Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it? · Portugal

Direct answer

Whether you are owed severance depends on the country, the reason for dismissal and your length of service — a legal minimum in many countries, a collective agreement in others, and sometimes only what you negotiate. What is common everywhere: get the calculation in writing, do not sign a waiver, and check before the deadline. Sindicato (CGTP, UGT) (cgtp.pt) knows the collective agreement and calculates for members; Tribunal do Trabalho (impugnação do despedimento) (citius.mj.pt) enforces an unpaid severance like unpaid wages; Segurança Social — apoio judiciário / Ordem dos Advogados (seg-social.pt) gives free advice if you are not a member.

Call firstSindicato (CGTP, UGT)

Report toTribunal do Trabalho (impugnação do despedimento)

If that failsSegurança Social — apoio judiciário / Ordem dos Advogados

🗣️ What to say

"My employment ended on [date] after [years] of service by [dismissal / redundancy]. Under [law / collective agreement] I am entitled to severance of [amount / formula]. Please pay it with the final salary and send the calculation in writing."

🪜 Step by step

Find the basisLaw, collective agreement or contract. Sindicato (CGTP, UGT) tells you in one call which applies and the formula.
Ask for the calculationYears of service, salary basis, any caps. Errors are common — in the employer's favour.
Do not sign a waiverA settlement can include severance; a "final settlement" form can waive it. Read before signing.
Unpaid: Tribunal do Trabalho (impugnação do despedimento)Payment order or labour court, like unpaid wages. Short deadlines after the end of employment.
Tax and benefitSeverance may be taxed favourably and may delay unemployment benefit; ask before you agree the timing.

📇 All contacts

Sindicato (CGTP, UGT)Advice and representation at the labour courtFor members; you can join right away🔗 www.cgtp.pt

Tribunal do Trabalho (impugnação do despedimento)Contesting dismissal within 60 days, labour claimsWithin 60 days of the dismissal🔗 www.citius.mj.pt

Segurança Social — apoio judiciário / Ordem dos AdvogadosFree lawyer below the income thresholdWhen you cannot afford a lawyer🔗 www.seg-social.pt/protecao-juridica

ACT — Autoridade para as Condições do TrabalhoComplaint, inspection, formal notice to the employerAs soon as the wages are late📞 300 069 300 🔗 www.act.gov.pt

❓ Frequently asked

I was on a fixed-term contract

End of a fixed term is not a dismissal, but some countries pay a fixed-term premium or end-of-contract indemnity. Ask Sindicato (CGTP, UGT).

They say I was dismissed for misconduct

Serious misconduct removes severance in many countries — which is why employers allege it. Contest the ground; see the dismissal page.

Redundancy: is there a minimum?

In most countries yes, by years of service; collective agreements often add more, and a social plan more still.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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💰 Am I owed severance pay, and who enforces it?