How is public employment organised?
Learn about the organisation of employment in the Public Administration, structured to guarantee efficiency and quality at the service of the population.
Structure and organisation
The structure of the Public Administration in Portugal is divided into four sub-sectors, from a national accounting perspective: Central, Regional, Local Administration and Social Security Funds. Each has its own competences and collaborates in the formulation and implementation of public policies, through entities such as directorates-general, town halls, parish councils or others.
This system of government meets specific local and regional needs and guarantees the effectiveness and uniformity of policies implemented throughout the country.
Structure of the Public Administration and its sub-sectors
Central Administration
State administrative bodies and other central services covering the entire territory. Includes direct and indirect state administration entities.
For example: General Directorates, Courts, Public Institutes, Public Business Entities, Local Health Units, etc.
Regional Administration
Administrative structures in the Azores and Madeira, which have administrative and financial autonomy to manage specific regional issues.
For example: Regional Directorates, Regional Services, Regional Public Institutes, Regional Public Business Entities
Local Administration
Organisations with a local remit that provide a wide range of services to local residents.
For example: municipalities, parishes, municipal companies, etc.
Social Security Funds
Central and regional institutional units whose main activity is to provide social benefits to citizens.
Public Administrations
Covering all areas and entities organised within the different sub-sectors of the Public Administrations.
How are employees distributed in the Public Administration?
Number of employees in Public Administration, by subsector
Data referring to the 2.º quarter of 2025
Main economic activities in Public Administration
Employment in public administrations is spread across various economic areas. Activities linked to the exercise of sovereignty, authority and representation of the State are in Section P of the Classification of Economic Activities (CAE) - Public Administration and Defence; Compulsory Social Security.
However, other areas such as education (Section Q) and health (Section R), which also involve public entities, can be included in other sections.
The 5 economic activity groups in Public Administration with the most employees
Data referring to the 2.º quarter of 2025