No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Portugal under the Código do Trabalho (Labor Code) and the Lei de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (Child and Youth Protection Law). Exceptions exist only for light cultural or educational activities, strictly supervised by the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ) and Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens (CPCJ). Violations trigger penalties under the Autoridade para as Condições do Trabalho (ACT).
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Portugal
- Absolute Prohibition: Article 68 of the Código do Trabalho bans employment for minors under 14, with no exceptions for standard labor. The Lei n.º 147/99 reinforces this, classifying such work as exploitative.
- Cultural/Educational Exemptions: Minors aged 12–13 may participate in supervised artistic, sports, or educational performances, but only with prior approval from the IPDJ and CPCJ. Work hours are capped at 2 hours daily and 10 hours weekly.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: The Plano Nacional de Erradicação do Trabalho Infantil (2026–2030) tightens enforcement, mandating digital reporting of all child labor activities to the ACT and introducing mandatory training for employers in sectors with historical violations (e.g., agriculture, domestic work).