One of the primary requirements that allows you to apply for a Portugal Work Visa is to have a job contract from a Portuguese employer. Unlike most countries’ work visas, you cannot apply for a Portugal Work Visa if you do not have a job offer.
Your employer from Portugal will have to start the process first by applying to the Ministry of Labour. Only when this application is approved can you begin your application process.
So in this article, we will cover everything that you need to know about this Work Visa. We will focus on;
Different Types of Portugal Work Visas You Can Apply For
- The Portugal Work Visa Requirements
- Fees Associated with the Work Visa Application
- How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa
- The Processing Time for a Portuguese Work Visa
Portugal Work Visa Overview
As I mentioned earlier, you can only apply for this visa after your employer has obtained approval from the Ministry of Labour on your behalf. The application must state the location you want to work in and what role you are applying for.
If you need to switch jobs or move to a new location, you will likely need to apply for a new work visa. This is because you cannot afford to take on another job that is not originally stated in your work permit, and you can’t change location either without permission.
The Portugal Work Visa has only two categories: the short stay visa, which allows you to take on a job that will not last more than 90 days. The second category is the temporary residence permit that will allow you to stay for more than 90 days. It is valid for up to two years and can be renewed for an extra three years.
RECOMMENED==> Australia Work Visa: Requirements, Costs, and Application Guide
Types of Portugal Work Visas You Can Apply For
Depending on the type of work you are coming to do in Portugal, there are different kinds of work visas you can apply for. I’ll do my best to cover most of them.
Skilled Worker Visa
This type of visa is for skilled professionals. So if your qualification falls under the areas of medicine, info tech, bio science, engineering, etc., then you will qualify for this visa. It is important to note that for you to qualify for this visa, your contract has to be a permanent one, and the visa is valid for just one year; you can renew it depending on how long your employer needs you.
Highly Skilled Worker Visa
Just like the skilled visa, this also applies to professionals in the field with an exceptional skill set. Think scientists, medical professionals, teachers, renowned artists, basically those coming to Portugal to perform a special duty.
Tech Visa
Under this type of visa, those with brilliant minds in science and tech can easily move to Portugal. However, the company that is employing you must not be a start-up company; it must be a reputable company.
Work-Visa for the Self-Employed
This type of visa is usually referred to as the D7 visa or the digital nomad visa. It’s a special kind of visa that is designed for self-employed individuals. It has two options: the temporary stay and the residency, which is valid for two years and can be renewed for three years afterwards.
Volunteer or Training Work Visa
If you’ve got a job that requires you to volunteer in Portugal, then this is the visa you should be applying for. The only downside to this visa is that it’s not renewable, and it’s valid for just one year. So, whatever contract you have must be within that one year. If you do have something that would make you stay for more than a year, then it must be specified on your residence permit and granted accordingly.
Portugal Work Visa Requirements
To get a work permit in Portugal, there are several documents that you have to submit through your employer to prove that you are eligible for a Portugal Work Visa.
Your employer will have to submit the following;
- A valid Portuguese residence permit to prove he is a citizen of Portugal
- He/she will also submit a valid passport
- They will need to submit a recent photograph
- They will also need to submit evidence of accommodation
- The details of the work contract
- Their criminal records
- Their tax statements
- They will also have to submit evidence that no Portuguese citizen could fill that role.
On your part, these are the documents that will be requested of you;
- Proof of Funds
- Proof You Have Accommodation
- Agreement Form to Check Background
- Medical Insurance
- Proof You Are A Legal Resident
- Marriage and Birth Certificates
- Medical Insurance
What it would cost to process your work visa
Here are some of the fees you must pay for your application to be processed;
| Fee | Condition |
| €75 | If you plan on staying for 4 to 12 months. This fee is paid at the Portuguese embassy. |
| €90 | If you plan on staying for more than 1 year |
| €90 | When you are applying for a residence permit at the SEF upon arrival |
| €83 | after a residence permit has been issued to you by the SEF. |
It is important to note that these fees can be paid through bank transfers, debit or credit cards, cheque, or money order. You should endure to keep the proof of transaction well because it will be assessed as part of your documents. Your visa will be rejected should you misplace any of the proof of your visa fee payments.
RECOMMDED==> $90,000 Caregiver Jobs In Ireland – Apply Now
How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa
Once you get your job offer from your Portuguese employer, the application process for a Portuguese Work Visa is the next thing to do. Here is s step by step-by-step process you need to follow;
Step 1: Employer Applies for Your Permit
Once you’ve received a job offer from a Portuguese employer, you will need to submit certain documents that will allow your employer to apply to the Ministry of Labour on your behalf. It’s up to your employer to prove that you are the best for the job, and that is why he is hiring you.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
You will need to go to their official website, download the visa application form, and fill it out by hand. Ensure all the details are correct and match the ones on your document. After which you sign. It is important that you use the required document section of the form to get all the documents that are required of you.
Step 3: Pick an Appointment Date
You have to pick a date that is convenient for you to go to the embassy and carry out your visa interview. The appointment date is being chosen online, and you must be physically present you the date of your appointment. Submit all your documents and answer your questions to the best of your abilities.
Step 4: Get a Social Security Number and a tax number
This step will be carried out once your visa has been approved and you’ve landed in Portugal. You must apply for your social security and your tax number in the country, as these are very important for you to move freely in the country
Step 5: Apply for a Residency Permit at the SEF
The visa you get from your home country only allows you to enter Portugal and stay for up to 120 days. Once yiu arrive at Portugal, you must apply for residence permit before your 120 days elapse.
Processing Time for a Portuguese Work Visa
The average time for processing a Portuguese Work Visa is around 60 days. If your job will take longer than 90 days, then you might get a response within 30 days. Again, it all comes down to the kind of visa you are applying for and how long it will take them to decide. You will definitely get a response within 60 days.
Is it possible to get a PR from a Portugal work visa?
It is very possible to get PR from a work visa in Portugal if you are working and living in Portugal for at least 5 years. Once your permanent residency has been approved, you can now work and live anywhere you want without the restriction that comes with a work visa.
Portugal Work Visa To Citizenship
The Portugal work visa is also a pathway to citizenship if you know how to play it right. If you have lived at least 5 years in Portugal, you are eligible for PR, after which you can apply for citizenship. While you are there, try as much as you can to learn the Portuguese language because during your citizenship application process, you will be required to take the proficiency exams. Your goal is to attain at least A2 levels during those exams.
If you are successful, your application will be granted and you will become a citizen. You can then enjoy your full rights as a passport will be issued to you. With this passport, you can have access to over 180 countries visa-free.
ALSO READ==> High-Paying Teaching Jobs In New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship
