Portugal Work Visa 2024: Maximizing Your Chances of Approval

Non-EU nationals seeking to work in Portugal must apply for a Portugal Work Visa. To become eligible for a Portuguese work visa.

You must have a work offer from an employer in Portugal. The job vacancy must have been advertised for at least one month so that the right people can guarantee that a Portuguese or EU citizen did not fill it instead.
Your company must submit an application for a Work Permit on your behalf. They submit the application to the Portuguese Labour Authority.

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Types of Portuguese Work Visas

Depending on your profession or credentials, you may apply for one of the following work visas:

• Work Visa for Skilled Workers. You must hold a job offer in one of the qualified professions or occupations. Scientists, medical experts, IT professionals, engineers, and those in high-ranking or administrative roles in a firm are some examples.
• Work Visa for Self-employment. If you operate a business or provide services, you may apply for a self-employment visa in Portugal as an independent worker.
• Work Visa for Highly Skilled Workers. If you have excellent qualifications in your field and earn at least 1.5 times the national average gross yearly wage in Portugal.
• Work Visa for Cultural Activities. If you will participate in a cultural engagement in Portugal as part of a project recognised by the relevant Portuguese authorities.
• Work visa for teaching. You are qualified for this visa if you have a work offer from a Portuguese educational or vocational training institution or research centre.
• Tech” visa. You can apply for this sort of work visa if you work for a firm that is “active in the area of technology and innovation”.

Also Check: Portugal Job Seeker Visa

Processing Time for a Portuguese Work Visa

It might be many months before your work visa application is approved; it can take up to 60 days for the SEF to process the Work Permit application and two to three months for the Embassy to grant an entrance visa.

That does not necessarily imply it will take that long, and your visa may be completed sooner depending on your unique circumstances.

What Is the Duration of a Work Visa?

When you apply for a work visa, you will be issued a residence permit that permits you to live and work in Portugal for one to two years. After 1-2 years, you can renew your permit at the SEF before it expires, as long as you still have an employment offer from your company.

Then you can stay and work in Portugal for as long as your residence permit is valid. Five years later, you may apply for permanent residency.

Work Visa Fees

There are many fees to pay when applying for a work visa.

• The cost of the entrance visa issued by the Portuguese Embassy is €90 (may vary by country).
• To submit the application for a residence visa for work at the SEF, €83
• To get the residency permit for work from the SEF, €72

Portugal Work Visa Requirements

When applying for a Portugal work visa, you will require the following documents:

1. Your passport is valid.
2. Passport-sized photos that adhere to the Portugal visa photograph standards.
3. Proof of adequate finances to support oneself.
4. Your criminal records from your current country of residency. If you have resided in another nation for more than a year, you must get criminal records from there as well.
5. A document authorizing the SEF to verify your Portuguese criminal history.
6. Proof of health insurance coverage for a foreign worker.
7. Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
8. Your employee contract.
9. If you are currently in Portugal: A visa serves as proof of legal entry into Portuguese territory.
10. If you are applying from a nation other than that of your origin: Proof of legal residency, such as a residence permit or visa.

Guidelines:

• All materials you submit must be in English or Portuguese. If not, they must be translated by a qualified translator and certified.
• Certain papers, such as diplomas and civil documents, may require legalization. You can legalize papers with an Apostille Stamp or through the Portuguese Embassy in your country.

Also Read: Portugal Student Visa

How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa?

Once you have obtained a job offer, the application for the Portuguese work visa is separated into three parts:

• Your employer applies for a work permit. They must do this after offering you the job, but before you fly to Portugal.
• You apply for a work visa at the Portuguese embassy. Once you acquire a Work Permit, you must apply for a work visa at the Portuguese Embassy, which will allow you to visit the country.
• You apply for a Portuguese residence permit. When you arrive in Portugal, you must apply for a Residence Permit for Work with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). This is what permits you to reside in Portugal for the long term.

Work Permit Application

Once offered a position, your employer must apply for a Work Permit (Autorização de Trabalho) with the Portuguese Labour Authorities or the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – SEF) on your behalf. They must provide many documents, including:

• Employment contract and company tax statements.
• Proof of registration with Social Security.
• Proof that an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen could not have filled the post

Work Visa Application

Once you have been authorised to work in Portugal, you may apply for a work visa from the Portuguese Embassy in your country. This visa allows you to come to Portugal for employment and apply for a residency permit. The application procedure goes as follows:

• Locate the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate. Find out where you need to apply based on your nation of residency here.
• Schedule an appointment to submit the application. You may need to phone or email ahead.
• Gather the needed paperwork.
• Submit the paperwork on the scheduled appointment date. You may also need to attend a visa interview.

This sort of visa is good for about three to four months, during which time you must apply for a residence permit and record your presence.

Residence Permit Application

Once you arrive in Portugal, you must apply for a residence visa, register for social security, and obtain a tax number.

1. To register for security, you must go to the Social Security Office.
2. To apply for a residence permit, your first visit is the website of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

Appointment: When you apply for a visa at the Embassy, they may schedule an appointment for you at the SEF if you tell them when you expect to go and where you want to stay in Portugal.

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