Portugal Job Seeker Visa

The government of Portugal has introduced an improved visa for job seekers to address the shortage of skilled workers. This visa allows people to enter Portugal even if they don’t already have a job offer. Once they arrive, they will have up to four months to find work in their area of expertise. During this time, they can stay in Portugal without issues.

If you are moving to a new country, you can work and live there for up to 120 days. If you can find a job within that time, you can stay and work. But if you can’t find a job within the first 30 days, you can ask for more time – up to 60 more days – to keep looking for work.

If someone is permitted to stay in a country on a visa but is extended, they must leave the country immediately if they cannot find employment. In the interim, they can do simple tasks that do not require a high level of skill while they seek a job or wait for permission to work or reside in the country.

Requirements for Portugal Job Seekers

If you are interested in applying for a job in Portugal, you must meet the following requirements:

Non-EU citizen

This visa is meant for people who do not reside in the European Union (EU) but have special talents that can contribute to the EU. If you are a citizen of an EU country, you are free to live, study, and work anywhere within the EU. Therefore, if you are a citizen of the European Union, you are not eligible to obtain this visa.

A clean criminal record

The Portuguese government performs a criminal background check on every individual before they enter the country. Those convicted of a crime have little chance of receiving a visa.

During the visa application process, the SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) will request your permission to conduct a background check. A background check is required to ensure that you have a clean record. An applicant not meeting these requirements will not be eligible to apply for a job seeker visa.

Requires valid passport

If you intend to apply for a job seeker visa, you should ensure that your passport is valid. The validity of your passport should also remain valid for at least three months after the expiration of your visa application.

Obtaining insurance

If you do not live in Portugal for tax purposes, you cannot contribute to the Social Security system. Due to this, you will not be able to take advantage of public healthcare services. If you are seeking employment in Portugal, you will be required to provide proof of health insurance. If you have an insurance policy worth at least €30,000, make sure it is worth at least that amount.

A financial requirement

If you intend to look for a job in Portugal, you must ensure you can support yourself financially throughout the search process. To qualify, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of at least three months. Before your visa can be approved, you must prove that you have saved a minimum of €2,280. The minimum salary in Portugal is €760 per month.

Documents Required for Job Seeker Visas

When you apply for a job seeker visa to Portugal, remember to submit your supporting documents. You need to provide the following documents to complete your application:

Remember, you will need a real passport or other travel document. Ensure your job seeker visa remains valid for at least three months after it expires.

An individual’s biodata page in a passport or travel document.

You must sign the application for a national visa. Otherwise, you will be rejected outright. If you prefer, you can find the form on the website of the Portuguese consulate in the country where you wish to apply.

Photos that meet the Portuguese consulate’s standards for passport photos.

Share a document indicating whether you have experienced any legal issues in your country of residence or your country of origin during the past year.

An authorization form to allow Immigration and Border Services (SEF) to conduct a background check on you. Visit the official website of the Portuguese government to find the form.

If you’re applying for a visa from a country where you’re not a citizen, you must provide a document proving your legal status. This might be a residence permit or a green card. These documents show that you can live and work in that country, which is important for the visa application process.

To apply for a visa to Portugal, you must show proof of health insurance worth at least €30,000. This ensures that you are covered for medical emergencies during your stay.

You also need to provide a travel itinerary that includes your flight bookings. This will show the authorities that you have a clear plan for your trip and intend to leave the country before your visa expires.

To enter Portugal, you must show a bank statement proving you have enough money to cover your living expenses for three months. The required amount is at least €2,280.

If you don’t have enough money, you can ask a friend or family member living in Portugal to sponsor you.

You must also fill out an IEPF form to show that you have signed up or plan to sign up with the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training.

Send a copy of the approved IEFP form.

It’s proof that you’ve been accommodated. Depending on the agreement, it could be a rental agreement, a hotel booking, or an Airbnb agreement.

If you are interested in working in Portugal, you should write a letter explaining why you want to do so.

It would be helpful if you could send your resume.

Portugal Job Seeker Visa Application Process

Register with the IEFP and declare your interest in getting the Portuguese job seeker visa. You can fill out this form on the IEFP website. Basically, you’ll have to fill out a form with your contact information and what you do.

