Portugal
Location
1-12 months
Duration
18-35
Age
Working Holiday Visa
Visa
Year-round
Dates

Gain international work experience!

Hospitality in Portugal

Discover the beauty of Portugal while gaining valuable work experience! Go International and our partners in Portugal are offering Canadian youth the Work and Travel Hospitality in Portugal program with a guaranteed job in the hospitality industry, providing the perfect opportunity to live, work, and immerse yourself in this vibrant European country.

ADVANTAGES OF THE HOSPITALITY IN PORTUGAL PROGRAM:

Guaranteed job placement pre-departure

Accommodation provided for the duration of work

3 meals a day provided for staff

Step-by-step guidance on applying for Portugal’s working holiday visa

Assistance upon arrival in Portugal – so you can enjoy the beauty of the country while we take care of the paperwork!

 

Why take on a hospitality role in Portugal?

Taking part in this program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine work, travel, and personal growth. As a young Canadian, you’ll gain invaluable international work experience in Portugal’s thriving hospitality industry – enhancing your resume while developing skills that employers value. Beyond professional growth, you’ll immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, savor world-famous cuisine, and explore stunning landscapes, from golden beaches to historic cities like Lisbon and Porto. This program is your chance to step out of your comfort zone, make lifelong memories, and expand your horizons – all while earning an income to support your adventures. Why wait? Make Portugal your gateway to the world!

Read more about how you can boost your career with a working holiday abroad.

Note: Portuguese language skills are not mandatory for these positions. However, basic conversation skills are highly recommended.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

Job placements are in the hospitality industry in locations all over the country. The host employer is typically a hotel, restaurant, kitchen, & bar. Positions can range from trainee/interns to wait staff, hosts, and housekeeping. It is important to be flexible if necessary to work in different departments.

  • Full-time 40 hours per week positions – 8 hours per day – 1.5 hours meal break
  • 5 days of work per week, 2 days off per week
  • Staff accommodation shared with other interns and staff
  • Located 10-15 minutes from the hotel
  • All meals provided (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) at the hotel canteen – sometimes even during days off
  • Training allowance given to staff
  • Tips will be shared with the department team
  • Uniform will be provided, but please bring black trousers, a white polo shirt, and black shoes

*Please note that some conditions may differ according to the placement.

Ready to embark on an adventure in Portugal while gaining valuable international work experience? Book the program now and start exploring the world!

Guaranteed full-time job placement before your departure!

Accommodation during the work experience

1 night in Lisbon before travelling to the host company [optional]

Step-by-step guidance on how to apply for your Youth Mobility (Working Holiday) visa

Personal support from our travel advisors prior to your departure

Tutoring and guidance during the program, including assistance in case there are any issues during the work experience

Portuguese SIM card

Assistance securing the NIF (personal tax number)

Pre-departure meeting online, if requested

24/7 emergency contact in Portugal

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What’s not included:

Flights

Visa application fees (CA$134.65 as of Dec 2024)

Personal expenses

Travel health insurance (mandatory)

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM:

  • Be eligible for the Portugal youth mobility (working holiday) visa
  • Be between 18 to 30 years old at the start of the program
  • Have previous hospitality experience. Part-time or summer jobs are taken into consideration.
  • Be prepared to undertake the normal responsibilities of the working environment
  • Be flexible for the location and type of job
  • Agree to the full length of your work placement
  • Display a high level of maturity and independence
  • Be motivated, take initiative, and be open-minded
  • Be physically and mentally health

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TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE PORTUGAL WORKING HOLIDAY VISA:

  • Be a Canadian citizen with a valid Canadian passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay in Portugal)
  • Be between 18 and 35 years of age (inclusive) at the time of application
  • Submit an individual application. Application form must be signed in the presence of a Consulate employee.
  • Submit 1 recent, small color photograph
  • Have a police clearance certificate or criminal record check (RCMP)
  • Provide authorization to check criminal records in Portugal
  • Submit proof of means of subsistence whilst in Portugal (bank statement for the last three months) – sufficient financial resources to cover expenses for duration of the stay. This is approximately CA$4,000 for financial proof – doesn’t have to be spent.
  • Submit proof that that the applicant has secured accommodation in Portugal for the entire stay or a minimum of 6 months
  • Have medical insurance that is valid for 1 year, or for the entire stay if you intend to stay less than a year
  • Submission of a declaration declaring the intention to travel in Portugal and work incidentally

** Note: Canadians can participate in Portugal’s working holiday program twice. There must be a break between your participations. The visa will allow the holder to stay in Portugal for up to 365 days with multiple entries. You don’t need a job offer (pre-arranged contract of employment) or a formal internship offer.

Job placements are in different locations throughout Portugal. It is important for the applicant to be flexible with placement locations. Some hotel placement examples are:

  • Albufeira Resort, Hotel & Spa
  • Albufeira Hotel All-Inclusive
  • Olhão Apartments, Hotel & Spa
  • Lisboa Palace Hotel
  • Lisboa City Hotel
  • Lisboa Apartments
  • Lisboa Hotel Cabaret
  • Cascais Villa Hotel & Spa
  • Oeiras Business Hotel

Participants are guaranteed jobs in Portugal’s hospitality industry, including roles in hotels, restaurants, kitchen, and bars. Positions may involve customer service, food and beverage, housekeeping, or front desk operations.

Previous experience in hospitality is required to be eligible for this program. Part-time or summer jobs are taken into consideration.

Included in your program fees are visa guidance, orientation in Lisbon, job and accommodation, SIM card, pre-departure online meeting, 24/7 local contact, and more!

The Youth Mobility visa allows Canadians to stay and work in Portugal for up to 12 months. You can participate in Portugal’s working holiday program 2 times. There must be a break between your participations

Absolutely! You get 2 days off a week to enjoy Portugal’s beaches, historic landmarks, vibrant festivals, and incredible cuisine. Most of our partner hotels are located near the shore, so you will always be able to go to a beach nearby.

Yes, you can travel outside the country during your time in Portugal. The visa is a multi-entry temporary stay visa.

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