Imagine waking up in Lisbon or Budapest, walking to your job in a tech startup or 5-star hotel, and not having to worry about the dreaded IELTS score. If that sounds like your dream, you’re in the right place. Europe is opening doors wider than ever before, and two countries leading the charge in 2025 are Portugal and Hungary.
From hospitality jobs at Pestana Hotel Group to tech careers at OutSystems and infrastructure roles with Hungary’s MÁV Group, skilled workers can now apply for jobs without an IELTS requirement, and enjoy visa support, free or subsidized accommodation, and even relocation assistance for families.
This article will walk you through the top opportunities, companies hiring, the visa pathways, and how to apply with no IELTS.
Why Portugal and Hungary?
While many people set their sights on countries like Germany or the UK, Portugal and Hungary are quietly becoming the new frontiers for skilled migrants. Here’s why:
- Cost of living is significantly lower compared to Western Europe
- Fast-growing tech and tourism sectors
- Employer-led visa support programs
- More relaxed English proficiency requirements
Both countries are part of the Schengen Zone, which means once you’re in, you gain access to 26 countries for travel.
Portugal Tech and Hospitality Jobs – No IELTS Required
Portugal has become a tech magnet in Southern Europe. With cities like Lisbon and Porto hosting global companies and digital nomads alike, the country offers jobs across:
1. Tech Roles at OutSystems
OutSystems, a unicorn software company based in Lisbon, is constantly hiring foreigners in areas such as:
- Full-Stack Development
- Software Testing
- Product Design
- Cloud Infrastructure
The best part? Their hiring process does not mandate IELTS. Instead, they assess English proficiency through interviews and task-based evaluations. You can check their careers page for updated roles.
2. Hospitality Roles at Pestana Hotel Group
Portugal’s largest hotel chain, Pestana Hotel Group, has expanded internationally but retains a massive workforce in Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and Algarve. Open positions include:
- Front Desk Agents
- Housekeeping Supervisors
- Chefs and Kitchen Assistants
- Guest Relations Coordinators
English is appreciated but not IELTS-certified English. If you can hold a conversation and understand instructions, you’re already halfway qualified. Visit the Pestana Group careers portal to explore options.
Key Benefits in Portugal
- Visa support via the D2 Entrepreneur or Job Seeker Visa
- Subsidized accommodation for select hotel roles
- Family sponsorship and dependent visas
Hungary’s New Hiring Push for Foreign Talent
Hungary has quietly become an employment hub for skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers, particularly in hospitality, logistics, and tech infrastructure. The capital, Budapest, as well as regional cities like Debrecen and Szeged, are seeing an influx of international hires.
1. MÁV Group (Hungarian State Railways)
Yes, even the national rail company is hiring foreign workers.
Roles include:
- Electrical Engineers
- Train Maintenance Technicians
- IT Systems Analysts
- Project Managers
MÁV Group, one of Hungary’s largest employers, provides full-time contracts, Hungarian language support, and does not require IELTS certification. English and Hungarian proficiency is evaluated during interviews. You can explore their current vacancies and apply directly.
2. Hospitality Opportunities in Budapest
With Hungary becoming a tourism hotspot, 4- and 5-star hotels like Corinthia, Hilton, and local chains like Danubius Hotels are hiring actively. These jobs are ideal for applicants without a degree but with some customer service or culinary experience.
English-speaking roles are readily available, and again, no IELTS is necessary. Many of these positions also come with shared housing or monthly housing stipends.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Portugal vs Hungary Opportunities
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Portugal | Hungary |
|---|---|---|
| Language Requirement | No IELTS, conversational English | No IELTS, conversational English |
| Top Sectors | Tech, Hospitality | Hospitality, Rail Infrastructure |
| Major Employers | OutSystems, Pestana Group | MÁV Group, Danubius Hotels |
| Visa Pathways | D2 Visa, Job Seeker Visa | EU Blue Card, Work Permit |
| Accommodation | Provided/subsidized (hospitality) | Provided/subsidized (hospitality) |
| Family Sponsorship | Yes | Yes |
| Monthly Salary Range (EUR) | €1,200 – €3,500 | €1,000 – €2,800 |
How to Apply for Jobs in Portugal Without IELTS
Follow this simple process:
- Create a CV in EuroPass format
- This is often preferred across Europe. You can do it via the EU Europass portal.
- Target the right companies
- OutSystems, Farfetch, and startups on Startup Portugal are good entry points.
- Apply directly via company portals
- Avoid third-party recruiters where possible.
- Use job portals like:
- Prepare for task-based or video interviews
- You’ll be assessed based on performance, not test scores.
How to Apply for Jobs in Hungary Without IELTS
- Search on MÁV Group and local hospitality websites
- Use Profession.hu for broad listings.
- Translate your resume into Hungarian (optional)
- Not mandatory but increases visibility.
- Highlight practical skills and adaptability
- Experience counts more than formal education.
- Apply through direct company career pages
- Particularly for rail and hotel positions.
- Follow up with an email or call
- Hungarian employers value proactive applicants.
Visa Pathways Without IELTS
You don’t need to go through a student visa or skilled migration process alone. These jobs come with employer sponsorship.
Portugal:
- D2 Visa: For entrepreneurs or remote workers
- Job Seeker Visa: Apply for jobs within 120 days
- Tech Visa: For highly skilled professionals (source)
Hungary:
- EU Blue Card: For high-skilled non-EU citizens (source)
- Hungarian Work Permit: Sponsored by employers directly
FAQs – Your Questions Answered
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Both countries allow you to apply for dependent visas, especially if your job contract is full-time and longer than 6 months.
Will I get language support?
Many companies offer language training or onboarding sessions to ease your transition.
What if I don’t have a degree?
Especially in hospitality and infrastructure roles, skills and experience matter more than formal qualifications.
Can I apply if I’m already in Europe on a different visa?
Yes. You can apply and switch visas or jobs within the Schengen Zone.
Final Thoughts: Start Your European Journey Without IELTS
Opportunities in Portugal and Hungary prove that you don’t need an IELTS certificate to live, work, and thrive in Europe. With employer-sponsored visas, accommodation support, and family relocation perks, these countries are ready to welcome skilled talent from across the globe.
Whether you’re a chef from Nairobi, a coder from Bangalore, or a hospitality worker from Manila – your European job journey starts now.
So, why wait? Start exploring OutSystems jobs, MÁV Group vacancies, and hospitality openings today.
Leave IELTS at the door. Europe is calling.