Hire, manage and part ways the Portuguese way.
Portuguese employment law is protective and formal. We keep companies compliant and executives protected, from the first contract to the most delicate termination.
There is no at‑will employment in Portugal. Dismissals follow strict legal grounds and formal procedure, and getting it wrong is expensive. Plan before you hire, not after. Talk to our team →
Both sides of the employment relationship.
We advise companies building teams in Portugal and international executives negotiating their position, with the fluency in Portuguese labor law that both sides need.
Contracts & hiring
Employment contracts for every situation: permanent, fixed‑term, part‑time and executive, plus internal policies, remote work agreements and probation periods drafted correctly.
International workforce
Hiring non‑EU talent with the right work permits, posting workers to and from Portugal, and structuring remote teams, in direct coordination with our Immigration practice.
Terminations & restructuring
Individual dismissals, mutual agreement terminations, collective procedures and reorganisations, conducted by the book to withstand challenge.
Disputes & day‑to‑day counsel
Labor disputes and litigation support, disciplinary procedures, working time and leave questions, and ongoing HR legal support as your team grows.
What every foreign employer learns about Portugal.
The rules below surprise most international companies. Knowing them upfront is the difference between a smooth operation and a labor court.
14 payments a year
Salaries include holiday and Christmas allowances, effectively two extra monthly payments every year.
No at‑will dismissal
Terminations require legal grounds and formal procedure. Skipping steps can make a dismissal void.
Probation has limits
Trial periods are set by law depending on the role and contract type, and can't simply be extended by agreement.
Collective agreements
Sector‑wide collective bargaining agreements may apply to your company and override your contract terms.
Remote work is regulated
Teleworking has its own legal regime, including written agreements and expense compensation rules.
Social security costs
Employer contributions add a significant percentage on top of gross salary. Budget total cost, not just wages.
From first hire to full compliance.
Compliance assessment
We review your plans or existing setup and flag risks and obligations within 48 hours.
Contracts & policies
Employment contracts, handbooks and remote work agreements, bilingual and compliant.
Onboarding setup
Social security registrations, work permits for international hires and payroll coordination.
Ongoing counsel
Day‑to‑day support on working time, leave, discipline and performance questions.
When things change
Terminations, restructuring and disputes, handled formally and defensibly.
Answers, before you ask.
Is there at‑will employment in Portugal?
What does an employee really cost beyond salary?
How long can a probation period be?
Can I hire someone who is not an EU citizen?
My team works remotely from Portugal for a foreign company. Does Portuguese law apply?
How is severance calculated?
Often combined with labor.
Corporate Law
Company incorporation and corporate structuring in Portugal, for founders and investors.
Learn more →04Immigration Law
Visas and residence permits for individuals and families relocating to Portugal.
Learn more →09Contracts & Compliance
Regulatory compliance and risk management for cross‑border operations.
Learn more →Your team deserves an answer today.
Tell us about your hiring plans or your situation and receive an initial assessment within 48 hours, with no obligation.