In recent years, Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers of all categories. Portugal offers a wide range of visas, including those for students, job seekers, freelancers, and retired individuals. In five years, you will be granted Portuguese citizenship.
It is essential that you are well informed about the work visa process in Portugal for 2024, including the requirements and the most suitable visa for your needs. Additionally, a new visa has been introduced that enables individuals to enter Portugal without a job.
Jobs in Portugal are paid between £2,000 and £4,000 per month, with higher salaries in cities such as Lisbon and lower salaries in minor towns. Portugal is a fascinating country, and the diverse array of visa options has attracted a significant number of individuals from the United States and other Asian countries. If you are interested in exploring Portugal, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary information regarding work visas in Portugal.
Check Also: Food Packing Jobs in Portugal Visa Sponsorship
Details About Portugal Work Visa Process
- Country: Portugal
- Visa Type: Work Visa
- Stay Duration: 3 Months, 6 Months, 1 Year, 5 Years
- Who can Apply: Anyone, each visa has its own requirement
Before we delve into the topic of “How to Apply for the Portugal Work Visa,” it is important to be aware of the following:
- What is the Portugal Work Visa?
- Who does not need a Portugal Visa?
- Types of Portugal Work Visas
- Requirements and Application Process.
What is the Portugal Work Visa?
The Portugal Work Visa enables all non-EU nationals to engage in employment in Portugal.
Portugal’s employment visas are not designated by a specific name. Short-term visas and temporary residence permits for extended periods are issued by the Portuguese government.
- Short Stays: Not Exceeding 90 Days
- Long Stays: More than 90 days
Who does not need a Portugal Visa?
EU nationals are not required to obtain a work permit or work visa in order to operate in Portugal.
Permanent Residency in Portugal After 5 Years
Initially, a provisional residency permit will be issued for a period of one year. You have the option to renew it for an additional four times. In total, it will last for five years. You are eligible to petition for Portugal’s Permanent Residence after five years.
Portugal Work Visa Duration
- Initially Issued for 1 Year
- Extension: Five years
- Apply for Permanent Residency after 5 years.
Here we will use the term “Portugal Work Visa”
Benefits of Portugal Work Visa
- High Quality of Life: Portugal is renowned for its exceptional quality of life, which is characterized by a tranquil lifestyle, stunning landscapes, and a comfortable climate.
- Competitive Salaries: Although the cost of living is relatively modest in comparison to other Western European countries, competitive salaries guarantee a comfortable lifestyle.
- Health Care: Portugal’s healthcare system is of exceptional quality and is accessible to all residents, including those with work visas.
- Education: Employees with families have the opportunity to enroll in exceptional educational institutions.
- Work-Life Balance: The Portuguese work culture prioritizes work-life balance, which is reflected in its reasonable working hours and generous vacation policies.
- Cultural Richness: Portugal’s vibrant lifestyle is complemented by a plethora of cultural activities, festivals, and events, all of which are steeped in the country’s rich history and culture.
- Safety and Stability: Portugal is a country that is known for its political stability and low crime rates, making it one of the safest in the globe.
- Permanent Residency and Citizenship: A work visa can serve as a means to achieving permanent residency and, in the long term, citizenship, thereby ensuring long-term security.
- EU Schengen Zone Access: A Portuguese work visa grants you the freedom to travel within the Schengen Zone, which encompasses 26 European countries.
- Opportunities for Networking: Working in Portugal offers the chance to establish a professional network that spans Europe and the country.
Types of Portugal Work Visas
I will predominantly provide you with information about all Portuguese visa categories that are primarily associated with work in this section. In our post, we will discuss these visa categories.
- Schengen Visa
- Seasonal Work Visa
- Temporary Work Visas
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Job Seeker Visa
- Retirement Visa
- Golden Visa
1) Portugal Schengen Visa
A tourist visa, the Schengen Visa permits individuals to enter the country for a visit. You are also permitted to visit other EU Schengen countries with this visa. It permits you to remain for a maximum of 90 days.
You are also permitted to engage in seasonal employment, farming, fruit picking, and packing while on a Schengen Visa.
2) Portugal Seasonal Work Visa
The seasonal employment visa is valid for a period of 90 days or less. It enables you to operate in sectors that have been authorized, including:
- Agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry, and fishing;
- Hospitality, restaurants, and similar;
- The food industry, liquor, and tobacco industries
- Gross and Retail commerce
- Construction
- Land transport
Requirements of this Visa
- You must have a Job offer from the Portuguese employer for a seasonal work Visa.
