Portugal Job Seekers Visa 2024 – How To Apply

To gain employment in Portugal, non-EU nationals must apply for a Portugal Work Visa. To qualify for a work visa in Portugal, one must:

• An employment offer from an employer in Portugal is a prerequisite. To ensure that the position could not have been filled by a Portuguese or EU citizen, the pertinent authorities require that the job opening be publicly advertised for a minimum of one month.
• The work permit application is the responsibility of your employer. The application is subsequently submitted to the Portuguese Labor Authorities.

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Do I Need a Visa to Work in Portugal?

To be permitted to work in Portugal, non-EU/EEA nationals and Swiss residents are required to submit a visa application. If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you may work in Portugal without a visa; however, if you intend to reside there for more than three months, you must obtain a Residence Certificate (Certificado de Registo).

Benefits of Portugal Job Seekers Visa

• Prolonged Stay: Non-EU/EEA nationals are granted a visa that permits them to remain in Portugal for a maximum of one year to explore job prospects.
• Authorization by Law: Job Seeker Visa holders are granted lawful authorization to reside in Portugal for the duration of their job search, enabling them to engage in job market activities and participate in interviews without infringing on visa regulations.
• Gaining Entry to the Labor Market: By granting access to the Portuguese labor market, it empowers candidates to pursue employment opportunities across diverse sectors and industries across the nation.
• Sponsorship Not Necessary: In Portugal, neither prior sponsorship nor a job offer are prerequisites for applying for the Job Seeker Visa, in contrast to other work visas which require an offer of employment. This liberty empowers individuals to investigate a multitude of prospects.
• Approaching Work Permits: Individuals who obtain employment within the visa period are eligible to apply for work permits and other pertinent residence permits, which would grant them lawful authorization to reside and work in Portugal.
• Approach to Residency: Possibilities for long-term residency or citizenship in Portugal may result from securing employment, on the condition that the individual continues to comply with Portuguese immigration laws and fulfills the requisite requirements.
• Possibility to Observe the Portuguese Way of Life: By immersing themselves in Portuguese culture, lifestyle, and language during the job search phase, candidates can enhance their knowledge of the country before making any significant commitments such as long-term residency or employment.

Requirements of Portugal Job Seekers Visa

The following documents are required to qualify for a work visa to Portugal:

• Present a valid passport.
• Passport-sized images that adhere to the guidelines for Portugal visa photographs
• documentation of adequate financial resources to support oneself.
• criminal history information from your country of residence. If an individual has resided in a foreign nation for a duration exceeding one year, it is mandatory to obtain criminal records from that jurisdiction as well.
• A document authorizing the SEF to review the criminal history of the individual in Portugal
• health insurance documentation as a foreign laborer.
• Documentation of lodging in Portugal
• Your employment agreement
• Should you already be in Portugal, a visa or other evidence of legal access to Portuguese territory is required.
• When applying from a country other than the one of origin: Documentation proving legal stays, such as a visa or residence permit,

Document guidelines:

• All submitted documents must be in either English or Portuguese. You must have them translated by a certified translator and notarized if they are not in that form.
• Diplomatic records and civil documents are examples of documents that might require legalization. Legalize documents with the assistance of the Portuguese Embassy in your country or with the use of an Apostille Stamp.
• Additionally, see Obtaining Health Insurance Coverage While Working Abroad.

How to Apply for Portugal Job Seekers Visa

After a job offer has been obtained, the application process for a Portuguese work visa consists of the following three sections:

• Your employer submits the work permit application. This must be completed after the employment offer but before you depart for Portugal.
• The work visa application is submitted to the Portuguese Embassy. You must register for a work visa at the Embassy of Portugal once you have obtained a work permit; the visa will be required for entry into the country.
• You submit a Portugal Residence Permit application. After you arrive in Portugal, you are required to apply for the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) for a work permit. This is what permits long-term residence in Portugal.

