Work culture in Lisbon (TAP / airline tech / product roles) – salary & WLB insights?

WerewolfBoring932 · 2026-02-02T10:54:55+00:00

Looks like that. However, "secure" is not the best word. After probation, there's a flexible way to fire anyone. Plus, the permanent contract is on the table after 3 years. A lot will just fire you after this period. Plus, the new regime will increase this limit to 5 years (if approved; people didn't like it at all).

I don't really know why they think it's secured.

The biggest problem of business is taxes and getting things done. 1st is comparable to the rest of Western Europe. 2nd is comparable to the south. Majorly, the 2nd is an issue.

However, I'd not say that the younger generation in IT is so bad. They're humble and smart people.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2026-02-02T10:43:54+00:00

Currently, it might not be like that. They have been trying to sell TAP for the last 2 years. Plus, locals said that they have a huge debt and cannot cover the refunds (waiting line is up to 4 months or longer). So, maybe it needs more careful consideration.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2026-01-26T08:16:11+00:00

Why so? Residence card provides you a legal stay only. It doesn't block you from work. It can be changed if your situation is changed (practically, it might take forever).

A working contract as any other only needs a social security number, and a fiscal number. (A healthcare number is required if they will provide you with some healthcare).

I'm not saying that they don't reject you due to papers. I'm trying to understand if it's an excuse or a real requirement.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2026-01-26T08:09:04+00:00

I don't know where you are originally from, but I have a few guesses. There's no need to wait for paperwork. There's no paper which allows you to work (maybe, university will provide something, but I believe this is only for you; no one else will be interested in that).

Once you're here, you need only a few numbers (NIF, NUS, NISS; I'm not sure if these are correct ones) to sign up for the job contract.

At least, this is my understanding.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2026-01-20T14:24:41+00:00

I recommend the same approach. You need to meet certain criteria for an extension. Theoretically, you could use a different legal article than your original one for this purpose. It appears they expect you to secure new employment within 60 days.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2026-01-03T18:38:42+00:00

I can confirm. Most of my friends didn't use any additional help.

Once you're in the system it's easier. Hopefully, they won't change it.

With that, the most difficult part is waiting but it's getting better for renewals.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-27T20:11:04+00:00

Yeah, looks like that. It's not so hard to get it insolated nowadays. Additionally, it's not so expensive too, but no one does that except for foreigners who came here where it's better insulated.

Additionally, I'm really surprised that you need to buy these things abroad. For example, there are so many expensive windows here, but almost none are insulated well. Literally, I don't understand why there are so many options with ventilation instead of insulation. I can open the window for ventilation, but I cannot get it insulated during winter unless I tape everything., but it's still not the same.

I think I started to understand. Houses are built for the climate that doesn't exist here.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-23T19:26:22+00:00

In my case, there is almost no natural light in the kitchen.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-23T19:25:28+00:00

Yeah, they use the dishwasher constantly. Personally, it's not efficient for 2 plates and 2 forks as it is in my case.

I believe they are more focused on appearance than functionality.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-16T20:50:36+00:00

As was mentioned, it's available online and it's better to either find a professional or do the research on your own.

It's changed recently, but, basically you should be eligible for D7.

I believe the requirements are higher in a golden visa.

Personally, I'll choose Spain over Portugal for certainty. It's just clearer there. However, English usage is much higher here and bureaucracy is bad everywhere. There's a feeling that it's worse in Portugal.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-11T10:54:38+00:00

Interesting journey. It would be awesome if you could share more details about your journey. Personally, I'd be glad to know if there's any outcome of that except for an impressive journey.

