In recent times, Portugal has become an increasingly popular destination for individuals seeking new opportunities. The country provides various migration options, including the Job Seeker Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, retirement visa, and employment visa. Additionally, permanent residency can be applied for after legally residing in Portugal for 5 years. This guide outlines the Portugal Work Visa Process, detailing the types of visas available for work and their respective requirements.
About Portugal Work Visas
This comprehensive guide covers essential information about Portugal's work visas, including the types offered, associated costs, visa requirements, processing times, and a step-by-step application process.
Types of Portugal Work Visas
- Temporary Stay National Visa: Allows for long-term stays with multiple entries.
- Residency Visas: Permit two entries and are valid for 4 months.
Types of Temporary Work Visas:
1. Seasonal Work: Temporary stay visa for seasonal work exceeding 90 days.
2. Independent Work: Temporary stay visa for independent work.
3. Highly Qualified Activity: Temporary stay visa for scientific research, higher education professorial activity, or highly qualified activity lasting less than a year.
4. Remote Work / Digital Nomad: Designed for digital nomads engaged in remote work.
5. Amateur Sports Activity: Temporary stay visa for amateur sports purposes.
6. Intra-Company Transfer: For employees transferred between branches of multinational companies.
Cost of Portugal Work Visa
The processing fee for a national visa application is 90€ (subject to change based on the country).
Portugal Work Visa Requirements
- Job offer from a Portuguese employer (for seasonal work or other temporary stay visas).
- Employer applies for a Work Permit from Portuguese Labor Authorities.
- Submission of visa application and required documents to the Portugal Embassy or VFS Global.
- Documents include passport-size pictures, employment contract, and a clean criminal record.
- Note: Not all visas require job offers; exceptions include Digital Nomad, Job Seeker, and Retirement Visa.
Processing Time
Approximately 30 days are required to process a Temporary Stay Visa application.
How to Apply for the Portugal Work Visa?
1. Work Permit: Employer applies for the Work Permit.
2. Apply for a Work Visa: Complete the national visa application form after obtaining the Work Permit. Submit documents to the Portugal Embassy or VFS Global.
3. Wait for the Visa Decision: Upon approval, travel to Portugal.
4. Get a Portugal Residence Permit: Apply for a Residence Permit for Work at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) upon arrival.
National Visa Application Form
The national application form is available for long-stay visas.
Duration of a Work Visa
Work visas are valid for 1-2 years, with residence permits also valid for 2 years. Renewal is possible before expiration with a valid job in Portugal.
JOB LINKS
And now if you are wondering where to look for jobs in Portugal then please start from Portugal Government Jobs page from where you will also get to see all open job positions and as i explained above this government portal also focuses on hiring staff for skill shortage occupations which are call centers, IT, tourism, metallurgy, health, construction, and agriculture and all these jobs are advertised at IEFP jobs page here.
Embark on your journey to work and thrive in Portugal with this comprehensive guide on the 2024 Work Visa Process.
