No contract — ACT · Portugal

Direct answer

A contract exists the moment you work for someone under their direction for pay — a written document is proof, not a condition. You have the same rights to the minimum wage, holidays, sick pay and notice as anyone. The employer must give you the written terms within a short deadline (EU rule: essentials within a week). Ask for them in writing. ACT — Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho (300 069 300) inspects undeclared work and the penalties hit the employer, not you; Sindicato (CGTP, UGT) (cgtp.pt) represents you; Segurança Social — reclamação e recurso (300 502 502) can confirm whether you are registered and insured.

Call firstACT — Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho

Report toSindicato (CGTP, UGT)

If that failsSegurança Social — reclamação e recurso

🗣️ What to say

"I have worked for you since [date] as [role], [hours] per week, at [pay]. I have not received a written statement of my terms. Please provide it within 7 days and confirm that I am registered for social security. I also ask for [unpaid wages / holidays] to be paid."

🪜 Step by step

Collect proof of the workMessages, rosters, payslips or cash records, photos at the workplace, colleagues who will confirm.
Ask for the written termsThe employer must provide them. A refusal is itself a breach.
Check your registration: Segurança Social — reclamação e recursoYour online social-security account shows whether contributions were paid. If not, the employer owes them retroactively.
Report to ACT — Autoridade para as Condições do TrabalhoInspectorates enforce registration and pay the worker's back contributions from the employer. You can report anonymously.
Claim what you are owed: Sindicato (CGTP, UGT)Wages, holidays, notice — the labour court accepts proof of work in any form.

📇 All contacts

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

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

Segurança Social — reclamação e recursoBenefits, clawbacks, objectionWithin the deadline on the decision📞 300 502 502 🔗 www.seg-social.pt

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

❓ Frequently asked

Will I get in trouble for working off the books?

The obligation to register and pay contributions is the employer's. Workers rarely face penalties, and inspectorates protect those who report.

Am I a freelancer or an employee?

If they set your hours, your tasks and your tools, you are an employee whatever the invoice says. False self-employment is reclassified by courts and inspectorates.

I was hurt at work and I am not registered

Report the accident anyway — accident insurance covers unregistered workers in most countries and recovers the cost from the employer.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“working without contract rights Portugal”
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📄 I work without a written contract or off the books — what are my rights?