Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal, Are you looking for Healthcare Assistant jobs in Portugal for foreigners? Portugal has become one of the top European countries hiring international workers in the healthcare sector due to a shortage of trained staff, ageing population, and increasing medical tourism. Foreigners from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Nigeria and other countries are now applying for high-demand healthcare assistant (HCA) positions with attractive salaries, benefits, and visa sponsorship.
This in-depth guide explains everything about Portugal Healthcare Assistant Jobs, including salary, eligibility, visa requirements, top employers, and how to apply online in 2025. Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
Why Portugal is Hiring Foreign Healthcare Assistants?
Portugal’s healthcare sector is expanding rapidly. According to EU labour data, the country needs thousands of care assistants, elderly caregivers, nursing aides, and support workers every year. Many Portuguese professionals are moving to other EU countries, creating a huge demand for foreign workers.
Key reasons:
- Shortage of skilled caregivers nationwide
- Growing elderly population needing long-term care
- Government support for hiring foreign workers
- Increase in private hospitals and nursing homes
- Fast-track visa options for care workers
For foreigners, this is an excellent opportunity to build a secure career in Europe.
Job Role: What Does a Healthcare Assistant Do?
A Healthcare Assistant (HCA) helps nurses and doctors by providing basic patient care in:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation centres
- Elderly care centres
- Home care services
- Assisted living facilities
Key Responsibilities
- Helping patients with bathing, feeding, dressing
- Monitoring blood pressure, temperature, pulse
- Assisting mobility and exercise routines
- Supporting nursing staff during procedures
- Maintaining patient hygiene and comfort
- Preparing rooms, beds, and equipment
- Collecting patient samples
- Providing emotional support to elderly patients
No advanced medical degree is required for entry-level jobs, making it ideal for foreigners. Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
Salary of Healthcare Assistants in Portugal (2025)
Healthcare assistant salaries in Portugal vary by city and employer.
Average Salary Range
| Job Title | Monthly Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Assistant | €900 – €1,200 |
| Elderly Caregiver | €850 – €1,100 |
| Nursing Assistant | €1,000 – €1,300 |
| Home Care Worker | €800 – €1,000 |
Other Benefits
- Free accommodation (in many jobs)
- Free meals (some employers)
- Paid holidays
- Medical insurance
- Overtime pay
- Permanent residency pathway after 5 years
Portugal’s cost of living is also lower than other EU countries, making it easier to save money.
Eligibility Requirements for Foreigners
To qualify for Healthcare Assistant jobs in Portugal, foreigners must meet basic requirements:
1. Education
- High school certificate
- Caregiver or nursing assistant training (preferred but not mandatory)
2. Skills
- Basic English OR Portuguese
- Good communication skills
- Patience and empathy
- Physical fitness
- Ability to assist elderly patients
3. Experience
- 0–2 years experience accepted for many entry-level jobs
- Experienced caregivers get higher salaries
4. Documents Required
- Valid passport
- CV and cover letter
- Caregiver training certificate (if available)
- Police clearance
- Medical fitness certificate
Work Visa for Healthcare Assistants in Portugal
Foreigners need a Portugal Work Visa (D1 Employment Visa) to work legally.
Steps to Get the Work Visa
- Get a job offer from a Portuguese employer
- Employer applies for work permit
- Submit visa application at Portugal Embassy
- Attend interview
- Receive visa approval
- Travel to Portugal and obtain residency card
Portugal also offers:
- EU Blue Card for qualified workers
- Short-term seasonal worker visa
Top Cities Hiring Healthcare Assistants
Portugal’s major cities offer the highest number of care assistant jobs:
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Braga
- Coimbra
- Faro
- Aveiro
- Setúbal
These cities have large hospitals, private clinics and elderly care homes. Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
Top Employers & Companies Hiring Care Assistants
Foreigners can apply to well-known healthcare institutions in Portugal:
- CUF Hospitals
- Luz Saúde
- José de Mello Saúde
- Trofa Saúde
- Santa Casa da Misericórdia
- Portuguese Red Cross Medical Centres
- Private nursing homes and elderly care facilities
How to Apply for Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal (2025)
You can apply directly online to Portuguese job portals and hospital websites.
Best Job Portals to Apply
- Indeed Portugal
- Sapo Emprego
- Net Empregos
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Glassdoor
- Europass Portal
- EURES (EU official job site)
Application Tips
- Use a European-style CV (Europass format)
- Mention caregiving experience clearly
- Highlight skills such as elderly support, first aid, mobility assistance
- Attach certificates and recommendations
- Apply to multiple employers for better chances
Is Portuguese Language Required?
- Basic Portuguese is helpful but not mandatory for all jobs
- Many private hospitals hire English-speaking staff
- Learning Portuguese increases salary and employment opportunities
Free apps like Duolingo or Busuu can help you learn the basics. Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
Why Foreigners Prefer Healthcare Jobs in Portugal?
- Easy entry requirements
- High job demand
- Long-term job stability
- European work experience
- Path to permanent residence (PR)
- Safe working environment
- Lower cost of living compared to France/Germany
Conclusion
Healthcare Assistant jobs in Portugal for foreigners offer a promising career with good salaries, visa sponsorship, and long-term European residency benefits. With thousands of vacancies available in 2025, this is the right time to apply and build a stable future in Portugal’s growing healthcare sector. Healthcare Assistant Jobs in Portugal
If you have caregiver experience or want to start a career in healthcare, Portugal is one of the best destinations for foreign workers.