Every year, a large number of foreigners apply for a work visa for Portugal, and for good reason.
In the past few years, Portugal has emerged as a hotspot for migrant workers from all over the world.
According to the Foreign Policy magazine, the country has experienced an astounding surge of nearly 70% in migrant workers.
This is because Portugal comes with a wide array of job opportunities, opening up exciting career prospects.
Read on as we break down the application process for a work visa for Portugal.
What You Need to Know Before Applying for a Work Visa for Portugal
The fundamental prerequisite for legal employment in Portugal is to get a job offer from a Portuguese employer. You can do this by joining VideoWorkers where exciting job opportunities await you.
If you’re a non-EU national, you must apply for a work visa after receiving a job offer.
The Portuguese Government currently provides a diverse range of visa options.
Some of the most popular work visa types in Portugal include:
- Temporary stay visa that allows you to work in Portugal for less than one year
- Residence visa that allows you to enter Portugal for long-term employment
- Short-stay visa that allows you to work in Portugal for up to 90 days
Based on your work contract, your employer will tell you which visa to apply for.
You must submit your visa application to the competent Portuguese diplomatic mission located in your country of residence.
To learn where you should lodge your application, please refer to the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal.
Now, let’s check the requirements for a work visa for Portugal.
Portugal Work Visa: Supporting Documents
Below you will find the supporting documents for a work visa for Portugal (temporary stay visa and residence visa).
For information on how to apply for a short-stay work visa (up to 90 days), please check the following guide:
Schengen Visa Application Process And Requirements.
Do note that the requirements listed below are not exhaustive.
Usually, Embassies reserve the right to request additional documents on a case-by-case basis.
- Portugal National Visa application form fully completed and signed
- Two recently taken photographs (35 X 45 mm) not older than six months
- Passport (original and copy) valid at least 3 months beyond the return date
- If you are currently residing in a country other than your country of citizenship – valid residence card or proof of regular status. The residence card must be valid beyond the expiration date of the visa.
- Health insurance, unless exempted due to a Bilateral or International agreement between Portugal and your country of citizenship. Examples of such countries are the UK and Brazil.
- Criminal record issued by your country of citizenship or the country where you resided for more than one year. Depending on your country of origin, the criminal record may need to be legalized with the Hague Apostille.
- Employment contract, promise of employment, or demonstration of interest
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence. In this regard, the funds derived from an employment contract or promise of employment will be considered as evidence of financial means.
- Professional certifications and occupational licenses
- Authorization to the Immigration and Border Services (SEF) to check the Portuguese criminal record
- Invitation letter signed by the Portuguese employer
- Flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation
- Professional resume
- Proof of paid visa fee (75 € for a temporary stay visa and 90 € for a residency visa)
Typically, the processing time for a work visa application is between 2-3 months.
After Entering Portugal
If you have been granted a work visa, you must know that this does not automatically give you the right to reside in Portugal.
Instead, it allows you to enter the country for the purpose of applying for a residence card.
Every foreigner working in Portugal for a period longer than 6 months must obtain a residence card.
For example, residency visas are only valid for a period of 4 months and allow two entries.
During this period, you must apply for a temporary residency permit at the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF).
To do so, you must submit the following documents:
- Two recent photographs
- Passport or travel document
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
- Permission to SEF to verify the Portuguese criminal record
- Employment contract
- Proof of registration with the local tax authority
- Proof of regular payment of social security
The cost for a residence card is 72€.