Step 1: Work Permit Application

Upon extending an offer of employment, the employer is obligated to submit an application on your behalf to the Portuguese Labor Authorities or the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, SEF) for a Work Permit (Autorização de Trabalho). They are required to submit the following documents:

• The employment contract and tax statements of the company
• Attestation of Social Security registration
• Evidence opposing the possibility of an EU/EEA/Swiss national occupying the position

Step 2: Work Visa Application

After obtaining work authorization in Portugal, you may proceed with the application process for a work visa at the Portuguese Embassy in your home country. You are authorized to travel to Portugal for business purposes and petition for a residence permit with this visa. The procedure for applying is as follows:

• Determine the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your vicinity. Determine where to submit your application based on your country of domicile.
• Schedule a time to bring in the application. You might be required to email or call in advance.
• Gather the necessary documentation.
• Documents must be submitted by the scheduled appointment time. Additionally, you might be required to attend a visa interview.

This form of visa is valid for approximately three to four months, during which time a residence permit application and stay registration are required.

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Step 3: Residence Permit Application

Upon your arrival in Portugal, you are required to register for social security, obtain a tax identification number, and submit for a residence permit.

• A visit to the Social Security Office is required to enroll in security obligations.
• For the purpose of applying for a residence permit, please visit the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service’s (SEF) website initially.

Appointment: The Embassy may schedule an appointment for you at the SEF when you submit for a visa, provided you provide them with the date of your departure and the location where you intend to reside in Portugal.

Types of Portugal Job Seekers Visa

Depending on your occupation or credentials, the following categories of work visas are available for application:

• Work Visa for Skilled Workers. An employment offer in one of the qualifying professions or positions is required. Such individuals may include scientists, medical professionals, IT specialists, engineers, or those occupying administrative or high-ranking positions within an organization.
• visa for independent employment. As an independent worker, you may apply for a self-employment visa in Portugal if you own a business or provide services.
• Work visa for workers with advanced skills Should you possess outstanding credentials in your field and earn a minimum of 1.5 times the average total annual salary of Portugal, you are eligible to apply.
• Visa for Cultural Activities as a Worker Should you participate in a cultural endeavor conducted in Portugal, it must be a project that has received official recognition from the pertinent Portuguese authorities.
• Work Visa for Teaching Work Visa in the Context of Teaching Possessing an employment offer from a Portuguese research center, educational or vocational training institution, or training program qualifies you for this visa.
• “Tech” visa applicants. Employment with a company “active in the area of technology and innovation” qualifies you to apply for this form of work visa.

Processing Time for Portugal Job Seekers Visa

Your work visa application may not be finalized for several months; the SEF may require up to sixty days to process your work permit application, and the Embassy may require two to three months to issue an entry visa.

However, that does not imply that the process will take that long; depending on your particular circumstances, your visa application may be processed sooner.

Work Visa Fees

When applying for a work visa, there are multiple fees that must be paid.

• The cost of a Portuguese Embassy-issued entry visa is €90 (subject to change from country to country).
• €83 is required to submit an application for a work-related residence permit at the SEF.
• The cost to obtain a work-related residence permit from the SEF is €72.

What Is the Duration of a Work Visa?

A work visa application results in the issuance of a residence permit valid for one to two years, during which the holder is permitted to reside and work in Portugal. You may renew this permit at the SEF prior to its expiration after one to two years, provided that your employer has extended a job offer.

After that, you are permitted to reside and work in Portugal for the length of time the residence permit is valid. You are eligible to petition for permanent residency after five years.

Does a Work Visa Lead to Permanent Residency in Portugal?

Yes, you may petition for a permanent resident permit in Portugal after five years of residing there under a temporary resident permit. Permanent residents will have unrestricted access to the labor market and will no longer be required to submit an application for a work permit.

Additionally, permanent resident permits are easier to renew, have an extended validity period, and provide the same benefits as those of Portuguese citizens.

Does a Work Visa Lead to Portuguese Citizenship?

Applicants who have maintained a permanent or transient residence in Portugal for a minimum of six years are eligible to submit an application for Portuguese citizenship. Possessing connections to the Portuguese community and being fluent in Portuguese are prerequisites.

Can I Work in Portugal as an International Student?

International students are, in fact, permitted to work in Portugal. The allowed labor hours vary according to nationality.

• Individuals who hold EU/EEA/Swiss nationality are exempt from any temporary restrictions on their employment.
• Those lacking EU/EEA/Swiss nationality are restricted to a maximum of 20 hours per week of part-time employment throughout the semester. During holidays and semester vacations, you are permitted to work full-time.

Can I Work in Portugal if I Have a Family Visa?

Yes, you are permitted to work and study in Portugal if you are accompanying a family member there. However, authorization for activity may be required; therefore, you should contact the SEF.

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