Living in Portugal is affordable by Western European standards, but with rising prices on groceries, rent, and fuel, many people are looking for extra ways to earn. Whether you’re trying to supplement a fixed income, cover some bills, or just save a little more each month, there are several ways to bring in extra cash without taking on a second full-time job.
The good news? You don’t have to start a business or make a huge investment. Portugal offers plenty of side-income opportunities that can be done part-time, from the comfort of your home, or even while enjoying the outdoors. Whether you have a creative skill, a spare room, or just a bit of spare time, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll go over the most realistic and legal ways to earn extra income in Portugal in 2025. This is based on what’s working right now, not just ideas that look good on paper.
Sell a Skill or Hobby Online
One of the easiest ways to earn extra money is by turning your existing skills into freelance services or digital products. If you speak English, you could offer one-on-one conversation classes to Portuguese learners. With platforms like Preply or through Facebook expat groups, you can start tutoring informally and grow from there.
Got a creative streak? Sell handmade crafts or digital designs through sites like Etsy or even local craft fairs. Homemade candles, soaps, art prints, and jewelry often find buyers among tourists and fellow expats looking for something local.
If you’re good at writing, translating, proofreading, or graphic design, there are also freelancing platforms where you can pick up small projects. These jobs don’t require formal business registration at the start but may need you to register as a freelancer (via Portugal’s “Recibos Verdes” system) if you earn consistently.
The trick is to focus on something you already enjoy. Whether that’s photography, creating spreadsheets, or voiceover work, you’d be surprised how many small needs are out there waiting to be met.
Short-Term Rentals and Property Income
If you own a home in Portugal or even just a spare room, you might be sitting on a valuable source of extra income. Renting out property, either short-term to tourists or long-term to students and working professionals, is a popular way to bring in extra money.
In tourist hotspots like Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, and even Coimbra, short-term rentals can bring in much more per month than long-term leases. However, it’s not as simple as listing a place on Airbnb and waiting for the bookings to roll in.
To legally rent your space to short-term guests, you’ll need to register for an Alojamento Local (AL) license. This includes safety checks and registering with your local municipal office. Some cities have restricted new AL registrations in certain zones, so it’s always good to check with local authorities first.
If you prefer something more hands-off, you can hire a property manager to handle guest bookings, check-ins, cleaning, and maintenance. This is a great option for homeowners who travel frequently or live elsewhere.
Want a trustworthy partner to help you understand the local rental market, AL licenses, or how to earn rental income the right way? Reach out us today. We provide personalized guidance for property owners, buyers, and investors to help you rent out legally and profitably without the usual stress and confusion.
Offer Local Services in Your Community
Sometimes, earning a bit more money doesn’t require the internet at all. It just takes being available and helpful in your neighborhood.
Many people in Portugal look for local help with small tasks: walking their dogs, babysitting, house cleaning, or even helping an elderly neighbor with groceries. These jobs are often found through word-of-mouth, WhatsApp groups, or local Facebook pages.
If you’re good with tools, simple home maintenance tasks like fixing leaky taps or repainting fences can also bring in small but regular earnings. Gardening services are in demand too, particularly in suburban areas and small towns where many older residents live alone.
You don’t need to register a company for this kind of informal work, but it’s smart to keep track of what you earn, especially if it becomes a consistent source of income. And always agree on payment terms upfront as Portugal is a relaxed country, but clarity helps avoid awkward misunderstandings.
This type of income is not only practical, it’s also a great way to meet locals and become part of the community.
Use Your Car or Bike to Make Extra Cash
If you own a car, scooter, or even a bicycle, there are ways to turn it into a part-time income source in Portugal’s larger cities and towns.
Food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Glovo, and Bolt Food are always looking for new drivers and riders. You can choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you like. This can be a great option for students, people with flexible schedules, or anyone who enjoys being outdoors.
If you’d rather transport people than pizzas, you can consider ride-sharing services, although these typically require more paperwork, insurance, and a clean vehicle. In Lisbon and Porto, demand for rides can spike during tourist season, local events, or strikes in public transport.
Even in rural towns, some expats earn side income by offering private rides to the airport or helping locals without cars run errands. Just be sure to check the local transport laws and make sure your car is properly insured for this kind of work.
While it’s not a get-rich-quick option, it’s a solid and flexible way to top up your income when needed.
Join Seasonal and Part-Time Gigs
Portugal sees a surge in seasonal opportunities, especially during spring and summer. If you’re looking for temporary or part-time work that fits around your lifestyle, there’s plenty to consider.
Tourism jobs are among the most available during warmer months. Restaurants, bars, hostels, and hotels in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve regularly hire extra staff between May and September. You don’t always need fluent Portuguese in international places where English is widely spoken. Jobs like waiting tables, working reception, or helping with tours are usually filled quickly, so start looking early in the year.
Outside of hospitality, harvest-related work also picks up. From grape-picking in the Douro Valley to olive harvesting in Alentejo, these short-term jobs are physical but rewarding. Some even include meals and accommodation, which helps you save money while earning.
If you prefer something indoors, private tutoring or after-school support is in demand during the school year. Expats who speak English, French, or Spanish fluently often find opportunities with families looking for help with homework or language skills.
