wine tourism (especially related to Port wine) is also a significant economic segment in the region. 
4. Agribusiness: Agriculture, although not as important as in the past decades, still plays a vital role, especially in the production of wine, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. The Douro and Trás-os-Montes areas remain significant agricultural centers, particularly known for Port wine and Vinho Verde. 
5. Energy and Sustainability: The region has made significant investments in renewable energy, with a focus on hydropower (due to its hydroelectric potential) as well as solar and wind energy. The clean technology and energy efficiency industries are also growing.

In 2023, more than 1 862 000 people were active in the labour market in North. 29.1% had tertiary education, 31.8% had secondary education, and 39.1% had primary education. The employment rate in North was 54.3 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 50.2%, men had an employment rate of 58.8%, and for the youth the employment rate was 30.3%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in North was 7% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and an increase from 5.9% in the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

In the North of Portugal, job offers are mainly concentrated in the following sectors: 

• Machine operators, maintenance technicians, industrial engineers, workers specializing in footwear, textiles and furniture 
• Consulting and IT programming are rapidly growing fields. Systems analysts, IT project managers and digital marketing specialists are also important. 
• Agricultural technicians, winemakers, operators in wine, olive oil and horticulture production. 
• Solar and wind energy technicians, environmental engineers, energy efficiency specialists. 
• Receptionists, tour guides, restaurant professionals (cooks, waiters, …).

Shortages

Overall, there is a decrease in the number of jobs available. Still, there are some recruitment needs in the following professions: 

• Industry: welders, CNC operators and low-skilled professionals for industry, metallurgy and component assembly; in the more traditional segments, seamstresses (in the textile sector) and specialized workers in the footwear industry. 
• Services: contact centers operators and business support service centers (primarily fluent in French or Spanish, but other languages may be requested); family helpers and hairdressers. 
• Agriculture: low-qualified professionals for agro-industries and some seasonal agricultural and forestry work.

Surpluses

Several professionals available in the following occupations: 

• primary and secondary school teachers (in various subject areas). 
• recent graduates in general, mainly Human and social Sciences graduates and business sciences graduates; 
• cleaners; 
• car and taxi drivers; 
• administrative office assistant

Algarve

With 478 618 inhabitants, Algarve represented about 4.6% of the population in Portugal in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Algarve was 75.7% of the EU27 average, above the national average of 66.4%.

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal and is the largest national tourist destination, especially in the summer. In addition to its labour market and tourism-focused economic sectors, the region has a strong agriculture component (especially vegetables and fruits), fishing, and a growing focus on renewable energy and technology. The Algarve also has an aging population, and a major challenge related to the seasonality of employment associated with a strong demand for workers in the services and commerce sectors. The labour market in the Algarve presents a wide variety of opportunities, but the region has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country due to its strong tourism and services base, although the concentration of temporary jobs, especially in the restaurants, accommodation and commerce sectors, create a highly seasonal employment scenario. Additionally, a shortage of skilled labour in some areas is also an issue, with a growing need for professional training to keep up with demand in more specialized sectors such as luxury tourism, technology and renewable energy.

In 2023, more than 247 200 people were active in the labour market in Algarve. 25.6% had tertiary education, 33.3% had secondary education, and 41% had primary education. The employment rate in Algarve was 56.6 % in 2023, 1.7 percentage points higher than the national average in Portugal and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 54.2%, men had an employment rate of 59.1%, and for the youth the employment rate was 28.6%, all above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Algarve was 5.6% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most important economic activities and sectors are the following:

