The number of public administration workers in Portugal rose by 1.1% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching a total of 767,094 employees. Data from the Directorate-General for Administration and Public Employment (Direção-Geral da Administração e do Emprego Público or DGAEP) shows this is the highest employment level recorded in the sector since 2011.
Public sector employment reaches highest level since 2011
Friday, 15 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The DGAEP is the Directorate-General for Administration and Public Employment (Direção-Geral da Administração e do Emprego Público), a government body that sets rules for public‑sector jobs, careers and administrative procedures. For expats, it matters if you work for or contract with the state because DGAEP guidance affects hiring, pay scales and the rules that apply to public employees.
