Watch IVHQ volunteers abroad in Portugal

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, Food Rescue, Content Creation, Community Support, Ecological Surf, and more. Volunteer work in Portugal is located throughout Lisbon, in the vibrant city of Porto, Mafra, and Miranda do Corvo. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 157,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Portugal.

Highlights:

16 meaningful project options available year-round
Program Fees from $740 for 1 week
Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals, and 24/7 in-country support
Accommodation in dormitory style hostels in Lisbon and Porto, an apartment in Miranda do Corvo, and cabins in Mafra
Experience Portugals’ vibrant culture and delicious cuisines

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Key information
              
Fully hosted experience from $740

Volunteer from 1 - 12 weeks

Ages 16+ and families

Based in Lisbon, Porto, Mafra and Miranda do Corvo

Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Impact driven projects run by locals

B Corporation certified organization

Discover Portuguese cuisine & culture

Volunteer opportunities in Portugal

Animal Care in Lisbon

Volunteer on the Animal Care project with IVHQ in Portugal

Protects animals

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $740

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in animal shelters in Lisbon
Volunteers aged 16+ or 12+ accompanied

Help out at a local animal shelter for dogs and cats, providing the animals with medical treatment and companionship, while raising awareness of abandonment.

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Community Support in Lisbon

Volunteer on the Community Support volunteer project with IVHQ in Portugal

Supports community development

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $740

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Local communities around Lisbon
Volunteers aged 16+

Get involved with our Lisbon Community Support initiative and play a crucial role in fostering resilience and inclusivity throughout Portugal.

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Community Support in Porto

Supports community development

2-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $790

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start on the first and third Monday of every month
Local communities around Porto
Volunteers aged 18+

Become a key player in building resilience and inclusivity in the local communities of Porto. Engage in multiple activities like preparing meals, sorting donations, facilitating charitable events, and more.

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Ecological Surf in Lisbon

Ecological Surf volunteer project in Lisbon, Portugal with IVHQ

Conserves the environment

2-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $990

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based at local Lisbon beaches
Volunteers aged 16+ or 12+ accompanied

Catch waves, clean up beaches and forests, and help preserve our coastline. Make a splash and surf on a project that's dedicated to creating a positive impact!

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Environmental Scuba Diving in Lisbon

Environmental Scuba Diving volunteer in Portugal with IVHQ

Conserves the environment

4-6 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $1340

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based at a local diving school
Volunteers aged 16+ or 12+ 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.

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Food Rescue in Lisbon

Volunteer on the Feeding the Homeless project with IVHQ in Portugal

Improves health & wellbeing

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $740

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Local community initiatives
Volunteers aged 16+ or 12+ accompanied

Help to redistribute unused food from restaurants and supermarkets to up to 300 locals in need throughout Lisbon.

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Food Rescue in Porto

Volunteer on the Feeding the Homeless volunteer project with IVHQ in Portugal

Improves health & wellbeing

2-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $790

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start on the first and third Monday of every month
Local communities around Porto
Volunteers aged 18+

Support the journey of creating a hunger-free and waste-less world. Contribute by engaging in food distribution, sourcing unused food from supermarkets and restaurants, food packaging, and community assistance.

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Forest Conservation in Lisbon

Volunteer on the Forest Conservation project with IVHQ in Portugal

Conserves the environment

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $1260

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.

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Homeless Support in Lisbon

Volunteer on the Homeless Support project with IVHQ in Portugal

Improves health & wellbeing

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $740

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.

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Horse Caretakers in Lisbon

Volunteer on the Horse Caretakers project with IVHQ in Portugal

Protects animals

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $740

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in animal shelters in Lisbon
Volunteers aged 18+

As a volunteer, you'll be at the heart of the action, grooming and feeding the horses, maintaining the facility, and ensuring everyone experiences the thrill and joy of horseback riding.