1. Tourism: this is the most important sector of the Algarve economy. Sun and beach tourism is the main source of income, but, in recent years, the region has been diversifying its offer to include cultural tourism, wine tourism, tourism nature and gastronomic tourism. 
2. Commerce and Industry: Commerce is closely linked to tourism, with a wide range of stores, shopping malls and traditional markets. The sale of local crafts, gourmet products and souvenirs is also an important part of the regional economy. 
3. Industry: the Algarve has some footwear, furniture and textile production units, but the industry does not have the same expression as in other regions of Portugal. 
4. Agriculture and Agroindustry: the Algarve has a very diversified agricultural production, especially in the production of dried fruits (almonds, figs and carob), citrus fruits (orange and tangerine) and vegetables. The Agroindustry is a growing sector, with the increase in the processing of food products such as jams, juices, preserved fish and gourmet food products, which are highly valued both for domestic consumption and for export. 
5. Fisheries and Mariculture: the fishing industry is significant, especially in coastal cities where artisanal fishing and deep-sea fishing are central activities for the local economy. Fishing for fresh fish and shellfish is of great importance, both for domestic consumption and export. Mariculture (seafood production in farms) has been growing, and the region has invested in sustainable production practices, such as raising fish in farms and producing seaweed. 
6. Technology and Innovation: although the region does not have as strong tradition in technology as other regions of Portugal, some cities have invested in technological innovation and start-ups. The region has business incubators that encourage innovation, especially in the areas of biotechnology, agrotechnology, digital tourism and smart cities. 
7. Renewable Energy: there is a great potential for renewable energy, especially in solar energy and wind energy. The hot climate and the high number of sunny days make the region an ideal place for installing solar panels.

Shortages

There is a need for qualified personnel in the following occupations 

• Health sector, doctors, nurses and hospital assistants; 
• agricultural workers specialized in harvesting fruit, particularly red fruits (raspberries), especially from February to June; 
• ICT associated professionals
• electronic engineers;
• all professionals in the hotels, restaurants and tourism sector
• Fishery and aquaculture labourers.

Surpluses

There is a surplus of workers in the following occupations:

• clerks and other unskilled service and commercial workers;
• cleaning workers; 
• given the strong seasonal nature of tourist activities, there are generally workers available in the HORECA sector from October to April;
• undifferentiated workers without significant professional experience, but available to work in factories (series production, assembly lines). In terms of economic activities, unemployed workers essentially come from the HORECA (from November to March), Commerce and other Service Activities; Real Estate, Administrative and Support Services Activities.

Centre (P) (Centro (PT))

With 2 264 956 inhabitants, Centre (P) represented about 21.5% of the population in Portugal in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Centre (P) was 57.1% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 66.4%.

The Central Region of Portugal is characterized by a very diverse and heterogeneous productive structure, with varied production systems, well demarcated in space and with very different dynamics between the sub-regions. Traditional areas of specialization (ceramics and glass; forestry and resulting products, such as cellulose; or agri-food industries) coexist in the region, with more recent economic activities based on technology (basic metallurgy and manufacturing of machines and equipment; molds; or plastics industry) or knowledge-intensive (information technologies, biotechnology, new materials, health, industrial and product design), some of which have a strong international presence.84% of revenue in this region comes from the 10% largest regional companies and 32% of employed people in the region work in micro-enterprises. Most companies are SME’s (96% of companies in this region have less than 10 workers).The region has also an important set of higher education institutions, as well as a large number of research units (some of them recognized for excellence at an international level), and a wide range of institutions that promote innovation and technology transfer (notably technology centers, business incubators and science and technology parks), which cover multiple domains (health and life sciences, biotechnology, IT and telecommunications, agri-food, forestry, creative industries, materials, sea, etc.).

In 2023, more than 1 121 300 people were active in the labour market in Centre (P). 29.7% had tertiary education, 30.5% had secondary education, and 39.8% had primary education. The employment rate in Centre (P) was 53.3 % in 2023, 1.6 percentage points lower than the national average in Portugal and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 49.7%, men had an employment rate of 57.3%, and for the youth the employment rate was 28.2%. The employment rates for women and men were below the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Centre (P) was 5.2% in 2023, 1.3 points lower than the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

Most important job vacancies are in the following sectors: 