When your application is accepted, you’ll get an email from IEFP. It’s what lets you move on. Getting approval from IEFP doesn’t mean you get a permit to enter Portugal. It’s just a green light for visa applications.

Next, go to the Portuguese consulate’s website to begin the application process. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at any visa application center. The processing of Portuguese visa applications is handled by VFS Global.

When you pick the type of visa you want, you must fill out an application. Once you have finished the application, you have to submit it.

The Portugal job seeker visa application can’t be completed online. Please schedule an appointment to submit all supporting documents. Once you have completed this step, the Portuguese consulate, embassy, or VFS application center will schedule your interview.

Make sure you bring your supporting documents, too.

Portugal Job Seeker Visa Cost

As far as the Portuguese government is concerned, there aren’t any specific costs. Depending on where you’re applying from, you’ll have to pay fees. If you plan, you can:

At the Portuguese consulate or embassy where you’re applying, you’ll have to pay between $75 and $80

It costs €170 to get a resident permit. You must pay this in Portugal so SEF can process your application.

Processing time

Portuguese authorities don’t have a specific deadline for processing and deciding on your application. You must wait, depending on where you apply and how busy the application center is.

Once your application is submitted, you’ll hear back within 30 to 90 days.

You should visit the embassy or consulate to determine how long it will take.

Job Seeker Visa Validity and Extension

The validity period of the Portugal job seeker visa is 120 days (4 months). You are only permitted to enter Portugal once with the permit. Once your visa application has been approved, you have four months to find a job. If you do not find employment by then, you may be able to apply for an extension.

The extension can only be granted once and will be suitable for 60 days (2 months).

Benefits of a Portugal Worker Visa

There is an advantage to the Portugal work visa in that you do not need to be offered a job by a Portuguese employer. Once you enter the country, you can look for jobs that match your expertise and needs.

As part of your job search outside of Portugal, you can enter the Portuguese labor market without restrictions. If you are seeking employment outside of Portugal, staying in Portugal with a job seeker visa is a better option. Employers find it easier to hire employees who are already in the country.

Also, staying in the country for 120 days is possible, with an extension opportunity of 60 days to search for employment.

What can we do to help?

Our legal advisors can help you with your job seeker visa application if you want to work in Portugal. We can guide you through the application process and help you explore job opportunities there.

Our team can help you figure out how to apply for a visa and what requirements you need to meet. Denying a visa can be a frustrating experience, so we want to ensure you get the best possible outcome. Our team will ensure you have all the documents you need and advise you on making your application stand out. We want to make your visa application process as easy as possible.

Please feel free to contact a team member online if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a job seeker visa be converted to a work visa?

It’s easy to switch to a Portugal work visa if you find a job before your visa expires. If you don’t find a job within 120 days, your unemployment benefits will end. If you don’t do this within these 60 days, you have 60 more days. When you find an employer willing to sponsor you, they’ll offer you a contract. An offer of a job in Portugal qualifies you for a work visa and a residence permit. After living and working in Portugal for five years, you can apply for a permanent residency permit.

2. Is Portuguese Proficiency Required for a Job Seeker Visa?

If you plan to work in Portugal, you will need a job seeker visa if you speak Portuguese. But don’t worry! It is an advantage because you can integrate more easily into Portuguese culture and find work. If you don’t speak Portuguese, you should learn English, as these are the two main languages. You’ll be a great asset if you know one or both of these languages.

3. Are Portugal Job Seeker Visas Rejected?

A job seeker visa is required if you plan to work in Portugal. But getting one can be challenging. If you want your visa application to get rejected, make sure you submit all the required documents. Your application will be accepted if one of them is present.

It’s also important to show that you will be back home when your visa expires. Make sure you have proof of your return flight. If you don’t, the consulate officer might think you won’t leave Portugal. Also, if you find a job in Portugal, your visa application might be accepted. If you don’t find a job, the consulate officer might think you won’t leave. Keep this in mind and plan accordingly.

4. Should I take the IELTS test before applying for a job seeker visa?

To get a job seeker visa in Portugal, you don’t need to take IELTS. However, to communicate easily with Portuguese, you must speak English or Portuguese fluently.

What are the chances of a foreign national getting a job in Portugal?

The unemployment rate among Portuguese citizens or lawful permanent residents is lower than foreign workers.