despedimento
Published 4 November 2026, 21:42
despedimento (dismissal by the employer)
The ending of an employment contract by the employer. It must be done in writing and follow a set procedure. It determines whether you can get unemployment benefit, which goes to people who were dismissed, not to those who left of their own accord.
Where you come across it. A letter starting the dismissal procedure, the final settlement, a complaint to the labour inspectorate or a court case.
Claims for money owed expire one year from the day after the contract ends. Signing a paper saying “I have no claims” does not in itself take away your rights: a worker's waiver of their claims is not valid unless it is part of a court-approved settlement.
Official website: diariodarepublica.pt/dr/legislacao-consolidada/lei/2009-34546475