Internships in Lisbon, Portugal

Find your focus. Are you building a resume, testing a new field, or looking to break into the EU job market? Set your intention early.
Learn by doing. Prioritize roles that let you contribute. Coffee runs won’t cut it.
Live local. Grab a pastel de nata in Alfama, ride the tram up the hills, or catch sunset at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. This is more than a 9-to-5.

Understand the benefits

You may have heard whispers about Portugal’s capital turning into a creative and tech hotspot, but interning here lets you see exactly what the hype is about.

Work with edge. Lisbon is a startup magnet and a growing force in tech, sustainability, and creative industries. You’ll find hands-on roles that matter.
International exposure. English is widely spoken in professional settings, and you’ll meet people from across Europe and beyond.
Off-hours magic. After work, unwind by the Tagus River, hop on a train to Cascais, or join a local Fado night.

Things to know

A little Lisbon 101 before you land goes a long way, especially when it comes to navigating daily life.

Work culture - Lisbon is pretty laid-back, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off. Be on time, stay sharp, and expect a mix of structure and flexibility.
Transportation - You won’t need a car. The metro, buses, and trams are easy to use, and walking is often the fastest way to get around the city center.
Cost of living - Rent can be high in central neighborhoods, but day-to-day life is manageable. Local cafés, public transit, and groceries won’t break the bank if you keep it simple.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Lisbon has a strong demand for internships in technology, marketing, finance, and tourism, so researching these sectors is beneficial. Networking with local professionals and attending career fairs can also provide valuable leads.

To find an internship in Portugal as an international student, start by exploring company websites, university career services, and platforms like GoAbroad. Networking with local professionals, attending career fairs, and joining student organizations can also help you discover internship opportunities in sectors like tourism, tech, and business.

While many internships in Portugal, especially in multinational companies and tech sectors, may offer English as the working language, having Portuguese language skills can be a major advantage. It helps with day-to-day communication, enhances your experience, and opens up more opportunities, particularly in local businesses or customer-facing roles.

Yes, there are paid internship opportunities in Lisbon, particularly in sectors like tech, marketing, finance, and engineering. Multinational companies, startups, and larger organizations often offer stipends or salaries. To find these opportunities, explore company websites, university career centers, and platforms like GoAbroad, and network with local professionals.

Whether you need a visa for an internship in Lisbon depends on your nationality. If you're from an EU/EEA country, you don’t need a visa. However, if you're from outside the EU/EEA, you’ll likely need a work or student visa. Check with the Portuguese consulate or embassy and the internship provider for specific requirements.

Latest Program Reviews

The Summer of a Lifetime in Amsterdam!!

November 22, 2025by: haley lorch - United StatesProgram: Sage Corps: International Internships at Startups

10

I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Amsterdam in the summer of 2025, and it was truly a life-changing experience. Sage Corps is such a unique program because it allows you to study abroad while also getting real-world experience by working with businesses in your host country. I was able to fully immerse myself in Amsterdam’s culture, explore the city during my free time, and simultaneously grow my business skills through my internship at a startup. I can’t recommend this program enough for anyone who wants to truly live in another city and experience it on a deeper level. Working and commuting in Amsterdam every day gave me a completely new perspective on the city, and I absolutely loved it. Beyond the professional and personal growth, I also made so many amazing friends—many of whom I still talk to regularly! If you’re even slightly considering this program… DO IT!! You’ll have the summer of your dreams, make unforgettable memories, and leave with a piece of the city in your heart forever.

Great Experience and Wonderful Memories!

October 21, 2025by: Keyan Vojdani - United StatesProgram: Sage Corps: International Internships at Startups

10

Interning with Sage Corps in Lisbon last summer was a wonderful opportunity. From start to finish, everything was organized, supportive, and truly transformative. The team made the entire process seamless, from matching me with a startup that aligned with my interests to helping me adjust to a new city and culture. My internship gave me real, hands-on experience in a fast-paced startup environment. I worked on meaningful business development projects that made an impact and collaborated with founders and teams who trusted me with real responsibility. It was exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Sage Corps is an amazing program that combines hands-on startup experience with full cultural immersion. Living and working abroad taught me how to adapt quickly, communicate across cultures, and think more creatively. Along the way, I met an inspiring community of international students, mentors, and entrepreneurs who made the experience even more meaningful. I would highly recommend the program.

The Summer of a Lifetime in Amsterdam!!

November 22, 2025by: haley lorch - United StatesProgram: Sage Corps: International Internships at Startups

10

I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Amsterdam in the summer of 2025, and it was truly a life-changing experience. Sage Corps is such a unique program because it allows you to study abroad while also getting real-world experience by working with businesses in your host country. I was able to fully immerse myself in Amsterdam’s culture, explore the city during my free time, and simultaneously grow my business skills through my internship at a startup. I can’t recommend this program enough for anyone who wants to truly live in another city and experience it on a deeper level. Working and commuting in Amsterdam every day gave me a completely new perspective on the city, and I absolutely loved it. Beyond the professional and personal growth, I also made so many amazing friends—many of whom I still talk to regularly! If you’re even slightly considering this program… DO IT!! You’ll have the summer of your dreams, make unforgettable memories, and leave with a piece of the city in your heart forever.

Great Experience and Wonderful Memories!

October 21, 2025by: Keyan Vojdani - United StatesProgram: Sage Corps: International Internships at Startups

10

Interning with Sage Corps in Lisbon last summer was a wonderful opportunity. From start to finish, everything was organized, supportive, and truly transformative. The team made the entire process seamless, from matching me with a startup that aligned with my interests to helping me adjust to a new city and culture. My internship gave me real, hands-on experience in a fast-paced startup environment. I worked on meaningful business development projects that made an impact and collaborated with founders and teams who trusted me with real responsibility. It was exciting, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. Sage Corps is an amazing program that combines hands-on startup experience with full cultural immersion. Living and working abroad taught me how to adapt quickly, communicate across cultures, and think more creatively. Along the way, I met an inspiring community of international students, mentors, and entrepreneurs who made the experience even more meaningful. I would highly recommend the program.