Work Visas in Portugal

Created: Jul 15, 2024 | Updated: Jul 15, 2024

A Portuguese work visa is an official stamp or endorsement that allows you to work legally in Portugal. Whether you’re seeking short-term employment or a long-term career, your success begins with understanding the visa process.

This article will guide you through the different types of Portuguese work visas, eligibility criteria, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.

Do I need a visa to work in Portugal?

Whether you need a visa to work in Portugal depends on your nationality.

You don’t need a visa to work in Portugal if you’re from Switzerland or any country in the European Union or European Economic Area. However, suppose you plan to stay longer than three months. In that case, you must register with the local city hall (Câmara Municipal) and obtain a residence certificate (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia).

If you are a non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you need a work permit and a work visa to work legally in Portugal. Your prospective employer must apply for your work permit with the Portuguese Labour Authorities, proving that you have legitimate employment in Portugal and that the job meets visa requirements. Once your employer secures the work permit, you can then apply for a Portuguese work visa.

Upon your arrival in Portugal, you’ll need to apply for a temporary residence permit to live as a foreigner in Portugal legally. This authorization remains valid for four months, giving you enough time to apply for a long-stay residence permit with the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), translated in English as the ‘Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service’.

Documents required for a Portugal work permit

To apply for a Portuguese work permit, your employer needs to provide the following documents:

Your employment contract
The company’s tax records and Social Security registration certificate.
Evidence that no EU, EAA, or Swiss citizen can fill the role.
Your passport number, recent passport photos, and other required employee details.

You must note that your current work permit becomes invalid if you change employers while working in Portugal, and your new employer must obtain a new work permit for you.

Types of Portuguese work visas

You have several options when choosing a work visa in Portugal, depending on the terms of your employment contract. The following are the main types of Portuguese work visas:

Skilled Worker Visa: For foreigners with a work contract in Portugal. It is valid for one year and renewable for up to five years. After five years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
Self-Employment Visa: For immigrants who are freelancers and business owners. To apply, you must register your business in Portugal and provide details of your activities. This visa does not permit regular employment, meaning you must apply for a skilled worker visa to get a regular job.
High-Skilled Worker Visa: For highly qualified professionals like researchers, medical professionals, teachers, engineers, and artists. This visa allows you to work only in Portugal for the duration of your job contract. It is also renewable as long as you remain employed.
EU Blue Card: For non-EU professionals with the highest possible qualification in their fields. To qualify for this visa type, you must have a job offer lasting at least one year and a salary 50% higher than the national average. It is valid for one to four years and is renewable. Unlike the high-skilled worker visa, this visa allows you to work in Portugal and 24 other EU countries.
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Visa: For employees of multinational companies who are transferred to the Portuguese branch of their company. It is valid for the transfer duration, usually three years for managers and specialists and one year for trainees.
Seasonal Work Visa: For people employed in sectors needing extra labour at specific times of the year, such as agriculture, construction, tourism, or hospitality. It is valid for up to nine months in a 12-month period.
Volunteer Work Visa: For non-EU nationals in unpaid volunteer work. It is valid for one year or longer if specified in the contract, but it is not renewable. If you find a job during your training, you must apply for a skilled work visa before your volunteer visa expires.

Portuguese work visa requirements

Regardless of the type of visa, you will need to provide the following documents and information as part of your application:

A valid passport or another relevant travel document
Your employment contract
Your Portuguese work permit
Recent passport photographs
Proof of your financial ability to fund your trip
Travel and flight details
Proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract or hotel reservations
A criminal record certificate from your home country for the last 12 months
Permission for the SEF to check your criminal records
Proof of health insurance or valid travel insurance coverage of at least €30,000
Proof of legal residence if you’re not applying from your country of origin.

How can Translayte help?

All required documents for your Portuguese work visa must be in Portuguese. If your documents are in another language, you must get certified translations for them. You may also need to legalise some documents to prove their authenticity. This involves getting an Apostille stamp or certification from the Portuguese Embassy in your country.

The process might seem complex, but Translayte makes it easy for you. We provide expert notarization and certified translations in Portugal to ensure your documents meet all the required standards. We guarantee quick turnaround times and 24/7 support service to help make your visa application smooth and hassle-free.

How to apply for a work visa in Portugal

Once your employer secures your work permit, you can apply for a work visa in Portugal by following these steps:

Complete the Visa Application Form: Fill out all required details in the application form with the correct data. Forms with false or incomplete information may be rejected.
Schedule an Appointment: Contact the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country to schedule an appointment for your visa application. Some consulates may allow you to book an appointment online.
Collect Supporting Documents: Obtain all needed documents for your visa application. Start well in advance to ensure you have everything ready for your appointment.
Attend Your Visa Appointment: This appointment often includes a visa interview, during which you will submit your completed application form and supporting documents. You may also need to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph).
Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required visa application fee (see more details below). Thereafter, the only thing left to do is wait for the Portuguese authorities’ decision about your application.

Processing time for a Portugal work visa

The processing time for a Portugal work visa can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa, your nationality, and the specific consulate or embassy where you apply. On average, you should get a decision on whether your application has been approved or rejected within two to three months. Ensure you submit your application before your planned travel date to account for any delays.

Portugal work visa fees

Applying for a Portugal skilled work visa involves several fees due to the different steps in the process. First, you will pay €90 for the temporary visa that allows you to enter Portugal. Once in Portugal, you must apply to the SEF for a temporary residence permit, which costs €83, and an additional €72 for collection.

Therefore, the total cost of getting a Portuguese skilled work visa is approximately €247. This amount does not account for other expenses such as making document copies, mailing fees, or translation costs. However, Translayte offers the best prices for the highest quality of certified translations in Portugal, so you can be sure of getting the best value.

FAQs about Portuguese work visas

Does a work visa lead to permanent residency in Portugal?

Yes, a work visa can lead to permanent residency in Portugal. Initially, you receive a temporary residence permit valid for one year, which you can renew annually. After five consecutive years of living in Portugal with a valid residence permit, you can apply for permanent residency.

Does a skilled work visa lead to Portuguese citizenship?

Yes, a skilled work visa can lead to Portuguese citizenship. After living in Portugal with a valid residence permit for five consecutive years, you can apply for permanent residency. Once you have held permanent residency for an additional five years, you qualify to apply for Portuguese citizenship.

Can I work in Portugal on a tourist visa?

No, you cannot work in Portugal on a tourist visa. A tourist visa only allows you to stay for leisure or family visits, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, and being banned from re-entering Portugal and the Schengen Area. To work legally in Portugal, you must obtain the appropriate work visa or residence permit through the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country before travelling.

Can I submit the Portugal work visa documents in the regional language?

No, you cannot submit the Portugal work visa documents in the regional language. All documents must be in Portuguese or officially translated into Portuguese. This ensures that the authorities can review and process your application. If your documents are in another language, you must have them translated and certified before submission.

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