Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal, Are you looking for Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners in 2025? Portugal has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing destinations for international healthcare workers due to its increasing elderly population, shortage of medical support staff, and expansion of private hospitals. If you want a stable career with high demand, good work-life balance, and long-term residency opportunities, working as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) in Portugal can be a great choice.
This article covers everything you need to know—job responsibilities, salary, eligibility, visa sponsorship, top hiring employers, and how to apply.
Why Choose Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal?
Portugal offers excellent opportunities to foreigners due to:
✔ High Demand for Healthcare Assistants
Portugal’s healthcare system needs thousands of support workers annually because of its aging population and shortage of local staff.
✔ Affordable Living & Safe Environment
Portugal ranks among the safest countries in the world with a low cost of living compared to other EU countries.
✔ Visa Sponsorship & Path to Permanent Residency
Foreign workers can receive work visas that later lead to EU residency, allowing you to work in Europe.
✔ Competitive Salary Packages
Although salaries vary by city, foreign HCAs are offered attractive packages and additional benefits. Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
Roles & Responsibilities of Healthcare Assistants in Portugal
As a Healthcare Assistant, your job may include:
- Assisting nurses and doctors with daily care tasks
- Helping patients with mobility, bathing, feeding, and dressing
- Monitoring vital signs and reporting changes
- Providing emotional support to elderly or disabled patients
- Keeping patient rooms clean and organized
- Administering medication under supervision
- Maintaining patient records and documentation
- Supporting rehabilitation activities
This job is ideal for individuals who are compassionate, patient, and dedicated to helping others.
Salary of Healthcare Assistants in Portugal
The average salary for Healthcare Assistant jobs in Portugal is:
€900 to €1,200 per month
(Approx. ₹80,000 to ₹1,05,000 per month)
However, salaries can increase depending on:
- Experience
- Private vs. public hospital
- Shift work (night shifts pay more)
- City (Lisbon & Porto pay higher)
Overtime and weekend shifts also pay extra.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreigners
To apply for Healthcare Assistant jobs in Portugal, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
✔ Basic Requirements
- Minimum high school qualification
- Certificate or diploma in Health Care Assistance / Nursing Assistant preferred
- Basic English skills
- Willingness to work shifts
✔ Language Requirements
Portuguese is not mandatory at the time of applying, but learning basic Portuguese will:
- Increase your job chances
- Help with patient communication
- Improve your salary
Free online courses can help you get started. Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
✔ Experience
- 1–2 years of previous healthcare or caregiving experience is beneficial
- Freshers may also apply depending on employer
Visa Sponsorship for Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
Portugal offers visa options for foreign healthcare workers such as:
1. Portugal Work Visa (D1 Type)
If you get a job offer from a Portuguese employer, they can sponsor your visa.
2. Temporary Stay Visa
For contracts shorter than one year.
3. Portugal Residence Permit
After working for 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Required Documents for Work Visa:
- Job offer or employment contract
- Passport
- CV
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical clearance
- Proof of accommodation
- Education certificates
Most hospitals and care centers help candidates with visa processing.
Top Employers Hiring Healthcare Assistants in Portugal
Foreigners are hired across:
🏥 Public Hospitals
- SNS Hospitals (Serviço Nacional de Saúde)
🏥 Private Hospitals
- CUF Hospital Network
- Luz Saúde
- Lusíadas Saúde
- Trofa Saúde Hospitals
👵 Elderly Care Centers / Nursing Homes
- Santa Casa da Misericórdia
- Private Long-Term Care Centers
- Day Care & Rehabilitation Centers
👩⚕️ Home Care Agencies
- Comfort Keepers
- Senior Concierge Portugal
- Home Instead Portugal
These companies regularly hire international Healthcare Assistants. Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
Cities Offering the Most Jobs
1. Lisbon – Highest demand, better salary
2. Porto – Large private hospitals
3. Algarve – Many elderly care centers
4. Coimbra – Leading medical institutions
How to Apply for Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to increase your chances of selection:
Step 1: Prepare Your CV
Use a European CV format (Europass) highlighting:
- Caregiving skills
- Experience
- Certifications
- Language skills
Step 2: Search Job Portals
Top job portals for Portugal include:
- Indeed Portugal
- Sapo Emprego
- Net-Empregos
- LinkedIn Jobs
- European Employment Portal (EURES)
- Hospital websites (CUF, Luz Saúde, Lusíadas Saúde)
Step 3: Apply to Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship
Search keywords like:
“Healthcare Assistant Visa Sponsorship Portugal”
“Care Assistant Jobs Portugal for Foreigners”
Step 4: Attend Online Interviews
Most interviews are conducted via Zoom or Google Meet.
Step 5: Get Your Work Contract & Begin Visa Processing
Your employer will submit your employment details to Portuguese immigration.
Skills Required for Healthcare Assistant Jobs
Employers prefer candidates with:
- Excellent communication skills
- Empathy & patience
- Knowledge of basic healthcare tasks
- Ability to handle elderly or disabled patients
- Teamwork & responsibility
- Problem-solving approach
- Familiarity with hygiene & safety rules
Benefits of Working as a Healthcare Assistant in Portugal
✔ Permanent & stable job
✔ Free training by employers
✔ Paid holidays and sick leave
✔ Overtime incentives
✔ Opportunity to grow into nursing roles
✔ Work visa + long-term residency options
Healthcare is one of the most secure career fields in Portugal.
Is Portugal Good for Foreign Healthcare Workers?
Absolutely! Portugal’s healthcare system is expanding rapidly, and foreign workers are welcomed due to high demand. The work environment is friendly, and foreign HCAs can transition into long-term careers with better pay and opportunities.
Conclusion
Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal for Foreigners are a great opportunity to build a stable healthcare career in Europe. With increasing demand, good salary packages, and visa sponsorship options, Portugal is an excellent choice for international workers. Whether you are an experienced caregiver or a fresher, this field offers strong job security and growth potential.
If you prepare your CV, improve your skills, and apply through trusted job portals, you can secure a well-paid job in Portugal in 2025.