A temporary work agency operating in Portugal needs a licence from the IEFP. An agency from another EU or EEA country may be able to rely on its home-country authorisation, subject to conditions.
What it is
The IEFP (the public employment institute, which also licenses temporary work agencies) issues a licence to companies that place temporary workers with client businesses for a fee. This licence, sometimes called an ETT licence (empresa de trabalho temporário, meaning temporary work agency), confirms that the agency meets Portugal's legal requirements for this activity, including its financial standing.
What it is for
Placing workers temporarily with another company is a regulated activity in Portugal, not something any business can do without approval. The licence exists to make sure agencies are reliable, financially sound, and follow labour rules correctly, so that temporary workers are properly protected. Without it, an agency cannot legally place workers with another business, including on construction sites.
Who needs it
Any company that operates as a temporary work agency in Portugal, placing workers with client businesses, needs this licence. An agency established in another European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) country may be able to rely on its home country's authorisation for this activity instead of a separate Portuguese licence, based on the rules on providing services across borders. The conditions that apply, and whether a prior notification is needed, depend on the agency and the assignment.
Where to get it and how long it is valid
The IEFP issues the licence to agencies established in Portugal, and lists which agencies currently hold a valid one in its public register. For an EU or EEA agency relying on its home-country authorisation, that authorisation is the reference document for as long as it remains valid at home.
What to watch out for
It is easy to assume that every foreign agency needs its own Portuguese licence, or that none does. Check the position for the specific agency and assignment, and make sure the home-country authorisation is genuinely valid. An authorisation from a country outside the EU or the EEA should not be assumed to be recognised in Portugal.
An EU or EEA temporary work agency may be able to rely on its home-country authorisation, but this is not automatic in every situation. Check the position for the specific agency and assignment.