Why Portugal Job Seeker Visa?

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is a national visa designed for non-EU nationals who wish to enter Portugal to search for employment without having a prior job offer. It allows a stay of up to 120 days, extendable by 60 days, providing ample time to explore job opportunities in Portugal’s growing labour market. This visa supports both skilled and unskilled workers and serves as a pathway to obtaining a residence permit upon securing employment. It is a valuable option for those aiming to start a new life and career in Portugal.

• Valid for 120 days initially, extendable by 60 days, allowing up to 180 days total stay.
• Single entry visa designed for non-EU nationals to search for employment in Portugal.
• Applicants must show financial means equivalent to three months’ minimum salary (€705/month).
• Visa application fee is approximately €110, with processing time between 30 to 60 days.
• After securing a job, holders can apply for a residence permit to stay and work legally in Portugal.

Portugal Job Seeker Visa

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is a national visa that allows eligible foreign nationals to enter Portugal for up to 120 days to look for employment or explore job opportunities. It grants the visa holder a single entry and the possibility to extend their stay for an additional 60 days if needed. During this period, applicants are encouraged to actively seek employment and can attend interviews and network with Portuguese employers.
 

Benefits of moving to Portugal

Portugal offers numerous benefits for job seekers and expatriates alike, including:

• Relatively low cost of living compared to other Western European countries, making it an affordable destination.
• Pleasant Mediterranean climate with over 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, enhancing quality of life.
• Excellent healthcare services, both public and private, ensure access to quality medical care.
• A growing job market in sectors such as technology, tourism, healthcare, renewable energy, and professional training provides diverse employment opportunities.
• High levels of safety and political stability offer a secure environment for residents.
• Access to European Union benefits, including freedom of movement, trade, and social security coordination.
• Rich cultural heritage and welcoming communities facilitate easier integration for expatriates.
   

Portugal Job Seeker Visa validity

The visa is initially valid for 120 days (approximately four months), allowing the visa holder to enter Portugal and search for a job. This period can be extended once by 60 days, making the total potential stay up to 180 days (six months). However, the visa only allows for a single entry into Portugal. During this time, visa holders are encouraged to actively engage in job search activities, including attending interviews, networking with potential employers, and exploring various sectors of the Portuguese job market.
 

Visa extension

To apply for the Portugal Job Seeker visa extension, visa holders must provide proof of active job search efforts and registration with the Portuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP). The extension request should be submitted before the original visa expires and must include all the necessary documents, such as valid travel insurance, proof of financial means, and evidence of ongoing job search activities.

It is important to note that the visa extension does not permit multiple entries; the visa holder is allowed only one entry during the entire validity period. If the visa expires without securing a job or initiating the residence permit application process, the individual must leave Portugal and can only reapply for a new Job Seeker Visa after one year.

During the extension period, visa holders continue to have the right to attend job interviews, network with employers, and explore various job opportunities across sectors such as technology, healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy. Successfully obtaining a job contract during the visa or extension period enables the applicant to apply for a temporary residence permit, which allows legal employment and residence in Portugal.

The processing times for extensions may vary depending on the Portuguese authorities and the consulate handling the application.
 

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, applicants must:

• Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended stay
• Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay (at least the sum of three guaranteed monthly minimum salaries, currently €705 per month)
• Have valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses and possible repatriation
• Provide a clean criminal record certificate from their home country or any country where they have resided for over a year

General documentation

• The general documentation required for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa includes:
• A completed and properly signed national visa application form by the applicant.
• A valid passport or other travel document with at least three months' validity beyond the expected return date, along with a photocopy of the passport's personal data page.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs in good condition for identification purposes (one to be affixed to the application form).
• Evidence of lawful residence if the applicant currently resides in a country other than their nationality.
• A request from the Immigration and Border Services (SEF) for criminal record analysis (not applicable for children under 16).
• A criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of the applicant's country of origin or any country where the applicant has lived for more than one year (except applicants under 16), with Hague Apostille or legalized as applicable.
• Valid travel insurance covering essential medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
• Round-trip flight reservation showing dates of departure and return.
• Proof of financial means equivalent to at least three times the guaranteed monthly minimum salary (€705 per month).

Specific documents

Additional documents may include:

• Cover letter explaining the purpose and plan for the job search
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and academic or professional qualifications
• Proof of registration with the IEFP upon arrival or for visa extension
• Any sponsorship or guarantee letters from Portuguese citizens or residents, if applicable
   

Fees

Fee factors	Amount (€)
Entry visa cost issued by the Portuguese Embassy	90
Submission of application for skilled worker’s residence permit at SEF	83
Issuance of work residence permit from SEF	72

 

Processing time

The processing time for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa generally ranges from 30 to 60 days, depending on the consulate and the applicant’s country of residence. It is advisable to apply well in advance of the planned travel date.
 

How to apply for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa?

Step 1: Check eligibility and prepare required documents.
Step 2: Submit your application at the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate.
Step 3: Attend any required appointment or interview.
Step 4: Wait 30–60 days for visa approval.
Step 5: Travel to Portugal and register with IEFP.
Step 6: Search for a job and secure an offer.
Step 7: Apply for a residence permit with SEF.
 

Portugal Permanent Residency

After legally residing in Portugal for five years, visa holders may apply for permanent residency. This status grants the right to live, work, and study indefinitely in Portugal and access to social benefits. The pathway to citizenship is also available after six years of residence.|
 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the leading overseas immigration consultancy in Canada. Our team of visa experts are here to provide you step-by-step assistance with Portuguese immigration and help you take an informed decision. Our impeccable services include:

• Y-Axis Coaching Services to help you ace language proficiency tests
• Free Career counseling to help you choose the best career path
• Y-Axis Job Search Services to find relevant jobs in Portugal
• Y-Axis Resume Writing Services to help you keep your resume up-to-date
• Personalized assistance with Portuguese Immigration