Exploring the Landscape of Self-Employment in Portugal

The journey of self-employment in Portugal has been marked by significant socio-economic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving labor market dynamics. This article delves into the historical and business context of self-employment in Portugal, highlighting the trends among men and women who choose to be solopreneurs without employees. It aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the self-employment landscape, backed by data and insights pertinent to policymakers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders alike.

A Closer Look at the Data

The self-employment landscape in Portugal has witnessed notable trends from 1986 to 2020. Initial years lacked comprehensive data, but starting from the mid-1980s, an intriguing pattern emerges. For men, the self-employment rate without employees began at 19.16% in 1986, peaking and fluctuating before a gradual decline to 10.53% by 2020. Interestingly, the trend for women depicts a slightly different narrative. In 1986, the rate stood at 23.53%, experienced a rise, and then a more pronounced decrease, narrowing the gender gap, and ending at 7.74% in 2020.

Historical and Business Context

Several pivotal events and shifts have influenced Portugal's self-employment trends. The late 20th century was a period of economic modernization and integration into the European Union, which brought about structural changes in the economy, impacting self-employment rates. Moreover, the financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent austerity measures led to a significant shift in the labor market, with many turning to self-employment as a response to unemployment and economic instability.

The rise of the digital economy and technological advancements have also played a crucial role. The access to broader markets via the internet, coupled with the appeal of flexible working arrangements, has made self-employment a more viable and attractive option for many. This digital transformation has particularly encouraged women, who have historically faced barriers in the traditional labor market, to pursue solopreneurship.

Observations and Insights for Stakeholders

Portugal’s evolving self-employment landscape offers several insights for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and business stakeholders. The decreasing trend in self-employment rates, especially among women, suggests a narrowing gender gap yet highlights potential challenges in labor market integration and equal opportunities. Policymakers need to focus on creating supportive environments for self-employment, including access to finance, business development services, and digital literacy programs.

For entrepreneurs, the changing landscape underscores the importance of leveraging digital platforms and nurturing innovation to remain competitive. Additionally, cultivating a supportive network and seeking mentorship can enhance resilience and growth in the face of evolving market dynamics.

Concluding Thoughts

The narrative of self-employment in Portugal is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its workforce. As the country navigates post-pandemic recovery and digital transformation, self-employed individuals without employees will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Portugal’s economy.

Data Source: OECD (2024), Self-employed without employees (indicator). doi: 10.1787/5d5d0d63-en (Accessed on 19 February 2024)

Cagri Sarigoz( Founder )

I’m founder of BizStack at Cagri Sarigoz LLC and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurs.

With over 14 years in tech, marketing, and AI, including my role as Head of SEO at CitizenShipper and co-founder of TaleBot at Intale AI, I’m dedicated to sharing genuine, useful product insights and tips.

At BizStack, I aim to cut through the digital noise to provide clear, actionable advice.

And more than all else, I’m a father to a (always) little girl and a husband.

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