Portugal Job Seeker Visa: How it Works?

The dream of moving to Portugal to live and work in the country is becoming more accessible. In 2022, was created a Job Seeker Visa in Portugal, aimed at professionals from outside the European Union who wish to come to the country to look for employment. Those who secure a job contract within the visa’s validity period may apply for their residence permit to legally live in the country.

The measure aims to meet the current demand for workforce in Portuguese territory, especially in the hospitality, restaurant (restaurants and cafes), construction, and information technology (IT) sectors. Learn about the rules of the job search visa in Portugal here.

What is the Visa for Job Seekers in Portugal?

This is a visa recently created by the Portuguese government that allows foreigners from outside the EU to enter the country with the intention of seeking employment and allows the exercise of dependent employment until the expiration of the visa or until the residence permit is granted.

What is the validity of the visa?

The new visa allows 1 entry into Portugal. It is valid for 120 days, which can be extended for another 60 days. The bearer of the document who does not get a job must, obligatorily, leave the country at the end of the term.

Main requirements*

• The visa applicant must not have any restrictions on entering a European Union (EU) member state, nor have been convicted of any crime in Portugal that carries a sentence of more than one year;
• You must present your return ticket to your home country to enter Portugal;
• Health insurance covering the period of stay in the country is required;
• Your applicant must prove that he or she has at least 3 times the Portuguese minimum wage (3 x 820 = 2460 Euros in 2024);
• The visa holder must provide proof of lodging in the country;
• You must also formalize your application for employment with the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP), indicating your academic qualifications and professional experience

*See the end of this article for special conditions for CPLP countries.

Are there alternatives to proving means of subsistence?

Yes, for those who cannot prove income, a possible alternative is to present a term of responsibility signed by a Portuguese or foreign citizen who has a residence permit (RA). This person must have the above-mentioned means of subsistence and will be responsible for paying the costs of fines and leaving the country, should the guest stay illegally in Portugal.

Does the visa allow me to seek employment in other European countries?

No. The new visa for seeking work only authorizes the stay in Portugal. In other words, the foreigner cannot move around the EU with this visa in search of job opportunities in other countries. Holders can only enter Portuguese territory once, which means that it will not be possible to travel abroad during the initial 120-day period or the remaining 60 days, if an extension is requested.

Can I apply for a visa for my family?

The new regulation does not foresee family reunification. Only after getting a subordinate job (contract) and acquiring his/her Residence Permit will the applicant be able to apply for family reunion to bring his/her family to live in Portugal.

Pre-scheduling at SEF

Along with the issuing of the Visa, a pre-schedule will be made at SEF for the presentation of the work contract at the end of the 120 days (legal deadline) and the granting of the residence permit.

What is the price of the job seeker visa Portugal?

The updated fee is available on the VFS website.

Can the visa be renewed?

Yes, the initial validity of the visa is 120 days (4 months), and it is possible to apply for an extension of 60 days (2 months).

At the end of the term, is it possible to apply for another visa the same way?

No. If you fail to establish an employment relationship within the maximum period, you must leave the country and you can only apply for a new job seeker visa 1 year after the expiration of the previous visa.

If you are interested? Talk to our consultants.