Portugal Work Visa – Requirements and How to Apply

Portugal’s excellent standard of living, reasonable cost of living, and hospitable immigration laws have made it one of the most alluring locations for foreigners. Getting a Portugal work permit visa is crucial if you intend to work in Portugal.

Everything you need to know about the Portugal Work Permit Visa is covered in this extensive guide, including eligibility, types, the application process, and the main advantages.

In order to work in Portugal, non-EU nationals must apply for a Portugal Work Visa. To qualify for a work visa to Portugal:

In Portugal, you need to have a work offer from an employer. In order for the appropriate authorities to be sure that a Portuguese or EU citizen could not have taken the position, the employment vacancy must have been advertised for at least one month.

A work permit must be applied for on your behalf by your employer. They send the application to the labor authorities in Portugal.

Portugal Work Visa – Requirements and How to Apply

Does Portugal Require a Visa for Employment?

You must apply for a visa in order to work in Portugal if you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. You can work without a visa if you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, but if you plan to stay in Portugal for more than three months, you must obtain a Residence Certificate (Certificado de Registo).

Work Visa Requirements for Portugal

When applying for a Portugal work visa, you will require the following documents:

Your passport is still valid.

passport-size photos that adhere to Portugal’s visa image requirements.

Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself.

your criminal history from the nation where you currently reside.

You must also obtain criminal records from any foreign countries you have resided in for more than a year.

a document authorizing the SEF to look up your criminal history in Portugal.

Evidence of foreign worker health insurance coverage.

Evidence of lodging in Portugal.

Your contract of employment.

If you are in Portugal already: evidence, like a visa, proving authorized access into Portuguese territory.

If you are applying from a nation other than your own country:

evidence of a valid stay, like a visa or a residency permit.

Document guidelines:

You must provide all of your documentation in Portuguese or English. If not, you will need to get them notarized after being translated by a qualified translation.

It could be necessary to legitimize some documents, such diplomas or civil documents. Apostille stamps or the Portuguese Embassy in your nation might be used to legitimize papers.

Also see:

complete set of paperwork required to apply for a Portugal visa.

How to Get Health Insurance as a Foreign Employee

How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa?

After receiving a job offer, there are three steps involved in applying for a Portuguese work visa:

The work permit is applied for by your employer. They have to do this before you leave for Portugal, but after they have offered you the position.

You go to the Portuguese Embassy and apply for a work visa. You will need to apply for a work visa at the Portuguese Embassy in order to enter the country after you acquire a work permit.

You apply for a residence permit in Portugal. You must apply for your Residence Permit for Work at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) after you arrive in Portugal. You can stay in Portugal for a long time because of this.

Step 1: Apply for a Work Permit

Your employer must apply for a Work Permit (Autorização de Trabalho) on your behalf at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, or SEF) or the Portuguese Labor Authorities after making you an offer of employment. They need to provide a number of documents, including:

The tax accounts of the company and the employment contract here

Evidence of Social Security registration

Evidence that the position could not have been filled by a Swiss, EU, or EEA national

Step 2: Work Visa Application

You can apply for a work visa from the Portuguese Embassy in your nation as soon as you are given permission to work in Portugal. You can apply for a residence permit and go to Portugal for work with this visa. The following is the application procedure:

Find the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate that is closest to you. Check here to see where you must apply based on your home country.

Schedule a time to turn in the application. It might be necessary to phone or email in advance.

Gather the necessary paperwork.

On the day of the appointment, turn in the paperwork. Additionally, you might have to go through a visa interview.

During the three to four months that this kind of visa is available, you must record your stay and apply for a residence permit.

Step 3: Residence Permit Application

Once you arrive in Portugal, you have to apply for a residence permit as well as register for social security and get a tax number.

• To register for security, you must visit the Social Security Office.
• To apply for a residence permit, your first stop is the website of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

Appointment: When you apply for a visa at the Embassy, they may make an appointment for you at the SEF, provided you tell them the date in which you intend to travel and where in Portugal you will be settled.

Types of Portuguese Work Visas

You can apply for the following types of work visas, depending on your profession or qualifications:

• Work Visa for Skilled Workers. You must have a job offer in one of the qualifying professions or positions. For example, scientists, medical professionals, IT professionals, engineers, or someone working in high-ranking or administrative positions in a company.
• Work Visa for Self-Employment. If you own a business or offer services you can apply for a self-employment visa in Portugal as an independent worker.
• Work Visa for Highly-Skilled Workers. If you have exceptional qualifications in your profession and are paid at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary of Portugal.
• Work Visa for Cultural Activities. If you will be involved in a cultural activity carried out in Portugal, in a project which is recognized by the relevant Portuguese authorities.
• Work Visa for Teaching. You are eligible for this visa if you have a job offer from an educational or vocational training institution or from a research centre in Portugal.
• “Tech” Visa. You can apply for this type of work visa if you are employed by a company that is “active in the area of technology and innovation”.

Processing Time for a Portuguese Work Visa

Your work visa application may not be processed for several months; the Embassy may take two to three months to issue an entry visa, and the SEF may take up to 60 days to process your work permit application.

That does not necessarily imply it will take that long, though; depending on your unique situation, your visa may be approved more quickly.

Work Visa Fees

There is more than one fee you have to pay when applying for a work visa.

• Cost of the entry visa issued by the Portuguese Embassy – €90 (may be subject to change from country to country)
• To submit the application for a residence permit for work at the SEF – €83
• To receive the residence permit for work from the SEF – €72

What Is the Duration of a Work Visa?

When you apply for a work visa, you will receive a residence permit which allows you to live and work in Portugal for one to two years. After 1-2 years, you can renew this permit at the SEF before it expires, as long as you still have a job offer from your employer.

Then, you can continue to live and work in Portugal for the duration that the residence permit is issued. Five years later, you can apply for permanent residency.

Does a Work Visa Lead to Permanent Residency in Portugal?

Yes, after you have lived in Portugal for five years using a temporary resident permit, then you can apply for a permanent resident permit. Once you become a permanent resident, you will be open to the job market and no longer need to apply for a work permit.

Permanent resident permits also have a longer duration, are more easily renewed, and you will enjoy similar benefits to a Portuguese citizen.

Does a Work Visa Lead to Portuguese Citizenship?

Yes, if you have lived in Portugal as a permanent or temporary resident for at least six years, then you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. You must be proficient in the Portuguese language and have links to the Portuguese community.

Can I Work in Portugal as an International Student?

Yes, international students are allowed to work in Portugal. The permitted hours of work depend on your nationality:

• If you have EU/EEA/Swiss nationality: You can work without any restrictions on a time limit.
• If you do not have EU/EEA/Swiss nationality: You can only work for up to 20 hours/week (part-time) during the semester. During semester breaks or holidays, you may work full time.

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

Yes, if you are joining a family member who lives in Portugal, then you are allowed to work and study. You may have to seek authorization for work, however, so you should contact the SEF.

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