Hi NatashaP

I have been living in the Algarve for around 10 months now. I came here with a professional qualification in Technical Building Studies and one in Mechanical Engineering. Without wanting to biase your opinion, I have found it VERY difficult over here. Firstly, my qualifications (which I studied for 4 long hard years in the UK) dont really mean anything here unless you get your qualification certificates translated to a Portuguese equivalent at a cost of around 70€ PER CERTIFICATE. As you can imagine, if your qualification involves multiple certificates, this can be a very costly experience.

As the previous reply by SEO mentioned, it is very difficult to find work out here, moreso if you speak very little of the language. I had luck in finding an "ok" (huh!) paid job at one of the many rent-a-car companies near Faro airport (I use ok in quotes as I was only earning 500€ per month which, considering the hours I was working, worked out to be less than 3€ per hour.) Also, the company I was working for was only willing to employ me on a "green receipts" basis which is used for self employed people which means after I have earned over a certain amount, I am responsible for paying my own taxes and they can simply "get rid" of you for any reason without you having a leg to fall back on. If you consider this with the current beurocratical situation of getting almost ANYTHING done here, as you can image, it is a very confusing and worrying situation to be in.

Sure there are almost always opportunities open in the run up to the summer season (around march or april) but as most employers only employ on a 6-monthly contractual basis, most people (including the Portuguese) find themselves without work when the holiday season has died down and things are quieter.

Having said all this, Portugal, especially the Algarve I think, is a beautiful place. The beaches are fantastic, the region boast sunsihine nearly all years round, the food is superb and cost of living is relatively cheap.

I dont mean to smudge your perception and dreams of moving out here, but please do you homework before you come here, make sure you have a job to come to and somewhere to live!