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.
You must possess a comprehensive understanding of the work visa process in Portugal for 2024, including the necessary qualifications and the most suitable visa for your situation. 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.
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 to operate in Portugal.
Permanent Residency in Portugal After 5 Years:
Initially, a provisional residency permit will be issued for 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 one year
- Extension: Five years
- Apply for permanent residency after five years.
Here we will use the term “Portugal Work Visa”
Benefits of Portugal Work Visa:
- Legal Employment: A Portugal work visa enables you to legally engage in employment in Portugal. To secure employment in the country, non-EU nationals must obtain this visa.
- Access to the EU Job Market: The Schengen Area agreement, which permits relatively unrestricted movement within the majority of EU countries, can facilitate the acquisition of employment opportunities throughout the European Union for individuals who possess a work visa in Portugal.
- Long-term Stability and Residency: A work visa frequently functions as a means of obtaining a residence permit in Portugal. This has the potential to result in more stable living conditions and the possibility of permanent residency or citizenship.
- Social Benefits: As a legal professional in Portugal, you may be eligible for social benefits, such as healthcare, social security, and other worker protections that are regulated by Portuguese law.
- High Quality of Life: Portugal provides a high quality of life that is characterized by a favorable climate, secure public services, and a safe environment. In comparison to other Western European countries, the cost of living is generally reduced.
- Experience in Portuguese Culture: Working in Portugal offers the chance to fully immerse oneself in the language, cuisine, traditions, and culture of Portugal.
- Education and Family Benefits: Dependents may also qualify for residency. This may encompass access to public education for children and other family benefits.
- Travel Opportunities: A Portuguese work visa allows for visa-free travel within the Schengen Area for brief periods, facilitating the exploration of other European countries.
- Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Work visa holders are eligible to petition for permanent residency in Portugal after a specified period of continuous residency. In the future, they may also qualify for Portuguese citizenship, which offers the same advantages as EU citizenship.
- Opportunities for Business: Portugal’s economy is expanding, and there are developing opportunities in a variety of sectors, such as renewable energy, tourism, and technology. This has the potential to generate substantial commercial and professional prospects.
- Language Learning: Portuguese is a valuable language that is spoken in numerous countries worldwide, and the opportunity to acquire it is excellent when one resides and works in Portugal.
Check Also: Portugal Seasonal Work Visa 2024 – Apply Now
Types of Portugal Work Visas:
This is the primary section in which I will provide you with information regarding all Portuguese visa categories that are primarily associated with work. We will address these categories of visas in our post.
- 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 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.
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 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 to pursue employment. It enables you to remain in Portugal for six months to secure employment.
If you can 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 the 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 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?
To locate employment opportunities in Portugal, please refer to this hyperlink.
Requirements to Obtain a Portugal Work Visa:
Before applying for a Portugal work visa, it is important to consider the following.
- 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 applying 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 applying 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 apply 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, apply for a residency permit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
How long does it take to get a work visa in Portugal?
The process of obtaining a Portuguese work permit can take up to 60 days. After obtaining the work permit, the Portuguese Embassy will require a further two to three months to issue you an entry visa.
-
Is IELTS required for a Portugal work visa?
No IELTS or language test requirements are required to register for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa.
-
Is a Portugal visa easy to get?
A Portuguese visa is usually processed within 15 calendar days. However, depending on the circumstances, such as the time of year, whether you have all your documents in order, etc., it may take longer. So, you should apply about a month before you intend to travel, but no earlier than three months.
