Introduction

This Working Hours and Attendance Policy outlines the mandatory rules, standards, and procedures applicable to all employees working in Portugal. The policy is aligned with the Portuguese Labour Code (Código do Trabalho) and ensures legal compliance regarding working hours, breaks, overtime, attendance tracking, and rest periods.

The objective of this policy is to promote fair working conditions, protect employee well-being, and establish consistent expectations for attendance and work schedules.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees operating under the company in Portugal, including full-time, part-time, contract, remote, temporary, and internship-based workers.

It covers standard working hours, flexible arrangements, overtime, night work, rest periods, attendance recording, and employer obligations under Portuguese law.

1. Standard Working Hours

• Maximum of 8 working hours per day
• Maximum of 40 working hours per week

2. Work Schedules & Attendance

• Work schedules must be communicated to employees in advance
• The employer must maintain accurate attendance and working-hour records
• Daily rest period: Minimum of 11 consecutive hours
• Weekly rest period: Minimum of 1 full day (normally Sunday)
• Meal break: Minimum of 1 hour

3. Flexible or Adapted Working Hours

• Flexible arrangements are permitted through individual agreements or collective bargaining
• Daily or weekly limits may be exceeded provided the average working time remains within legal limits over the applicable reference period

4. Overtime (Horas Extraordinárias)

Overtime is permitted in cases of increased workload, urgent business needs, or force majeure, in accordance with Portuguese labour regulations.

4.1 Overtime Threshold

• After the first 100 hours of overtime per year, the rates outlined below apply

4.2 Overtime Rates

• On regular working days:
  • First hour: +50%
  • Subsequent hours: +75%
• On weekly rest days or public holidays:
  • 100% additional pay

5. Night Work

• Night work is defined as work performed between 22:00 and 07:00
• Employees are entitled to an additional 25% pay unless otherwise defined by collective bargaining

6. Record-Keeping Requirements

• Employers must maintain detailed records of working hours, overtime, rest periods, night work, and attendance
• Records must be available for inspection by labour authorities (ACT)

7. Remote Work Attendance

• Remote employees are subject to the same working-hour and attendance rules as onsite employees
• Attendance must be recorded using approved digital systems or verified timesheets

8. Violations & Penalties

• Non-compliance may result in fines or penalties imposed by the Labour Authority (ACT)
• Repeated violations may expose the company to legal and regulatory consequences

9. Reference

For reference purposes, the Portuguese version of this policy is available at: