Portugal Work Visa: How to Work in Portugal

Are you interested in working in Portugal? If you’re a non-EU national, you’ll need a Portugal Worker Visa allowing you to work, and then you’ll need to apply for a residence permit.

In this article, we’ll look at the requirements and the application process for a Portugal Work Visa, the Job Seeker Visa, Portuguese residence permits, and anything else you might need to work in Portugal.

Do I need a visa to work in Portugal?

If you’re a citizen of Switzerland, a European Economic Area country, or the European Union – you don’t need a Portuguese work visa. However, in this instance, if you intend to stay in Portugal for over three months, you need a Residence Certificate (Certificado de Registo).

You’ll also need a Portuguese tax number (NIF) and a Portuguese bank account – these are two essential requirements for living and working in Portugal. You might also need a Portuguese social security number.

If you’re a non-EU/EEA/Swiss foreign citizen, you’ll need a visa to work in Portugal. Even with job offers from employers in Portugal, non-EU nationals ( also known as third-country nationals) need a Portugal Work Visa.

If you want to live in Portugal and work remotely for an international company, a Digital Nomad Visa is ideal.

The Portugal Work Visa is a regular residency permit with a maximum validity limit of one year, renewable for up to five years. If your work contract extends beyond a year, you’ll likely need a Portuguese Work Visa.

Portugal Work Visa Requirements

You’ll need to make sure you meet the following requirements in the Portugal Work Visa checklist:

• Passport: A valid passport
• Photograph: A recent passport-sized picture
• Travel/health insurance: Proof of travel insurance that includes medical insurance (minimum €30,000)
• Housing: Proof of accommodation in Portugal for the duration of your work
• Financial support: You must provide proof of sufficient funds (sometimes known as financial stability proof or means of subsistence) to support yourself while in Portugal
• Police clearance certificate: A police clearance certificate (also known as a criminal record certificate) that states that you do not have a criminal record
• Job offer: A job offer from a Portuguese company
• Work contract: A signed employment contract
• Residence permit: After entering Portugal on your Work Visa, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit.
• Proof of legal entry into Portuguese territory: If you are already in Portugal, you’ll need to provide evidence that you entered legally, such as a visa.

It’s essential to have a job offer and signed employment contract when applying for a Portuguese Work Visa. The job posting must have been open for at least a month; the company is required by law to demonstrate that no Portuguese or other EU citizens were available to fill the position.

All the supporting documents you submit to the relevant Portuguese authorities as part of your visa application must be in English or Portuguese. If certain documents are in a third language, they must be translated by a certified translator and notarized.

Sometimes documents, such as diplomas, may have to be legalized. This can be done through an Apostille Stamp or at the Portuguese Embassy closest to you.

How to Get a Work Visa for Portugal 

Step 1: Work Permit application

The first step in obtaining a Work Visa for Portugal is for your employer to apply for a Work Permit.

The Work Permit is a document that allows you to work in the country legally and is issued by the Portuguese Labor Authorities (Ministério do Trabalho, Solidariedade e Segurança Social or MTSS).

To receive your work permit, your employer must submit required documents such as:

• The employment contract
• Company tax statements
• Registration with the Portuguese Social Security Office

Step 2: Work Visa application

Once you have a Work Permit, you can apply for a Portuguese Work Visa. This visa allows you to move to Portugal and work for a specified period. To apply for a Work Visa, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while in Portugal
• A police clearance certificate
• A signed work contract

You must make an appointment with your nearest Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate. You may be asked to complete a visa interview. If all goes well, you’ll receive a Work Visa allowing you to move to Portugal.

After moving to Portugal, you must apply for a resident permit for work and register your stay.

Step 3: Residence permit application

Once you’ve arrived in Portugal, you must apply for your residence certificate and permit for work at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or SEF). This is what allows you to live in Portugal long-term.

The Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate through which you received your Work Visa will make an appointment for you at the SEF if you tell them where in Portugal you intend to stay and when you intend to move over.

Temporary residence permit

This permit allows you to live and work in the country for a specified period of time, typically one to two years. To apply for a Portugal residence permit, you’ll these are the  required documents:

• A valid passport
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while in Portugal
• A police clearance certificate
• A signed work contract

If you’ve renewed your temporary resident permit and have been living in Portugal for a total of five years on a valid residence permit, you can apply for permanent Portuguese residence. Portuguese residence permits grant you legal residence authorization to live in Portugal permanently.

Types of Portuguese Work Visa

There are several different types of Portuguese Work Visas available, including the following:

D3 Visa (Highly-skilled Worker Visa)

This visa is for individuals with a high level of education and specialized skills who are seeking employment in Portugal. For example, scientific researchers, medical professionals, professors, and Ph.D. students in Portugal.

You must have exceptional qualifications in your field and be paid at least 1.5 times the Portuguese national average gross salary. As of the latest data, 1.5 times the national average salary is at least €33,000. 

To enter Portugal as a highly-skilled worker, you need a valid temporary stay visa if you intend to be in the country for less than a year. For a longer period, you’d need a residence visa.

D1 Visa 

The D1 Visa, also known as the Subordinate Worker Visa, is for those who have accepted an offer of employment in Portugal, where the role was advertised and interviewed for but could not be filled by a Portuguese or EU/EEA national.

This visa allows holders a temporary residency permit for two years (renewable for a further three years). Once you have the temporary residency permit, you can apply for family reunification. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency and even citizenship, granting you all the benefits of being an EU citizen.

Seasonal Worker Visa

With the Seasonal Work Visa, you can obtain a temporary stay visa or residence permit in Portugal for up to 90 days, with the possibility to extend your temporary stay visa. This visa extension policy is ideal if you stay for less than a year — a maximum of nine months in total.

However, you should note that the visa is only valid for specific areas of work that the Portuguese government has approved, including:

• Agriculture, stock farming, game, forestry, and fishery
• Accommodation, catering, and similar
• Food, beverage, and tobacco industries
• Wholesale and retail trade
• Construction
• Inland transport

You can reach out to the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate to determine your eligibility for this visa.

To apply for a Seasonal Work Visa, you must do so within Portugal.

Independent Work Visa (Self-Employment Visa)

The Independent Work Visa is designed for self-employed individuals who want to start a business or work as freelancers in Portugal. This visa category is ideal for entrepreneurs, artists, and other creatives who wish to pursue their passion while living in Portugal. It is also known as the Digital Nomad Visa.

The Independent Work Visa, also known as the self-employment visa, allows the holder to work in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of renewing for another year. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a business plan and enough financial resources to support themselves while setting up their business in Portugal.

You aren’t allowed to work for a company in Portugal; your revenue should be from outside Portugal. This is perfect for workers who are contracted for companies online.

Check out our handy guide to registering as a self-employed freelancer.

Portugal Tech Visa

The Portugal Tech Visa is a special visa category that attracts highly skilled tech workers to Portugal. It offers several benefits, such as fast-track processing, a simplified application process, and the ability to work in Portugal for up to two years.

Eligible individuals for this work permit include tech professionals such as software developers, data scientists, and IT specialists. This visa category reflects Portugal’s efforts to establish itself as a hub for technology and innovation.

Job Seeker Visa

The Portuguese government introduced the Portugal Job Seeker Visa in 2022. Unlike other work visas, this unique permit does not require you to have an existing job offer from a company in Portugal. Instead, the Job Seeker Visa allows individuals from all over the world to visit Portugal with the purpose of seeking job opportunities in the Portuguese job market.

The Job Seeker Visa permits a stay of up to 120 days, with an option to extend for an additional 60 days. This visa allows for a single entry into Portugal.

To apply, candidates must meet certain general conditions and submit the necessary documentation to their nearest Portuguese Embassy. You must submit a declaration of interest to the Portuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training. You should provide proof that you have a return ticket and financial resources equivalent to at least the sum of three guaranteed monthly minimum salary amounts.

Detailed information on the application process for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa 2024 is provided on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Portugal) website.

Once in Portugal, most people on this visa search for job opportunities through online portals such as LinkedIn and the Portuguese Public Employment Service website.

If you accept a job offer and your employer applies for a work permit before your Job Seeker Visa expires, you can stay in Portugal. However, if the visa expires without you beginning an employment relationship, applying for a work permit, and requesting a residence permit, you will have to leave the country and you will only be able to re-apply for this type of visa one year after the expiry of the previous visa’s validity.

EU Blue Card Visa

The Blue Card visa is a type of work visa designed for highly skilled workers and highly qualified workers. It allows the holder to work in Portugal for up to two years, with the possibility of renewing for another two years.

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a job offer in Portugal, a relevant degree or professional qualification, and an income meeting at least the sum minimum threshold that the Portuguese government has set.

The Blue Card is popular among individuals who want to work in Portugal but don’t meet the requirements for the Portugal Tech Visa.

Do you need a fiscal representative?

Non-EU/EEA citizens who have any business involvement in Portugal, such as earning an income in Portugal, need a fiscal representative. You can be fined between €750 and €7,500 for failing to appoint a fiscal representative.

A fiscal representative is needed to obtain a NIF for non-EU/EEA citizens. A NIF is a mandatory tax number; you need it to sign a lease, or a job contract, open a bank account, register as a tax-payer, and sign up for social security.

Contact us for a quick chat, and we can help you get your NIF. 

Processing Time for a Portuguese Work Visa

Expect the Work Visa process to take several months to complete. The processing time for a work permit by SEF is up to 60 days, and the Portuguese Embassy may take two to three months to issue an entry visa.

However, the timeline can vary based on individual circumstances. Additionally, the Portuguese Embassy may request additional documents at any time, so it’s important to stay prepared.

What is the duration of a Work Visa?

Short-term Portuguese Work Visa

A short-term Portuguese work visa is necessary for temporary contracts lasting less than six months. This includes both employees and self-employed workers and is subject to evaluation by the labor authority (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional or the IEFP).

This visa can be extended up to one year for specific scientific research, academic teaching, professional activities, and vocational training and service provisions from World Trade Organization members.

Long-term Portuguese Work Visa

For a non-EU citizen with a long-term work contract in Portugal for more than six months, a long-term Work Visa (Type D) is needed. Portugal is part of the Schengen area, and the long-term visa grants access to all 26 Schengen countries. A residence permit process must be started upon the visa applicant’s arrival.

Portugal Work Visa Fees and Costs

You may have to pay multiple fees when applying for a Work Visa in Portugal. Some of the costs associated with Portuguese Work Visas include:

• €90 for a temporary residence visa allowing entry to Portugal (this may vary depending on the country)
• €83 for applying for a work-authorized residence permit at SEF
• €72 for receiving the residence permit from SEF

Other costs, such as copies, travel, mailing, or courier, may also be involved in the visa application process.

Does a Work Visa lead to permanent residency in Portugal?

Depending on the type of visa and length of stay, a Work Visa can lead to permanent residency in Portugal. After five years of living in Portugal and maintaining a temporary residence permit, the visa-holder can apply for a permanent residence permit or to become a Portuguese citizen.

Does a Work Visa lead to Portuguese citizenship?

Work Visas can lead to Portuguese citizenship. If you’ve lived in Portugal as a legal resident for a minimum of five years, you can apply for citizenship.

To become a Portuguese citizenYou must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the Portuguese language and active ties to the national community. Additionally, you can’t have convictions for a crime with a jail sentence of three or more years.

FAQs about the Portugal Work Visa

Can I work in Portugal as an international student?

Yes, international students in Portugal can join the workforce, but the number of hours you’re allowed to work varis depending on your nationality.

If you hold an EU/EEA/Swiss passport, you can work as much as you like without any restrictions. Non-EU citizens have their work hours capped at 20 hours per week during the school semester. You have the green light to work full-time during holidays and semester breaks.

Can I work in Portugal if I have a Family Visa?

If you’re reuniting with family in Portugal, you can pursue both work and education.

However, you might need to seek work authorization from the Portuguese immigration and border services authorities. Reach out to SEF, and they can help guide you through it all.

How do I get a work visa for Portugal?

To obtain a work visa for Portugal, you need to have a job offer from a Portuguese employer first. Here are the general steps:

• Secure a job offer from a company in Portugal.
• The employer must request authorization from the Portuguese Labor Authorities.
• Once authorized, apply for a Visa Application (Long-Term Visa) at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
• When you arrive in Portugal, apply for a Residence Permit from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

The documents required may vary, but typically you’ll need your passport, proof of sufficient financial means, criminal record certificate, accommodation, medical insurance, and work contract or job offer.

Can I get a work permit for Portugal from India?

Yes, you can apply for a work permit for Portugal from India. The process is the same as explained above. Non-EU nationals (third country nationals) are required to have a Portugal Work Visa. The visa applicant may be required to submit documents like:

• A passport valid for at least the next six months
• Valid travel insurance, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance
• Proof of the employment relationship between the applicant and the potential employer

However, it’s important to note that the entire process might take a few months. Make sure to begin your application well in advance of your intended start date.

Can I work in Portugal on a Family Visa?

Holding a Portuguese family visa grants you the right to both live and work in Portugal alongside your family member. Formal authorization may be required for employment, so you should contact the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) for guidance.

How much does a work visa cost in Portugal?

The cost for a work visa application for Portugal can vary depending on the type of visa and the country from which you’re applying, but generally, the cost ranges from €60 to €100. Once you have the work visa, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit, which adds an additional cost. You can verify the current fees with your nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate.

What should my employment contract include to be eligible for a work visa?

Your employment contract should state the terms of your employment, including your salary, benefits, and working conditions.

Do I need Social Security registration for a Portugal Work Visa?

Yes, Social Security registration (NISS) is essential for paid employment. Employers typically handle it, but securing your NISS beforehand can streamline the process.

What is required for a work permit in Portugal?

To secure a Portuguese work permit, you’ll need a job offer from a local employer and a residence permit issued by the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras). Your employer will handle most of the application process, ensuring the job was advertised adequately and demonstrating no Portuguese or EU resident could fill it. Once in Portugal, you’ll apply for the residence permit within four months, which becomes your work permit and can be renewed as long as your job offer remains valid. The main reasons that Portugal Work Visa applications are rejected are related to public health, public security, public order, and public safety, so it’s essential to include the criminal record check and proof of medical insurance.

Can US citizens work in Portugal?

Yes, you’ll need a work permit, which involves getting a job offer and some SEF (Portugal’s immigration service) paperwork.

Is it easy to get a job in Portugal?

The difficulty depends on your field and your professional experience as well as other factors such as your Portuguese language skills. Sectors such as tech, tourism, and healthcare often welcome international talent, while navigating other industries might require more fluency.

What jobs are in demand in Portugal?

In the Portuguese job market, tech jobs are widely available, particularly roles such as software engineers and app developers. Tourism and hospitality also need skilled individuals, and healthcare professionals are always in high demand.