Portugal is a very popular country for tourists. Millions of people visit every year. Big cities like Lisbon and Porto are growing fast. Hotels, restaurants, offices, and factories always need good cleaners and housekeeping workers.
For people from outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), coming to work in Portugal is possible, but you must follow the legal way. If you do not follow the rules, you can have big problems. This simple guide will show you the correct and legal steps to get a cleaning job in Portugal.
The Main Visa You Need – D1 Work Visa
The only legal visa for normal employee jobs (like cleaner or housekeeper) for non-EU people is the D1 Visa (Work Visa).
Important: Portugal does not give work visas for very simple jobs if Portuguese or EU workers can do them. But many cleaning jobs in hotels, Airbnb apartments, offices, and factories are allowed because there are not enough local workers.
What You Need for D1 Visa (Cleaning / Housekeeping Jobs)
To get the D1 visa, you must have:
- A real job contract from a Portuguese company
- The contract must be for minimum 12 months
- Salary must be at least the Portugal minimum wage (€870 gross per month in 2024/2025)
- The employer must prove they tried to find a Portuguese or EU worker first (this is called “labour market test”)
- Clean police record from your home country
- Proof that you have a place to stay and money to live (or the employer promises to help you)
- Health insurance for travel
If any of these things are missing, the visa will be refused.
Step-by-Step Legal Process
There are two big parts: Part 1 – Apply for visa in your home country Part 2 – Finish everything after you arrive in Portugal
Apply from Your Country (Before Coming to Portugal)
- Find a real job first Look for cleaning companies, hotels, or Airbnb cleaning services in Portugal. Popular places: Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira.
- Employer does the labour market test Your boss must advertise the job in Portugal for some weeks. They must prove no Portuguese or EU person wanted the job. They send papers to IEFP (government employment office).
- Employer gets work authorisation After IEFP says “OK”, the employer gets official papers.
- You apply for D1 Visa at Portuguese Embassy or Consulate Take these documents:
- Passport (valid minimum 6 months more than the contract)
- 2 passport photos
- Police clearance certificate (not older than 3 months)
- Travel health insurance
- Proof of place to stay or Term of Responsibility from employer
- Original signed work contract
- Visa application form (filled correctly)
- Pay the visa fee (around €90–100, check official website)
The D1 visa is usually given for 4 months (120 days). You must enter Portugal within this time.
After You Arrive in Portugal
You have only 120 days to finish everything!
- Get your NIF number (tax number) Go to a Finanças office or Loja do Cidadão. You need passport and proof of address.
- Start Social Security registration Your employer must register you so you pay taxes and get health care.
- Book or go to AIMA appointment (AIMA is the new immigration office – before it was SEF) You will give fingerprints, photo, and final documents.
- Receive your Residence Card (Título de Residência) This plastic card is your official work permit in Portugal. First time it is usually for 1 year. Later you can renew.
If you miss the AIMA appointment, you become illegal in Portugal.
Where Cleaning Jobs Are Easy to Find
Hotel and Tourism Jobs (Biggest Demand)
- Housekeeping in hotels (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira)
- Many hotels need staff all year, extra in summer
- Big hotel chains and small family hotels both hire
- Some hotels help with visa and accommodation
Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Cleaning
- Thousands of apartments on Airbnb, Booking.com, etc.
- Owners need fast and good cleaners every day
- Many cleaning companies work only for Airbnb
- Good English or any language helps because guests are international
Office and Factory Cleaning
- Big companies in Lisbon and Porto need evening cleaners
- Industrial cleaning (factories, warehouses) sometimes pays more
- If you have training or certificate (for example, safe use of chemicals), it is easier to get visa
Important Warnings – Never Do These Things
Many people lose money and get deported because they make mistakes. Please remember:
- Never pay money to get a job Real employers or agencies never ask you to pay for a job offer or contract. If someone asks for money, it is 99% a scam.
- Check the company is real Ask for company NIF number. Search on Google and official Portuguese business website. Real companies have website, reviews, and address.
- Always get a written contract Never accept only verbal promise. The contract must show:
- Your salary (minimum €870 gross)
- Working hours (maximum 40 hours per week + overtime rules)
- Holiday days
- Start date and duration The contract must be signed by you and the employer before you apply for visa.
- Do not overstay or work on tourist visa Working on tourist visa is illegal. Police and immigration check hotels and cleaning companies often. If they catch you, you get fine, ban from Europe, and deportation.
- Be careful with fake job offers on Facebook and WhatsApp Many scammers make fake hotel or cleaning company pages. They promise visa and job, take your money, and disappear.
Final Advice
Getting a legal cleaning job in Portugal is possible if you are patient and follow the rules. Start looking for a real employer first. Good hotels and registered cleaning companies are ready to help with the D1 visa because they really need workers.
Always check the latest rules on official websites:
- Portuguese Embassy in your country
- AIMA website (www.aima.gov.pt)
- IEFP website for job offers
Disclaimer:
This guide is only for information. Laws can change quickly, especially after SEF became AIMA. Before you spend money or travel, talk to the Portuguese Embassy or a registered lawyer in Portugal.
Good luck! With the correct steps, you can start your new life and cleaning career in beautiful Portugal very soon.