Just do it! The people are so friendly it’s so well organized and honestly it’s the best experience. :)
Volunteer in Portugal
Explore International Volunteer HQ’s popular Portugal volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Portugal volunteer projects, including Youth Support, Homeless Support, Wolf Conservation and Food Rescue. Volunteer work in Portugal is located throughout the wider city area of Lisbon with Wolf Conservation volunteers based in Mafra. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 136,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Portugal.
Highlights:
- 9 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $705 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in dormitory style hostels in Lisbon or homes on-site
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Affordable Portuguese language lessons available in-country
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Portugal
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $705
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in animal shelters in Lisbon
- Volunteers aged 16+
Help out at a local animal shelter for dogs and cats, providing the animals with medical treatment and companionship, while raising awareness of abandonment.
Protects animals
Up to 8 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1265
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based at a biological conservation park
- Volunteers aged 18+
Contribute to animal conservation in the countryside of Portugal by helping protect lynx, eagles, wolves, brown bears and other animals at a biological park in Miranda do Corvo.
Conserves the environment
4-6 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1180
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based at a local diving school
- Volunteers aged 16+ or 10+ accompanied
Gain dive certifications as you contribute to preserving and conserving the local marine environment by cleaning up the sea floor and helping with research projects.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $705
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Local community initiatives
- Volunteers aged 16+ or 13+ accompanied
Help to redistribute unused food from restaurants and supermarkets to up to 300 locals in need throughout Lisbon.
Conserves the environment
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1065
- Duration: 2 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in a natural park in Lisbon
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help restore Portugal's native forests by aiding the ecological recovery of degraded areas and protecting precious ecosystems.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $705
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in homeless centers
- Volunteers aged 18+
Help a local homeless center to provide the basics for homeless people, with a focus on combating addiction and the challenges it poses for those in vulnerable states.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $705
- Duration: 1 - 2 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based at a skate-park in Lisbon
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help upcycle single-use plastic into sports items, such as skateboards, for marginalized groups and children in the local community. This helps integrate those on the fringes of society, while having a positive environmental impact.
Protects animals
5-8 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $1248
- Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based at a wolf conservation center
- Volunteers aged 20+
Help wolf conservation centers to care for wolves that have been rescued from zoos, illegal trapping or human captivity and are unable to return to the wild. Based in the beautiful forests of Mafra, volunteers help monitor, feed and look after these magnificent creatures whilst supporting vital wolf and wildlife protection efforts.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $705
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start every Monday
- Based in after-school programs
- Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Help teenagers from underprivileged communities on after school programs, providing help with homework, games and activities to keep them entertained and inspired.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Lauren Loveman
10 Apr 2024
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Beatrice Clover
10 Apr 2024
It was so easy to communicate with IVHQ and I liked the guidance and reminders they provided as I prepared. The team in Portugal were really really helpful and supportive. I felt like if I needed anything I could easily go to them for help or questions. I feel like I made a difference to the dogs I was working with. I also felt my confidence grew so much and as a person in general from meeting new people, cultures and experiences. I would definitely recommend it to people and say that you can't go in with any expectations - embrace as much as you can.
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Agshana Muraleetharan
08 Apr 2024
I have never been in a hostel before but can confidently say I had the best experience living in one for two weeks. I’ve become a more well rounded person and I can say I have volunteered abroad and would definitely do it again.
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Kaylin MacGregor
03 Apr 2024
I would do this program again in a heartbeat, and in fact I've already started preparing for my next volunteer trip abroad with IVHQ. For anyone who is hesitating, just do it. There is no downside to helping a community in need. Staying in Portugal for a month taught me so much about the world around me and the difference mindsets that the world has to offer, it was an unforgettable experience and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I recommend doing research about the area your staying in before committing, this definitely saved me some worry and allowed me to fully make the most of the time I had.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Free-time experiences & tours in Portugal
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Portugal! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Portugal program.
Language Lessons
Enhance your Portuguese language proficiency at the most affordable rate while volunteering in Portugal.
From $315
Language Lessons
Enhance your Portuguese language proficiency at the most affordable rate while volunteering in Portugal.
From $315