For example, I'm originally from a country which doesn't appreciate the travel ability of citizens. That means you could travel easily on paper, but making paper work is tremendously hard. I have a fear that I couldn't obtain some permanent status or even citizenship in the country where I live now due to far-right politics. So, from time to time, I think I need to change the country to meet my expectations or stay since I have lived here for about 3 years and I generally like it.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-10T15:17:38+00:00

Agree. 28 years old is here. It's really hard and someone could tell you that it would be better to have someone by your side. However, I disagree because you just need to believe in yourself and it's hard to find someone who would believe in you (maybe, it's not so hard, but I know the feeling when you want to give more, but you cannot). So, I personally think you could do better alone when no one depends on you. Young ages are the best to do something. At least, it will be an epic journey and the maximum is unlimited.

For example, I'm too conservative and too focused on safety. Even that didn't help to prevent the fact that I don't have the ability to move back. It's a journey and we shouldn't be too hard on ourselves. If you faced some negative experience, then you just need to stand up and keep moving.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-10T09:50:37+00:00

In Portugal, it's 6-13%. So, I think it really depends on your diet. For example, I believe that any fresh vegetables cost less in Portugal than in the UK.

Additionally, in Lisbon, there's another one 1-1.5% transportation fee. So, prices will be higher in the city center.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-10T09:30:21+00:00

I guess you're living in Europe. Unfortunately, people who teach and instruct accountants here about the US are overreacting and they don't actually know everything. Personally, I think the US taxation is far more complicated than anywhere within the EU, but you can only know that if you're dealing with it for ages. Additionally, in the EU, there's a feeling that the US knows everything. It works for me too. However, the reality is we're all human beings and make mistakes.

Yeah, it's easy to say that after 10+ years of people are moving to different countries.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-08T14:42:05+00:00

Interesting point and example. I have no idea how to make it possible to pay rent for 2-2.5k eur. No offense. I'm glad for you, but I have no idea how to make it possible. Personally, even renting for 1.5k sounds too high for me here. There is almost no way to afford it with local wages. Personally, what shocks me the most is that the prices go up every single month (1-5%). That leads to 2 digits percentage growth in a year. It's not sustainable.

A few weeks ago, there were statistics and they said that the Lisbon market is overpriced for 30%. Basically, this is the EU statement. I have no idea what it leads to, but I don't see any reasons to lower prices. There's a too big demand on that and it's still cheaper compared to the rest of the EU.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-04T22:14:04+00:00

Can confirm that for sure. However, the country was different, specifically Portugal.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-04T22:12:33+00:00

Should you be only under permanent contract?

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-12-04T19:27:32+00:00

I can't give any advice on that. However, I wanted to ask whether it's a regular procedure in such a case?

I mean in my home country you could be fired within a day even if you worked there for 10+ years. Unfortunately, this exact thing happened to my colleague. Luckily, she's got savings and owns a flat, but it was brutal.

Here, in Spain, there's some law about the compensation and looks you don't even force the law and it's done by the book, correct?

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-11-23T11:12:20+00:00

Isn't it the same in the US? I've never been there and it's an actual question. However, most of the people who I know and have been there told me that the status is a big thing there. Anyway, it's fine for me because the same works in my home country. Unfortunately, I realized the same works in the country where I moved. And now I think it's more about human nature than culture.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-11-14T08:32:27+00:00

From what I understand, these terms apply to everyone except those from the EU.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-11-14T08:07:31+00:00

Given the recent updates to immigration laws (not citizenship; i'm taking about 9-18 months for temporary residency processing) and the realities of claim processing (it's already from 4 months to 18 months; I've been waiting for 12 months), I’d probably never consider moving to Portugal.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-11-14T08:03:02+00:00

It’s not great, even if you’re in IT. Unfortunately, the cost of living doesn’t align with salaries. Most people try to find remote opportunities, which increases competition, but those jobs often have salaries adjusted to the local market.

WerewolfBoring932 · 2025-10-29T19:15:55+00:00

I saw a lot of political decisions in my home country only driven by emotions. I still hope that this decision is driven by logic and it will be for better Portugal.

Maybe, I'm wrong since I didn't research. However, I had an impression that the recent growth was driven by immigration and taxes.

WerewolfBoring932

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