Portugal has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations in recent times, appealing to a wide range of age groups. Whether you're a student, a job seeker, a freelancer, or someone enjoying retirement, Portugal offers a variety of Visa options to cater to your needs.
Attaining Portuguese Citizenship is possible within a span of five years. It is imperative to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Portugal Work Visa Process for 2023, encompassing its requisites and determining the most suitable visa category for your circumstances.
Salaries for positions in Portugal typically range between 2,000 and 4,000 pounds per month, with higher remuneration prevalent in cities like Lisbon and comparatively lower figures in smaller towns.
Portugal, as a captivating nation, has attracted a significant number of individuals from the USA and various Asian countries, allured by the diverse array of visa alternatives.
If the allure of Portugal beckons to you as well, this comprehensive guide furnishes all the essential information concerning work visas within the Portuguese context.
Comprehensive Guide to the Portugal Work Visa Process 2023 (Visa Types and Requirements)
- Country: Portugal
- Visa Category: Work Visa
- Authorized Stay Duration: 3 Months, 6 Months, 1 Year, 5 Years
- Eligibility: Open to all; specific requirements vary depending on the type of visa
Before delving into the specifics of "Applying for a Portugal Work Visa," it's essential to gain a clear understanding of the following key points:
- Portugal Work Visa Defined: Familiarize yourself with what the Portugal Work Visa entails.
- Exemptions from Portugal Visa Requirements: Discover who is exempt from obtaining a Portugal Visa.
- Varieties of Portugal Work Visas: Explore the different types of work visas available.
- Prerequisites and Application Procedure: Understand the criteria and steps involved in the application process for these visas.
Understanding the Portugal Work Visa
The Portugal Work Visa serves as a gateway for non-EU nationals to engage in employment within Portugal.
Unlike other visa categories, the Portugal Work Visa doesn't possess a specific nomenclature. Instead, the Portuguese Government offers two distinct options: the Short Stay Visa for stays of up to 90 days and the Temporary Residence Permit for longer durations.
- Short Stays: These are designed for periods not exceeding 90 days.
- Long Stays: Encompassing durations surpassing 90 days.
Exemptions from Portugal Visa Requirements
EU Nationals are not obligated to obtain a work permit or work visa for their endeavours in Portugal.
Attaining Permanent Residency in Portugal Following 5 Years
The journey towards permanent residency in Portugal commences with the issuance of a temporary residency permit, initially valid for one year. This permit is renewable up to four additional times, cumulatively amounting to five years. After completing this five-year period, you become eligible to apply for Portugal's Permanent Residence status.
Duration of Portugal Work Visa
- Initial Validity: 1 Year
- Extension: Up to five years
- Eligible for Permanent Residency Application after 5 years.
In this section, we will refer to the term "Portugal Work Visa" to discuss the various visa types related to employment purposes in Portugal.
Types of Portugal Work Visas
This section provides an overview of the different types of Portuguese visas primarily intended for work-related purposes. The following visa categories will be covered in this post:
1. Schengen Visa
2. Seasonal Work Visa
3. Temporary Work Visas
4. Digital Nomad Visa
5. Job Seeker Visa
6. Retirement Visa
7. Golden Visa
Portugal Schengen Visa
The Schengen Visa serves as a tourist visa, facilitating visits to Portugal. Holders of this visa can also explore other EU Schengen member countries. It permits a stay of up to 90 days.
While on a Schengen Visa, individuals are allowed to engage in various types of employment, including seasonal jobs, agricultural work, fruit picking, and packaging.
Portugal Seasonal Work Visa
The Seasonal Work Visa is granted for a duration of 90 days or less. This visa type permits employment in approved sectors, which include:
- - Agriculture, livestock, hunting, forestry, and fishing
- - Hospitality, restaurants, and similar industries
- - Food industry, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco industries
- - Wholesale and retail trade
- - Construction
- - Land transportation
Visa Requirements in Portugal
Seasonal Work Visa
To qualify for a Seasonal Work Visa in Portugal, you must obtain a job offer from a Portuguese employer. However, this visa does not permit a stay of more than 90 days. For further information, please refer to this link.
Portugal Digital Nomad Visa – Pathway to Permanent Residency
Introduced in 2022, the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a novel type of visa that enables individuals to relocate to Portugal without requiring a job offer. Freelancers who work remotely from any location are eligible to apply for this visa. It holds a validity of one year and can be renewed up to five times. Detailed information about the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa 2023 can be found in my comprehensive post.
