Portugal has recently been one of the most popular tourist destinations among people of all ages. Whether it is about students, job seekers, independent contractors, or retirees. Portugal provides visas of all kinds. Within five years, you will be granted Portuguese citizenship. The Portugal Work Visa Process, its conditions, and which visa is best for you should all be clearly understood. There is also a new visa that allows you to visit Portugal while unemployed.
Jobs in Portugal pay between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds per month, with higher rates in cities such as Lisbon and lower rates in smaller towns. Portugal is a fascinating country, and many people from the United States and other Asian countries have come to Portugal because of the varied range of visa choices. If you wish to explore Portugal, this extensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about work visas in Portugal.
Details About Portugal Work Visa Process 2024 (Types of Visas, Requirements)
- 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 dive directly into “How to Apply for the Portugal Work Visa“, one should know about the following things:
- 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 allows non-EU nationals to work in Portugal.
Portugal work visas have “no specific name”. The Portuguese government provides Short Stay Visas and Temporary Residence Permits for Long Stays.
- Short Stays: Not Exceeding 90 Days
- Long Stays: More than 90 days
Who does not need a Portugal Visa?
EU Nationals do not need a work permit or work Visa to come and work in Portugal.
Permanent Residency in Portugal After 5 Years
The initial temporary residency visa will be valid for one year. You can renew it up to four times. It will last for a total of five years. After five years, you can apply for Portuguese Permanent Residence.
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”
Types of Portugal Work Visas
This is the main part where I will tell you about all Portuguese visa types that are mainly related to work purposes. We will cover these types 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
The Schengen Visa is a tourist visa that enables for visits. This visa allows you to visit other EU Schengen countries. It allows you to stay for up to ninety days.
On a Schengen visa, you can also work in seasonal jobs, farming, fruit picking, and packing.
2) Portugal Seasonal Work Visa
The Seasonal work Visa is equal to or less than 90 days. It allows you to work in approved sectors such as:
- 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 Portugese employer for 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 new type of visa introduced in 2022 that allows candidates to visit Portugal without a job offer. This Visa does not require a job.
If you are a freelancer who works remotely from wherever, you are qualified to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. The Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed five times.
4) Portugal Job Seeker Visa – Without Job
The Portugal Job Seeker Visa permits candidates to travel to Portugal and hunt for work. It allows you to stay in Portugal for six months while looking for work.
If you can obtain a job, you can apply for a temporary residency permit. The application fee for a Portuguese job seeker visa is €75.
5) Portugal Retirement D7 Visa
This is a national (residency) visa, issued to non-EU citizens who want to live in Portugal without working, but who have a steady income from pensions, savings, etc.
6) Portugal Golden Visa
You can apply for this sort of visa if you buy a home in Portugal for at least €500,000. There are two sorts of Golden Visas. The Portugal Golden Visa program is regarded as the best residency scheme 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 divided into several categories. I’ve created a table below with the types of visas and their purposes.
| 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 for less than one year. |
| Professorial activity | Temporary stay visa for scientific research, higher education professorial activities, or highly qualified activity lasting 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
Before applying for your Portugal Work Visa, keep these things in mind.
- You must have a Job offer from the Portugese employer if you are applying for Seasonal work or other temporary work visas.
- Certain visas, such as the Digital Nomad, work Seeker, and Retirement Visa, do not require work offers.
- Your employer needs to apply for a Work Permit on your behalf
- Once your job contract or work permit has been accepted, you can apply for a Portugal job Visa and submit all necessary documents to the Portuguese Embassy or VFS Global.
Also Check: WFP Paid Internship Programme, 2024 with Monthly stipend of up to $1,000.
Required Documents for the Portugal Work Visa
Each type of work visa has its own set of documents required.
Visit this link to check the list of required documents for the each visa. The section of the document is under a Menu.
Portugal Work Visa Fees
- Job seeker visa: €90
- Digital nomad visa: €180
- Temporary residency visa: €90
- Short stay visa: €80 for adults
Also check: Fully Funded Professional Fellows Program (PFP) in the United States 2024-25
How and Where to Apply for the Portugal Work Visa (Step-By-Step Instructions for Portugal Work Visa Process 2024)
Once you have all the documents in hand, and you know for which visa you are applying. If you are applying for the Work Visa that need a Job offer from Portugal then:
- Find a job; you’ve been accepted. Then your employer will apply for your Portugal Work Permit.
- Once you have gotten your work permit, you can begin your Portuguese Work Visa application.
- Complete all of the online forms, then schedule and attend your appointment.
- Your work visa will allow you to enter Portugal.
- Upon arrival in Portugal, apply for your resident permit.
Helpful Links:
- Types of Short Stay Visas: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/short-stay-visas-schengen/general-information/type-of-visas
- Types of Long Stays Visa: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/type-of-visa
- MOFA Website: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/