- You can not stay for more than 90 days.
- For more information: Visit this link.
3) Portugal Digital Nomad Visa – Road to Permanent Residency
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a novel visa type that was introduced in 2022 and enables applicants to enter Portugal without a job offer. A job is not required for this visa.
The Digital Nomad Visa is available to freelancers who operate remotely from any location. This visa is effective for a period of one year and may be renewed up to five times.
4) Portugal Job Seeker Visa – Without Job
The Portugal Job Seeker Visa enables applicants to enter Portugal in order to pursue employment. It enables you to remain in Portugal for a period of six months in order to secure employment.
If you are able to secure employment, you may petition for a temporary residence permit. The cost of a Portuguese Job Seeker Visa application is €75.
5) Portugal Retirement D7 Visa
This visa is a national (residency) visa that is granted to non-EU citizens who possess a consistent income from pensions, assets, or other sources and wish to reside in Portugal without having to work.
6) Portugal Golden Visa
You are eligible to apply for this visa if you acquire a property in Portugal that is valued at a minimum of €500,000. Two kinds of Golden Visas are available. The Portugal Golden Visa program is considered the most exceptional residency program in the world.
- Residency-by-investment:
- Five-year stay in Portugal required
- Minimum real estate investment of EUR 280,000
- Citizenship-by-investment
7) Portugal Temporary Work Visas
The Temporary Stay Visa is classified into various categories. I have created a table below that lists the purpose and category of visa.
| PURPOSE | Type of Visa |
|---|---|
| Seasonal work | Temporary stay visa for 90 days. |
| Independent work | Temporary stay visa for independent work, entrepreneurs |
| Highly qualified activity | Temporary stay visa for scientific research, higher education professorial activity, or highly qualified activity purposes for a period of less than a year. |
| Professorial activity | Temporary stay visa for scientific research, higher education professorial activity or highly qualified activity purposes for a period of less than a year. |
| Volunteer Work | Temporary stay visa for periods of over 3 months |
| Retired | People living on their own income |
How You Can Find Jobs in Portugal Online?
Visit this link to find a Job in Portugal.
Requirements to Obtain a Portugal Work Visa
Prior to submitting an application for a Portugal work visa, it is important to consider the following.
- In order to apply for seasonal or other transitory work visas, you must possess a job offer from a Portuguese employer.
- Not all visas necessitate employment offers, including the Digital Nomad, employment Seeker, and Retirement Visa.
- Your employer is responsible for submitting an application for a work permit on your behalf.
- Upon the approval of your work contract or work permit, you may register for a Portugal Work Visa and submit all necessary documentation to the Portugal Embassy or VFS Global.
Required Documents for the Portugal Work Visa
Every employment visa has its own unique set of documentation requirements.
To verify the list of necessary documents for each visa, please refer to this link. The document’s section is located within a menu.
Portugal Work Visa Fees
- Job seeker visa: €90
- Digital nomad visa: €180
- Temporary residency visa: €90
- Short stay visa: €80 for adults
How and Where to Apply for the Portugal Work Visa (Step-By-Step Instructions for Portugal Work Visa Process)
Once you have obtained all necessary documentation and are aware of the visa for which you are applying. If you are submitting an application for a work visa that requires a job offer from Portugal, the following steps should be taken:
- You are approved for a job upon locating one. Then, your employer will submit an application for your Portugal work permit.
- Upon receiving your work permit, you may commence the process of applying for a Portuguese work visa.
- Complete all of the online forms. Arrange and attend an appointment.
- Portugal will permit you entry with your work visa.
- Upon your arrival in Portugal, submit an application for a residency permit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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How long does it take to get a work visa in Portugal?
It can take up to 60 days to get a Portuguese work permit. After getting the work permit, it will take the Portuguese Embassy another two to three months to issue you an entry visa.
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Is IELTS required for a Portugal work visa?
No IELTS or Language Test Requirements: You do not need to have any specific language skills to apply for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa.
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Is there an interview for a Portugal visa?
Make an appointment to submit the documents at the Portuguese Embassy. Pay the Portugal Tourist Visa application fee. Show up on the day of your appointment, along with your documents. You may have to attend a visa interview.
