Q&A Guide to Portugal’s Draft Law No. 77/XVII/1 –“Work XXI”

Bill No. 77/XVII/1 is a major piece of labor and employment legislation proposed by the Portuguese Government, officially referred to as the "Work XXI" (Trabalho XXI) project. The official text of Draft Law No. 77/XVII/1 was approved by the Council of Ministers on May 14, 2026, and submitted to the Assembly of the Republic on May 19, 2026, and is now under public consultation.

Littler Portugal has developed a practical guide containing 150 questions and answers to address common HR concerns regarding this Draft Law. This guide expands upon our previous analyses in light of the official text submitted to the Assembly of the Republic and adds a new section dedicated to the impact of the Draft Bill on the General Law on Public Service Employment (LGTFP), as well as a cross-cutting issue regarding the process of drafting labor legislation in Portugal. 

The information presented here is a summary of the main proposed changes; it does not constitute legal advice regarding currently applicable solutions or an analysis of specific cases.

Click here to read the full Q&A guide.