Why Young Talent is Leaving Portugal: The Quest for Better Opportunities

In recent years, Portuguese professionals like Duarte Dias and Antonio Almeida have sought careers abroad due to better salary prospects and working conditions. After moving from Portugal to Microsoft’s Dublin and then to Seattle, Dias experienced a dramatic increase in his earnings—from €35,000 to over $160,000—highlighting the financial struggles in his home country where taxes significantly eat into salaries. The Portuguese government has attempted to combat this brain drain through initiatives like IRS Jovem, which offers tax reductions for young workers, but experts argue these measures are insufficient. Tax burdens remain high, making Portugal less competitive compared to countries like Germany, where Almeida found his salary for a junior position was three times higher. The article also notes that many young workers leave with hopes of returning, but as they establish families and lifestyles abroad, the likelihood of returning diminishes. Overall, systemic issues related to taxation and salary structures contribute to the challenge of retaining young talent in Portugal.