1. Forestry and logging: the region has a strong industrial base, especially in the paper, cellulose and the wood industry. 
2. Construction materials: they include glass, ceramics, cement, lime, plaster, ornamental rocks, metal construction elements, electrical cables and wires, mattresses, cutlery, glassware, utility ceramics, hardware and household equipment. These sectors are relevant in the context of the region’s manufacturing industries and are linked to construction and real estate development activities. 
3. Mold, Plastic and Tool Production: Involves the production of molds, plastics, tools and high-precision machined parts, with several applications in the automotive industry, healthcare/medical devices, energy and environment, electronics and packaging. 
4. Health and Life Sciences: the region has an installed capacity to produce scientific knowledge and research in the health sciences, in addition to health services recognized for their quality and differentiation. 
5. Information, Communication and Electronic Technologies: the region is recognized in the market for the development of equipment, services, applications and network management software in the field of telecommunications. 
6. Tourism and Sea: economic activities linked to tourism and the sea have increased importance, with emphasis on cultural and religious tourism and also nature, adventure, residential, medical and wellness tourism.

Shortages

There are opportunities in the following areas: 

• Personal care (including family helpers, healthcare assistants and childcare workers); 
• Health – all professional groups; 
• Distribution, logistics and transport; 
• Pharmaceutical industry, including research and pharmacogenetic; 
• Civil construction: specialized workers; 
• Machine operators, especially with experience; 
• Unskilled agricultural workers (seasonal needs), especially for harvesting fruits, vegetables and growing trees and shrubs;

Surpluses

Several professionals available in the following occupations: 

• Unskilled workers from the construction, manufacturing and transport industry; 
• Salespeople; 
• Administrative profiles: secretariat and technical clerks in the financial and business areas;
• transformation and logistics industry; 
• real estate, administrative and support services activities; 
• wholesale and retail trade; 
• public administration, education, health activities and social support; 
• human and social sciences graduates, namely, psychologists and social workers/social service technicians.

Lisbon Metropolitan Area (Área Metropolitana de Lisboa)

With 2 921 564 inhabitants, Lisbon Metropolitan Area represented about 27.8% of the population in Portugal in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Lisbon Metropolitan Area was 86.2% of the EU27 average, well above the national average of 66.4%.

The Lisbon and Tagus Valley region (which includes the Oeste and Tagus Valley area as well as the Setúbal Peninsula) is one of the most dynamic and diversified regions in Portugal, accounting for a significant share of the country’s economic output. This region includes the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, home to the nation’s capital and largest economic and urban center. It has a strong presence in industrial sectors, services, technology, commerce, and tourism, and serves as a hub for innovation and investment attraction. Lisbon is the country’s main financial, commercial and services center, resulting in the highest concentration of jobs in Portugal and a traditionally lower unemployment rate. However, there is inequality between urban and rural areas, with peripheral areas such as the Setúbal Peninsula and the West zone facing higher unemployment rates.

In 2023, more than 1 538 700 people were active in the labour market in Lisbon Metropolitan Area. 41% had tertiary education, 33.2% had secondary education, and 25.8% had primary education. The employment rate in Lisbon Metropolitan Area was 57.3 % in 2023, 2.4 percentage points higher than the national average in Portugal and 1.5 percentage points higher compared to 2022.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 54.3%, men had an employment rate of 60.7%, and for the youth the employment rate was 25.6%. The employment rates for women and men were above the national average, while the employment rate for the youth was below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Lisbon Metropolitan Area was 7.1% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most important economic sectors include: 

• services and commerce, with a strong presence of finance, consultancy, law, insurance, information technology and tourism. 
• The IT sector is particularly dynamic, with many start-ups. Software, artificial intelligence, blockchain and big data companies are flourishing, with an emphasis on incubators and hubs. Lisbon is also focused on green technologies and smart cities, with several initiatives that aim to promote the sustainability and digitalization of urban infrastructures. 
• Tourism is a key sector, especially in Lisbon, which attracts millions of tourists annually.
• The industry sector is also relevant, with emphasis on the automobile industry in the Setúbal Peninsula, the food and beverage industry, and civil construction. 
• The region has a strong agricultural component, especially in the production of wines, olive oil, vegetables and fruits. Ribatejo stands out in the production of rice, cereals, vegetables, fruits, wines and olive oil. 
• Lisbon is an important development center for renewable energy, with emphasis on solar and wind energy.

