About Portugal Visa
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, one can apply for the Portuguese Schengen Visa since 1995 when Portugal as an EU Country State also became a member state of the Schengen Area, along with 25 other European countries. These countries have established free travel within their borders and have a common visa, known as the Schengen Visa. This means that if you get a visa for any Schengen country, such as Portugal, you can travel to the other countries in the Schengen Agreement as well.
If you want to visit Portugal for a short period of time (and you are from one of the visa-required countries) you will have to apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa. You can get a Portugal Schengen Visa for short-term visits, such as for tourism, business, family visit, etc.
If you want to go to Portugal for a longer period of time (e.g. if you will work or study there), then you need a Portugal National Visa, not the Schengen Visa. Depending on the purpose of your travel to Portugal, there are different types of visas that will apply to the occasion. Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study or work and reside in Portugal permanently, you will have to apply for a different Portuguese Schengen Visa, accordingly.
Portugal Work Visa Details
Non-EU nationals who want to work in Portugal will have to apply for a Portugal Work Visa. To be eligible for a Portuguese work visa:
You must have a job offer from an employer in Portugal.
The job opening must have been posted for at least one month, so the relevant authorities can ensure that a Portuguese or EU citizen could not have filled the position instead.
Your employer must apply for a Work Permit on your behalf.
They submit the application to the Portuguese Labour Authorities.
Do I Need a Visa to Work in Portugal?
If you are not an European Union (EU) /European Economic Area ( EEA ) or Swiss citizen, then you need to apply for a visa to be allowed to work in Portugal. If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, then you can work without a visa, but you have to get a Residence Certificate if you intend to live in Portugal for longer than three months.
Portugal Work Visa Requirements
The documents you need when you apply for a Portugal work visa are:
- Your valid passport.
- Passport-size pictures, following Schengen visa picture guidelines.
- Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself.
- Your criminal records from your country of residence. If you have lived in another country for more than one year, you have to get criminal records from there as well.
- A document giving permission to the SEF to check your Portuguese criminal records.
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- Your employment contract.
- If you are already in Portugal: Proof of legal entry into Portuguese territory, such as a visa.
- If you are applying from a country other than that of your origin: Proof of legal stay, such as a residence permit or a visa.
Document guidelines:
- All the documents you submit have to be in English or Portuguese. If they are not, you must have them translated by a certified translator and then notarized.
- Certain documents, such as diplomas or civil documents, may have to be legalized. You can legalize documents through an Apostille Stamp or through the Portuguese Embassy in your country.
How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa?
How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa?
Your employer applies for the Work Permit.
They must do this after they have offered the job to you but before you travel to Portugal.
You apply for a Work Visa at the Portuguese Embassy.
Once you have a Work Permit, you must apply for a work visa at the Portugal Embassy, which you will use to enter the country.
You apply for a Portugal Residence Permit.
Once you have arrived in Portugal, you must apply for your Residence Permit for Work at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). This is what allows you to live in Portugal long-term.
How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa?
How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa?
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
It may be several months before your work visa application is finalized; it can take up to 60 days for the SEF to process the Work Permit application and two to three months for the Embassy to issue an entry visa.That doesn’t necessarily mean it will take that long, however, and your visa could be processed quicker depending on your specific circumstances.
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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