Portugal Job Seeker Visa – No Employment Required
The Portugal Job Seeker Visa allows individuals to travel to Portugal with the intention of seeking employment. It allows a six-month stay in the country for job-hunting purposes. If successful in securing a job, applicants can apply for a temporary residence permit. The application fee for the Portuguese Job Seeker Visa is €75.
Portugal Retirement D7 Visa
The Portugal Retirement D7 Visa is intended for non-EU citizens who wish to reside in Portugal without engaging in employment. This visa is suitable for those with a steady income from sources such as pensions or savings.
Portugal Golden Visa
Applicants interested in the Portugal Golden Visa can apply for this category by investing in a property valued at a minimum of €500,000 in Portugal. The Golden Visa program encompasses two distinct types. It's important to note that the Portugal Golden Visa program is highly regarded as one of the world's premier residency programs.
- - Residency-by-Investment: Requires a five-year stay in Portugal and a minimum real estate investment of EUR 280,000.
- - Citizenship-by-Investment: Additional details about this category are available.
These various visa options cater to a diverse range of circumstances and objectives, making Portugal an attractive destination for individuals seeking different pathways to residency or citizenship
Temporary Work Visas in Portugal
The Temporary Stay Visa encompasses various categories, each serving a specific purpose. A table detailing the visa types and their respective objectives is provided below.
| 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 purposes for a period of less than a year. |
| Professorial activity | Temporary stay visa for scientific research, higher education professorial activity or highly qualified activity purposes for a period of less than a year. |
| Volunteer Work | Temporary stay visa for periods of over 3 months |
| Retired | People living on their own income |
Exploring Job Opportunities in Portugal Online
To discover job opportunities in Portugal, you can utilize the following link: Job Listings in Portugal.
Prerequisites for Obtaining a Portugal Work Visa
Before initiating the application process for your Portugal Work Visa, it's crucial to be mindful of the following aspects:
1. If you're seeking Seasonal work or applying for other temporary work visas, you will need a job offer from a Portuguese employer.
2. Certain visas, such as the Digital Nomad, Job Seeker, and Retirement Visa, do not mandate a job offer.
3. Your employer is responsible for applying for a Work Permit on your behalf.
4. Once your work contract or work permit attains approval, you can proceed with the application for the Portugal Work Visa. All essential documents should be submitted to the Portugal Embassy or VFS Global.
Mandatory Documents for the Portugal Work Visa
Each variant of the work visa necessitates a specific set of documents. For a comprehensive list of the required documents corresponding to each visa type, please visit the following link: Document Requirements. This information can be found within the designated section of the menu.
Fees for Portugal Work Visas
The fees for various Portugal work visas are as follows:
- Job Seeker Visa: €90
- Digital Nomad Visa: €180
- Temporary Residency Visa: €90
- Short Stay Visa: €80 (for adults)
Step-By-Step Guide to Applying for a Portugal Work Visa in 2023
Follow these step-by-step instructions to apply for a Portugal Work Visa once you have all the required documents and have decided on the specific visa type:
- Determine Your Visa Type: Identify the specific type of work visa you need based on your circumstances.
- Secure a Job Offer: If your chosen work visa requires a job offer from a Portuguese employer, start by finding a job. Once you have been accepted for the job, your employer will initiate the process of applying for your Portugal Work Permit.
- Receive Work Permit: After your employer obtains the work permit on your behalf, you will be able to proceed with your application for the Portuguese Work Visa.
- Complete Online Forms: Fill out all the necessary online forms accurately. Provide the required information and documents as per the instructions.
- Schedule and Attend Appointment: Arrange an appointment at the appropriate visa application centre or consulate. Attend the appointment on the scheduled date and time.
- Submission of Application: Submit your visa application in person during the appointment. Ensure that you provide all required documents and information as per the guidelines.
- Visa Approval and Entry: Once your work visa application is approved, you will receive your visa. This visa will allow you to enter Portugal legally.
- Arrival in Portugal: Upon arriving in Portugal, apply for your residency permit as per the regulations in place. This step is essential for extending your stay and legalizing your status in the country.
By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the process of obtaining a Portugal Work Visa and ensure a smooth transition to working and residing in Portugal.
Useful Links
For more information on different types of visas, you can explore the following links:
Short Stay Visas: Learn about Schengen short-stay visas and the various types available: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/short-stay-visas-schengen/general-information/type-of-visas
Long Stay Visas: Discover the options for national long-stay visas and their specifics: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/general-information/type-of-visa
MOFA Website: Access the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comprehensive visa information: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/