Shortages

There are opportunities available in the following areas: 

• Metal mechanics: especially mechanical locksmiths, civil locksmiths and welders; 
• Electrical mechanics; 
• Civil Construction workers, mainly carpenters, plumbers, electricians, bricklayers/tilers and painters; 
• IT: computer system designers, network specialists, software and application analysts and programmers, web and multimedia programmers; 
• Health: doctors and nurses; 
• Automotive Repair: motor vehicles mechanics and repairers; 
• Family helpers;
• Contact Centers and Shared Services Centers: employees more or less specialized and/or that have knowledge of specific foreign languages;

Surpluses

Several professionals available in the following occupations: 

• human and social sciences graduates and business sciences (sociologists, anthropologists, psychologists, historians, managers, economists, marketers, communication professionals, etc.) – especially young recent graduates; 
• teachers in primary (2nd and 3rd cycles) and secondary education (in various subject areas); 
• administrative assistants; 
• sales technicians; 
• unskilled workers in some manufacturing industries; 
• undifferentiated workers (notably young people, with basic or secondary education); 
• cleaning staff;
• passengers drivers;
• social sciences.

Alentejo

The Alentejo region is one of the most emblematic and diverse in Portugal, known for its rural landscape, wines, gastronomy and cultural heritage, but also with an increasingly dynamic economic sector. This region is well known for its vast rural area and low population density, representing more than a third of the national territory, but only 4,5% of the Portuguese population over 16 years of age. This region is characterized by a strong agricultural component, with emphasis on the production of olive oil, wines, cereals and livestock. Furthermore, Alentejo has been developing the tourism sector, especially the wine and rural tourism, while investing on renewable energy. The labour market faces some challenges, such as the depopulation of rural areas, although the unemployment rate is still below the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The most important economic activities and sectors are1. Agriculture: it is the most important sector in Alentejo, with emphasis on the production of olive oil, wines, cereals, vegetables, fruits, cork and livestock, especially pork, beef and milk. 2. Tourism: this sector has grown significantly, with a focus on rural tourism, wine tourism, nature and adventure tourism, as well as bird watching and wellness tourism.3. Industry: although not the dominant sector, the processing industry is growing in the region, especially in the areas of food, agri-food products (such as olive oil and preserves), textiles and footwear.4. Renewable Energy: Alentejo has an enormous potential in renewable energy, especially in solar energy and wind energy. The vast expanse of territory and the large number of sunny days make this an ideal location for the development of solar parks. Furthermore, the region has invested in wind energy, with several wind farms being installed in more rural areas. 5. Technology and Innovation: although the technological sector is still in a development phase, there is already some investment in innovation and the development of start-ups, mainly in the areas of agricultural technology, biotechnology and tourism. The Évora Science and Technology Park is an example of how the region is trying to attract technology companies and foster innovation in the area of applied science and green technology.

Shortages

There is a need for qualified personnel in the following occupations: 

• agronomists;
• software programmers;
• repairers and agricultural machinery operators;
• agricultural workers for fruit harvesting (seasonal, between March and October);
• maintenance technicians in the electromechanical and electrical fields;
• chefs;
• meat cutters;
• construction workers.

Surpluses

There are professionals available in the following areas:

• unskilled workers in the services and commerce sectors;
• protection and security services personnel;
• family helpers;
• early childhood teachers, primary school teachers in the 2nd and 3rd cycles and secondary education);
• highly qualified professionals in the human and social sciences.

Azores (Região Autónoma dos Açores)

With 240 125 inhabitants, Azores represented about 2.3% of the population in Portugal in 2023.

The gross domestic product per capita, adjusted for price levels (PPS) in Azores was 59.6% of the EU27 average, below the national average of 66.4%.

