Registered unemployment rose in July, but remained lower than a year ago
Portugal ended July with 269,100 people registered as unemployed. That was 1.7% more than in June, but 8.1% fewer than in July 2025.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 31 August 2026The figures show a small month-to-month reversal without undoing the stronger annual improvement—and they are not the same measure as the national unemployment rate.
- IEFP recorded 269,100 registered unemployed people at the end of July.
- The total rose by 4,583 from June after five consecutive monthly declines.
- Compared with July 2025, registrations were down by 23,725, or 8.1%.
- Registered unemployment counts people on the employment-service register; it is not the same as the survey-based unemployment rate.
Two comparisons tell different stories
July's register was higher than June's, ending a five-month run of monthly falls. At the same time, it remained well below the level recorded one year earlier. Both statements are true because they answer different questions.
The monthly change can reflect seasonality, the end of contracts and the timing of new registrations. The annual comparison is better for seeing whether the register is broadly larger or smaller than it was at the same point last year.
Where the annual improvement was strongest
The largest annual regional declines were reported in the North, Madeira and the Azores. Across occupations, the register fell particularly among qualified workers in agriculture, fishing and forestry, although that group represents a relatively small share of the total.
The Alentejo and Centre recorded some of the more noticeable month-to-month increases. A national headline therefore cannot describe the hiring picture in every municipality or profession.
There were more vacancies than in June
IEFP had 18,739 unfilled job offers on file at the end of July. That was 4.1% more than in June, but 1.4% fewer than a year earlier. A vacancy on the register is not a guarantee of a match: language, qualifications, location, pay and contract terms still matter.
Jobseekers should search beyond one national total. Compare current roles in the chosen region, travel distance, required Portuguese and whether a qualification needs recognition before work can begin.
Do not confuse the register with the unemployment rate
Registered unemployment covers people recorded with IEFP services. The official unemployment rate comes from a population survey and uses a different method. Someone can appear in one measure and not the other, so the figures should not be substituted for each other.
For a relocation decision, combine both labour-market measures with real vacancies and household costs. A favourable national rate does not prove that a particular career has enough suitable work in the town you prefer.
What you can do now.
- 01
Search current roles by occupation and municipality.
- 02
Check whether your qualification needs recognition.
- 03
Budget for the period before the first salary arrives.
- 04
Compare job terms with housing and transport costs, not salary alone.
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