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Therapeutic Horse Care in Porto

Volunteer on the Therapeutic Horse Care project with IVHQ in Portugal

Conserves the environment

2-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $790

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start on the first and third Monday of every month
Based at a local NGO in Porto
Volunteers aged 18+

Be part of an enriching volunteer program where you'll bond with horses and immerse in nature, engaging in diverse activities like hippotherapy, forest patrols, and community projects for a meaningful environmental and social impact.

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Upcycling For Social Good in Lisbon

Volunteer on the Upcycling For Social Good project with IVHQ in Portugal

Supports community development

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $740

Duration: 1 - 2 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based at a skate-park in Lisbon
Volunteers aged 16+

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.

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Wolf Conservation in Mafra

Wolf Conservation volunteering in Portugal with IVHQ

Protects animals

5-8 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $1443

Duration: 2 - 4 weeks
Program starts on set dates
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.

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Young Mom’s Support in Porto

Volunteer on the Young Mom’s Support volunteer project with IVHQ in Portugal

Supports gender equality

2-4 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $790

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start on the first and third Monday of every month
Local communities around Porto
Volunteers aged 18+

Want to empower socially excluded women in Portugal? Volunteer for IVHQ's Young Mom’s Support Project and help make a difference in their lives.

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Youth Support in Lisbon

Volunteer on the Youth Support project with IVHQ in Portugal

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $740

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in after-school programs
Volunteers aged 16+

Help teenagers from underprivileged communities on after school programs, providing help with homework, games and activities to keep them entertained and inspired.

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Youth Support in Porto

Increases access to education

3-4 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $790

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start on the first and third Monday of every month
Based in after-school programs
Volunteers aged 18+

Become a volunteer in Portugal and create a brighter future for younger individuals in the region. Join IVHQ to make a meaningful difference today!

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Shivani Rajkumar Kandiah

I feel like I achieved exactly what I went to Porto for which was helping in all ways that I could. But I also feel that I was fortunate to leave with much more than I expected.

Being proactive is a large component of the volunteering process, which is usually not in my nature. The volunteer experience convinced me to make the extra effort to not only teach the children new skills but to also connect on a deeper level with the moms which I could have never predicted would be possible with the language barrier.

Now, I am grateful to be leaving Porto knowing I exercised my best efforts to comfort and foster new connection, which was successfully achieved. Additionally, I met a lot of friends both part of the program and in the accommodation which I can say will be life long relationships.

I would tell anyone considering volunteering to be as proactive as can be and to use who you are as an advantage when trying to make a difference. You are more similar to others than you think.

...

Diane Dillard

When I go to another country to volunteer, I go with the intention of learning. I want to learn how the residents live their daily lives and how the programs I am volunteering in work. I have found the people at my placements are open to having volunteers and readily welcome me. I have learned a lot from observing the people and taking part in daily life in their countries.

Give it a try! It can be scary, but I have found people to be kind and helpful even though I am no where near fluent in their language. I also suggest to keep an open mind when it comes to food, but rest assured there is always something for everyone. If you are hesitant, click the submit button and give it a try!

...

Clariza Adao

I enjoyed volunteering for the Young Moms project. Within the week, me and some of the moms that I met, we learned from one another and empowered each other. Women need to support each other and continue to be kind to one another. I hope all goes well with these moms and want nothing for the best for them.

The local coordinator is amazing at keeping everyone well informed and checking in on the volunteers. It was a pleasure volunteering alongside another fellow female volunteer and share this experience together.

...

Eve Scrivener

I gained valuable hands-on animal care experience, increased confidence, and a deeper understanding of how animal welfare and shelter work operates in a different cultural setting. As a veterinary student, the exposure to international practices and working alongside local professionals was incredibly beneficial and broadened my perspective.

For anyone hesitant about joining the programme, I would say it is a rewarding and supportive experience. You don’t need to have all the answers before you go — the local team provides guidance and you learn quickly on the job. If you’re passionate about animals and open to learning, this programme is well worth it.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Popular tours & experiences in Portugal

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Portugal program.