Informative Materials – Portugal

Contents hide
1 Informative Materials – Portugal
1.1 Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.2 Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Portugal
1.2.1 Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning
1.3 Employment conditions in Portugal; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations
1.3.1 Recognition of education for the purpose of work
1.4 Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Portugal (as low-skilled foreigners)
1.5 Information on earning
1.6 Job offers
1.7 Some statistic data
1.7.1 Link to statistics
1.8 Link to relevant websites in country
1.9 Useful materials
1.10 References

To become a formal senior`s caregiver in Portugal, it is essential to follow varying education paths, depending on the chosen profession and its characteristics (level of qualification, professional profile, training reference & skills).

If we remove professions integrated in higher education from the concession and focus only on professions integrated in vocational education (level 2-4 of National Qualifications Framework – NQF) exclusively regarding the senior`s population, we have: a) agent in geriatrics; b) family assistant and community support & geriatrics technician. The NQF follows the European Qualification Framework (EQF).

Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

Concerning agent in geriatrics (level 2) the ways of qualification are: formation (education and training courses & modular training) or recognition of skills. Education references are customized depending on whether they are aimed at young people or adults.

Concerning family assistant and community support & geriatrics technician (level 4) the ways of qualification are: formation (professional courses; learning courses & modular training) or recognition of skills. Education references are also customized depending on whether they are aimed at young people or adults.

Note: The data of each profession are included in the national qualifications catalogue but only available in Portuguese.

Information for foreigners who want to work as caregivers in Portugal

Recognition of education obtained in home country’; Recognition of skills and qualifications acquired through non-formal and informal learning

The purpose of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is to make qualifications more readable and understandable across different countries and systems. In close cooperation with the European Commission, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) also provides analytical and coordination support for the implementation of the EQF.

General about recognition for purpose continuing education

In Portugal the recognition of diplomas, degrees or professional recognition can be assessed through:

For CEDEFOP (Vocational Education and Training in Portugal), see here.

The European Commission Information about recognition of Professional Qualifications – Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs delivers the following information:

User guide, Directive 2005/36/EC – All you need to know about recognition of professional qualifications, Publications Office, 2020, available  here (It permits the download in all languages)

Employment conditions in Portugal; recognition procedures for the purpose of work; language requirements; employment regulations

Recognition of education for the purpose of work

To obtain a direct comparison or qualifications equivalence, the professional should contact the Directorate for Curricular Development – Equivalence team at the Directorate-General for Education in Lisbon for primary or secondary qualifications. In this case, applications for equivalence/recognition should be submitted to a pedagogically autonomous primary or secondary education establishment.

If the professional has a higher education course/degree, he or she should contact ENIC/NARIC Portugal, at the Directorate-General for Higher Education. In this case, applications for equivalence/recognition should be submitted to the scientific board of a higher education institution that offers the equivalent course/degree.

The foreigner professional also can obtain information and support about their qualification in Alto Comissariado para as migrações

For employment conditions of EU citizens, see Living and working conditions: Portugal (Europa.eu) (EURES, 2023)

Language requirements: most seniors only speak and understand Portuguese; thus, it is essential that the professional has a good command of the Portuguese language.

The professional can apply for a Portuguese host language course. These courses are promoted by public schools, employment, and vocational training centres & qualification centres.

See more information here

Specific training for people who come from specific countries to Portugal (as low-skilled foreigners)

Not know.

Information on earning

A senior`s caregivers’ salary in Portugal can differ greatly depending on the work context (private or public) and type of contract.

According to the Economic Research Institute (ERI, 2023)

The average pay for a Caregiver is €18,140 a year and €9 an hour in Portugal (gross amount). The average salary range for a Caregiver is between €13,823 and €21,061 (gross amount). On average, a High School Degree is the highest level of education for a Caregiver. This compensation analysis is based on salary survey data collected directly from employers and anonymous employees in Portugal.

Information available here

Job offers

Some statistic data

Long-term care is delivered both by formal and informal providers. For many in the country, though, informal care provided by family members (mainly women) and neighbours at home or care within non-specialised residential institutions for the elderly remains the only available option.

According to the results of the latest study on the accessibility and quality of continuing care, issued by the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS) in December 2015, Portugal had the highest rate of informal home care in Europe, as well as the lowest rate of non-home-based care and one of the lowest coverage rates of formal care (ERS, 2015).

See more information in:

Link to statistics

According to Statistics Portugal:

Regarding resident population estimate, the ageing index reached the value of 184.9.

Concerning income and living conditions,  about 35% of the population has limitations in carrying out activities.

Considering that some seniors can depend on another person, it is essential to have enough social and health organizations with professionals prepared to respond to the senior`s needs.

No data on the exact number of seniors’ (formal) caregivers is available. It is a profession not regulated in Portugal, and many caregivers are without training and employment contracts.

Link to relevant websites in country

Useful materials

User guide, Directive 2005/36/EC. All you need to know about recognition of professional qualifications – User guide

PORTUGAL: NEW FOREIGN NATIONAL GUIDE ON RIGHTS AND DUTIES . See the Guide

References