Unemployment held at 5.7% in August
Portugal's provisional unemployment rate was unchanged from July and two tenths below August last year.
Archived after its publication day. Search retains this original briefing for background and accountability.
Archived 12 September 2026The national rate is stable, but job prospects still depend heavily on region, occupation, language and contract type.
- The provisional August unemployment rate is 5.7%.
- It was unchanged from July and 0.2 points below a year earlier.
- Labour underutilisation was 9.7%.
- July's final unemployment rate was also 5.7%.
A steady headline with a wider measure
INE's monthly estimate leaves unemployment at 5.7%. Labour underutilisation, which also captures some people who want more work or are close to the labour market, increased by one tenth from July to 9.7% but remained below its level a year ago.
Monthly estimates can move as provisional data are revised. The national total cannot show whether a particular profession or municipality has suitable vacancies.
Use local evidence before relying on the average
A person moving for work should compare advertised pay, contract duration, language requirements and travel costs in the intended area. Confirm professional-recognition rules before assuming an overseas qualification can be used immediately.
Employers should describe hours, gross pay, location and contract type clearly. A low national rate does not remove the need for a realistic recruitment timetable in scarce occupations.
What you can do now.
- 01
Search recent vacancies in the exact region and occupation.
- 02
Verify qualification recognition where required.
- 03
Budget for the period before the first salary arrives.
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