Working Hours and Overtime in Portugal

What Are the Standard Working Hours in Portugal?

In Portugal, the standard working hours for full-time employees are set at 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. The maximum weekly and daily working hours may vary based on the specifications outlined in the employment contract or collective bargaining agreements.

Employees are entitled to a daily rest period of at least 11 consecutive hours between two working days. Additionally, after working for 5 hours, employees are entitled to a break, typically used for lunch. The typical working hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break.

Maximum Working Hours in Portugal

The legal cap on working hours in Portugal is 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. However, under certain circumstances, employees may work up to 2 hours of overtime per day, not exceeding 48 hours per week, including overtime. The annual limit for overtime is generally 150 hours for companies with more than 50 employees and 175 hours for companies with fewer than 50 employees. In situations of force majeure or as specified by collective agreements, this limit can be extended to 200 hours per year.

Industry-Specific Exceptions

Certain industries in Portugal have unique working hour regulations due to the nature of their operations. For instance, healthcare and emergency services may require employees to work beyond standard hours to ensure continuous service. In such cases, specific rules are established, often through collective bargaining agreements, to address working hours, rest periods, and compensation. These exceptions are designed to balance the demands of the industry with employee well-being.

Managerial and Exempt Employees

Under Portuguese labor laws, managerial or exempt employees are those who hold positions of responsibility, often involving decision-making authority and autonomy in their roles. These employees may be exempt from certain standard working hour regulations. However, they are still entitled to adequate rest periods and must not exceed reasonable working time limits. Specific provisions regarding their working hours and compensation are typically outlined in individual employment contracts or collective agreements.

Statutory Full-Time Working Hours in Portugal

Full-time employment in Portugal is legally defined as working 40 hours per week, typically distributed as 8 hours per day over a five-day workweek. This standard applies across various industries and roles, although specific sectors may have different arrangements established through collective bargaining agreements. Employers and employees can negotiate flexible working arrangements, provided they comply with the legal framework.

Overtime Regulations in Portugal

Overtime in Portugal refers to any work performed beyond the standard working hours of 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week. Employers may request overtime to address temporary increases in workload or unforeseen circumstances. Employees are generally obligated to comply with overtime requests unless they have valid reasons to refuse. Overtime work is subject to specific compensation rates and must adhere to legal limits on duration.

What Counts As Overtime in Portugal?

In Portugal, any hours worked beyond the standard 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week are considered overtime. This includes work performed after the regular working hours on weekdays, as well as any work conducted on weekends or public holidays that are not part of the employee's normal schedule.

Maximum Overtime in Portugal

The maximum overtime an employee can work is limited to 2 hours per day, with an annual cap of 150 hours for companies with more than 50 employees and 175 hours for companies with fewer than 50 employees. In exceptional cases, such as force majeure or specific collective agreements, this limit can be extended to 200 hours per year. Employers who require employees to work beyond these limits may face legal penalties, including fines and sanctions, for violating labor laws.

Overtime Payout Rates in Portugal

Alternatively, employees may opt for compensatory rest instead of monetary compensation, typically to be taken within a specified period following the overtime worked.

Rest Periods and Breaks in Portugal

Portuguese labor law mandates that employees are entitled to a minimum daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours between two working days. During the workday, after 5 hours of continuous work, employees must receive a break, commonly utilized for lunch. For workdays exceeding 6 hours, a meal break of at least 30 minutes is required. Specific industries or roles may have additional provisions, especially for younger workers or those in demanding positions. Employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations and must organize work schedules accordingly.

Night Shifts and Weekend Regulations

Night work in Portugal is defined as any work performed between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. Employees engaged in night shifts are often entitled to additional compensation, known as a night work supplement, which is typically a percentage increase over the standard hourly rate. Weekend work, if not part of the regular schedule, is considered overtime and is compensated at higher rates, especially if performed on rest days or public holidays. Specific rates and conditions are usually outlined in collective bargaining agreements or individual employment contracts.

How Playroll Simplifies Employer Responsibilities and Compliance

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be challenging to keep up with ever-changing local labor laws and regulations in different countries. That’s the advantage of using an Employer of Record like Playroll:

• ‍Scale your global team: Legally hire and swiftly onboard new hires in 180+ regions without the red tape by offloading the HR admin to Playroll, so you can freely explore new markets and focus on growth.
• Stay compliant: Our built-in compliance checks and vetted contracts mean your agreements will always meet all legal requirements for working hours, overtime regulations, and more.
• ‍Pay your team accurately: Ensure your international employees and global contractors are paid on time, every time, and set up centralized global payroll processes.