Portugal Labor Force Participation
Labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.ZS
Portugal's labor force participation was 58.16% in 2025, ranked 115th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Portugal's labor force participation stood at 58.16% in 2025, a decline of +0.28pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 58.95% by 2026. Portugal ranked 115th globally.
Portugal's labor force participation rate has experienced a notable decline over the years, with the latest available data showing a rate of 58.16% in 2025, placing it at #115 globally. This represents a significant drop from the all-time peak of 62.18% in 2007, a period marked by economic growth in the European Union. Conversely, the labor force participation rate hit its lowest point in 2021 at 56.83%, a period influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to its peer countries, Poland's labor force participation rate of 58.31% is the closest, while Vanuatu's rate of 58.11% is slightly lower. The decline in Portugal's labor force participation rate over the past decade suggests a shift towards a less active labor market, which could be influenced by demographic changes, such as aging populations and changing workforce preferences. A reversal in this trend may require policies aimed at encouraging workforce participation among underrepresented groups and addressing the underlying structural factors driving this decline.
Data & projection
| Year | Labor Force Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 59.61% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 59.28% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 58.95% | - | - |
| 2025 | 58.16% | −0.28pp | #115 |
| 2024 | 58.44% | −0.11pp | #114 |
| 2023 | 58.56% | +0.77pp | #116 |
| 2022 | 57.79% | +0.95pp | #122 |
| 2021 | 56.83% | −0.76pp | #124 |
| 2020 | 57.59% | −1.39pp | #112 |
| 2019 | 58.98% | +0.02pp | #115 |
| 2018 | 58.95% | +0.07pp | #116 |
| 2017 | 58.88% | +0.47pp | #116 |
| 2016 | 58.41% | −0.14pp | #119 |
| 2015 | 58.56% | −0.22pp | #122 |
| 2014 | 58.78% | −0.48pp | #119 |
| 2013 | 59.26% | −0.87pp | #111 |
| 2012 | 60.13% | −0.34pp | #103 |
| 2011 | 60.47% | −0.73pp | #101 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Portugal matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw labor force participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Portugal's labor force participation was 58.16% in 2025. Ranked 115th globally. This represents a 0.5% decrease from the previous year.
Portugal's labor force participation peaked at 62.18% in 2007.
The lowest labor force participation in Portugal was 56.83% in 2021.
Portugal ranks 115th globally in labor force participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Portugal's labor force participation is projected to reach 58.95% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The labor force participation of Portugal in 2025 was 58.16%. This ranks 115th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_portugal_labor-force-participation,
title = {Portugal Labor Force Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/portugal/labor-force-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}