Portugal is expanding and encourages the immigration of qualified and active labor. In recent years, it has opened its doors to Brazilian citizens and those from African countries and Timor-Leste.
Recent changes to the Foreigners Law, which regulates the legal regime for the entry, stay, exit and removal of foreigners from the national territory, facilitated the granting of visas for those who intend to work and reside in the country.
There are now more reasons why you can apply for a work visa and the requirements have been simplified to accommodate different professionals.
Applying for a work visa in Portugal is the easiest way to legally arrive in the country and begin a new professional stage.
Who can apply for a work visa in Portugal?
Anyone who resides outside the European Union and has a job offer in the country, is a self-employed worker, entrepreneur, digital nomad or teacher, or is looking for a job in the country can apply for a work visa in Portugal.
What are the requirements for a work visa in Portugal?
The first step is to identify the type of visa you are going to apply for. You must then gather the necessary documentation and go to the nearest Portuguese consulate to submit a request for work residence visa.
For those who intend to work for others, it is still necessary to have a promise of employment or an already signed contract. But, in addition, it is necessary to ensure that the job proposal comes from a previously announced vacancy.
This requirement aims to defend the workers' rights and fulfill the priority principle, which puts national, EU or foreign citizens with legal residence in the national territory ahead in filling vacancies.
What about those who want to obtain a work visa in Portugal without an offer or employment contract? In these cases, it is possible to request a work search visa.
O work search visa sets a period for those looking for new opportunities in the country. The term ends on the deadline or when an employment relationship begins, which gives the right to the granting of a residence permit.
Documentation required for the work visa
In general, the documents you need to apply for a work visa in Portugal include:
- An employment contract or formal job proposal (if you are a dependent worker);
- Declaration issued by the Institute of Employment and Professional Training;
- Proof of qualification in the profession (if applicable);
- Proof of the existence of means of subsistence;
- Have a valid passport;
- Travel insurance (or PB4);
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the country where the applicant has resided for more than one year;
- Other documents required depending on the nature of the visa (if you are self-employed, businessman, entrepreneur, digital nomad or teacher).
Types of work visas in Portugal
Currently, there are long-term visas that depend on the reason indicated: studies, internship, work proposal, health or leisure. Additionally, visas are available for those who just want to work or are looking for work in Portugal.
Discover the different types of visas for Portugal for each case and decide which one best suits your situation!
Temporary stay visa
The temporary stay visa is considered a long-term visa that can be requested to work, carry out an internship or study.
Allows you to stay in Portugal for a period of less than one year. It is valid throughout the stay and authorizes multiple entries into the national territory.
Visa to obtain a residence permit
This visa can also be requested for work reasons. It is valid for two entries and for four months. During this period you must request a residence permit from the Foreigners and Borders Service.
Work residence visa
The work residence visa can be requested to carry out subordinate professional activity, professional activity provided remotely outside the national territory, independent professional activity or for entrepreneurial immigrants, or highly qualified activity/teaching.
Job search visa in Portugal
The work search visa allows you to enter and stay in the national territory to look for a job. With this visa, you can carry out dependent work activities, until the end of its validity or until you obtain a residence permit.
This type of visa is issued for an initial period of 120 days, with the possibility of extension for a further 60 days, allowing only one entry into Portugal.
What is the cost and time it takes to obtain a work visa in Portugal?
It is necessary to submit visa applications in advance so that the competent authorities have enough time to analyze the process. The deadline for deciding on the granting of a work residence visa in Portugal is about 60 days.
The fees payable for the administrative processing of a work visa in Portugal are:
- Temporary Stay and Job Search Visa – €75
- Residence Visas (temporary, to obtain authorization, for work) – €90
Where to look for a job in Portugal?
In the digital age there are many professional opportunities that can be found online. Some of the top job searches in Portugal include:
- Net Jobs
- Sapo Employment
- Express Employment
- Jooble
- Indeed
- Bolsa de Empregabilidade
O IEFP (Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional) is a Portuguese entity that also provides an area of offers for non-residents, aimed at foreign citizens who want to apply for a job.
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