Where to look? Local Facebook groups, noticeboards at cafes, school newsletters, and expat forums often advertise these roles. Keep your CV updated and introduce yourself in Portuguese if possible.
Earn from Digital Work While Living in Portugal
Digital income streams are growing fast in Portugal, especially among remote workers, expats, and younger retirees. If you have internet access and some time to spare, there are plenty of ways to earn from your laptop or phone.
One popular option is remote work for international companies. If you already work for a foreign employer, you can often move your role with you. Portugal’s digital-friendly tax system (such as the NHR program) can help reduce your tax burden legally: though it’s best to speak with an accountant before making any changes.
Don’t have a remote job? Consider freelance work in writing, translating, web design, social media management, or virtual assistance. You can find clients on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or simply through referrals and LinkedIn. Many expats in Portugal now make their entire income this way.
Content creation is another area worth mentioning. Running a small blog about your life in Portugal, a YouTube channel with travel tips, or a niche Instagram account can bring in advertising or sponsorship income. It takes time, but once it grows, the rewards can be steady.
Lastly, there’s affiliate marketing – earning small commissions by recommending products or services through links. It works best when tied to content you already produce, like blog posts or newsletters.
With digital income, you’re not tied to any one place, which makes Portugal’s low living costs and high quality of life even more attractive.
Sell Secondhand Items or Help Others Downsize
Not every side hustle needs to be high-tech or ongoing. Sometimes, making a little extra money can be as simple as clearing out your garage or helping someone else do the same.
Online platforms like OLX, CustoJusto, and Facebook Marketplace are full of people buying and selling used goods. They range from furniture and appliances to books and clothing. If you’ve just moved to Portugal or are downsizing, this is a great way to turn clutter into cash.
You can also take this a step further. Many older Portuguese residents or long-time expats are looking to clear out storage units or old homes. Offering to help with sorting, lifting, listing, and selling items can be a useful service and one that not many people provide.
For those interested in flipping, look for undervalued secondhand items you can repair or clean up, then resell. This works well with bikes, electronics, vintage homeware, or even branded clothing.
This type of work doesn’t usually require formal registration unless it becomes your main source of income. It’s a flexible, low-risk way to earn a few hundred euros per month and you’re helping reduce waste in the process.
Help Tourists or Expats Settle In
Portugal’s popularity continues to grow among tourists and newcomers and with that comes new service needs that you can fill. As per the 2024 Global Peace Index (GPI) report, Portugal is ranked the 7th safest country in the world giving rise to tourism.
For those fluent in English and familiar with the local area, offering walking tours or local orientation sessions is one great option. You can create your own routes – historical walks, food tastings, hidden cafés and charge a small fee per person. This works especially well in places with heavy foot traffic, like Lisbon’s Alfama or Porto’s Ribeira.
Another untapped opportunity is helping new expats settle in. Many people moving to Portugal for the first time feel overwhelmed by bureaucracy—getting tax numbers, registering with local health centers, or signing up for utilities. If you’ve done it before, you can offer to guide others through the same steps, either informally or as a paid service.
Translating documents, helping book AIMA or city hall appointments, or even providing simple ride-alongs to appointments are all valuable services that can be advertised through expat groups or local classifieds.
Start small and help a few people, build trust, and let referrals do the work. It’s low-cost, community-driven, and always in demand.
Conclusion – Start Small, Think Smart
Making extra money in Portugal isn’t about chasing big promises, it’s about finding simple, steady ways to earn that work for your lifestyle. Whether you’re offering local services, renting out a spare room, selling your skills online, or doing part-time delivery work, there are plenty of real, low-risk ways to bring in extra income.
The key is to start with what you already have: free time, a useful skill, a property, or even just a reliable internet connection. From there, you can build up slowly, test out ideas, and see what works best for you. Don’t feel pressured to try everything at once. A few hours a week can still make a real difference.
And when it comes to legal paperwork, taxes, or rental licensing, don’t try to figure it all out alone. A small mistake can cost you more later. That’s where having the right guidance helps.
If you’re considering renting out property or setting up a legal side income in Portugal, get in touch with us. We help expats and residents handle everything from property rules to AL licenses and relocation support – saving you time, money, and stress.
Portugal rewards smart planning. Let your side income work for you, not against you.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to make extra money in Portugal: practical ideas
1. Do I need a visa to work part-time in Portugal?
Yes, unless you’re an EU/EEA citizen, you’ll need the proper residence permit with work rights.
2. Is rental income taxed in Portugal?
Yes, rental income must be reported, whether short or long-term.
3. Can I start freelancing without a business license?
Yes, but you must register under Recibos Verdes with the tax office.
4. Is it legal to sell homemade goods at local markets?
Yes, but some municipalities require permits. Always check locally.
5. What’s the easiest side hustle for expats?
Teaching English or offering online services is a good start.
6. Can retirees earn extra money in Portugal?
Yes, but it may affect tax or pension rules depending on your home country.
7. Is Airbnb income worth it in Portugal?
Yes, in tourist areas but you’ll need an AL license.
8. Do I have to report income from secondhand sales?
Occasional sales don’t usually need reporting. Regular sales might.
9. Is food delivery a popular option?
Yes, especially in Lisbon and Porto for people with bikes or scooters.
10. Where can I get help with tax registration?
A local accountant or relocation advisor can guide you.