The Autonomous Region of the Azores is made up by a group of nine islands located in the North Atlantic with very specific geographic, demographic and economic characteristics. The population is close to 240 thousand people, with a very young structure (around 38% of the resident population is under 34 years old). The economy in the Azores is diversified, with some more specific sectors standing out due to the characteristics of the archipelago. The job market is characterized by a high dependence on the public sector, with the regional government and municipalities as major employers, as well as the services sector, mainly in the tourism and health sectors. The Manufacturing Industries are prominent, especially in agribusiness. Notable sectors include the production of tea, dairy products (yogurts, cheeses, and butter), and wine for export, while tobacco is primarily focused on the regional market. Civil Construction is also significant, despite recent hiring challenges in the sector. The Azores continue to develop new areas, such as technology and sustainable innovation, while strengthening the foundations of their traditional economy. This balance is essential to address challenges like geographic isolation and dependence on external markets.

In 2023, more than 121 500 people were active in the labour market in Azores. 19.5% had tertiary education, 28.5% had secondary education, and 52.1% had primary education. The employment rate in Azores was 55.2 % in 2023, in line with the national average and in line with 2022 figures.

The employment rate for women in 2023 was 49.9%, men had an employment rate of 60.9%, and for the youth the employment rate was 30.5%. The employment rate for women was below the national average, while the employment rates for men and the youth were above the national average.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfe2emprt, Statistics | Eurostat (europa.eu), data refer to age group 15 years or over}

The unemployment rate in Azores was 6.5% in 2023, in line with the national average in the same year and in line with the previous year.

^{Note: lfst_r_lfu3rt, Statistics | Eurostat, data refer to age group 15 years or over}

Vacancies

The main economic sectors of the Azores where the key employers are concentrated, include:

1. Agriculture and Livestock: leading region in milk production in Portugal, with a strong focus on the export of cheeses and other dairy products. Tea growing tea (mainly on São Miguel Island), pineapple and wine (especially in Pico and Graciosa).
2. Fishing: is a traditional and strategic sector, focusing on high-value species like tuna and mackerel, with sustainability as a priority through regulated practices to preserve marine resources.
3. Tourism: one of the fastest-growing sectors in the region, driven by natural landscapes, adventure tourism and the promotion of sustainable practices. Seasonality is a challenge, but efforts are underway to attract visitors year-round. 
4. Industry: processing of agricultural and fishing products, such as canned tuna and dairy goods. Also production of regional crafts, such as ceramics, embroidery, and weaving.
5. Energy and Sustainability: the region is investing in renewable energy, especially geothermal, wind, and hydroelectric power, to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
6. Public Services and Administration: is one of the largest local employers, due to the centralization of administrative services and governmental functions.
7. Transport and Logistics: the geographic dispersion of the islands makes this sector crucial for inter-island connections and trade with external markets.

Shortages

The labour market in the Azores faces a series of challenges typical of island regions, such as a fragile infrastructure, a shortage of skilled workers in specific areas and the youth emigration, which remains a significant phenomenon. The labor shortage in the Azores is a growing challenge, particularly evident in: 

• Civil Construction: This sector has expanded considerably due to numerous projects funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), leading to a significant increase in the demand for both skilled and unskilled professionals. 
• Tourism: The sector’s growth demands personnel for hotels, restaurants, and leisure activities, with a strong emphasis on the need for qualified staff. 
• Agriculture and Livestock: The region’s traditional agricultural economy lacks young, qualified workers to modernize production with innovative, technology-driven practices.
• Healthcare: There is a shortage of highly specialized professionals, which faces direct competition with other regions of the country that are more attractive for these professionals to carry out their duties.

Surpluses

In the Azores, there is no significant labor surplus, and employment is nearly at full capacity. However, the following activities have the highest number of unemployed individuals:

• Cleaning workers
• Salespeople
• Waste management workers 
• Unskilled workers in the extractive industry, construction, manufacturing, and transport sectors
• Office employees, secretaries, and data processing operators
• Healthcare professionals (excluding highly qualified specialists), as well as workers in social support and education (excluding teachers)