Portugal Job Seeker Visa | How to Apply

Portugal Job Seeker Visa | How to Apply

Do you know that Portugal offers a type of visa called Job Seeker Visa? This visa is for individuals that are willing to travel to Portugal and search for job.

Portugal Job Seeker Visa

It is important to know that this type of visa is specifically created for qualified persons who have the qualifications and skills to fill vacancies that are in high demand in the country, but have not yet gotten a job offer before entering the country.

This type of visa is usually issued for a period of 6 months, during which the individual is allowed to look for work.

Eligibility Requirements for Portugal Job Seeker Visa

a higher education degree or at least 5 years of professional experience in a specific field.
You must show proof of financial means to support yourself during the job search period
Health insurance that covers you while living in Portugal.

Sectors with Skill Shortages in Portugal

Portugal wants to attract mainly skilled professionals, here is a list of some of the sectors with skill shortages

Technology
Engineering
Healthcare
Business
IT

Documents Needed to Apply for Portugal Job Seeker Visa

The documents you will need include:

National Visa application filled and duly signed by applicant;

Passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return. Photocopy of passport (biographical data);

2 Photos, even, passport type, recent and in good condition to identify the applicant (1 for this form);

Proof of regular status, if you are of a nationality other than that of the country where you are applying for a visa, valid for more than the date of expiry of the visa you are applying for;

Criminal record certificate, issued by the competent authority of the country of the applicant’s nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for over a year (except for applicants under sixteen), with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalised;

Valid travel insurance, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation;

Copy of return transport title;

Proof of financial resources equivalent to at least the sum of three guaranteed monthly minimum salary.

Cost of Job Seeker Visa in Portugal

The visa fee varies, however the range is €90-€100. Prepare to pay this amount or something slightly higher.

How to Apply for Portugal Job Seeker Visa

Carefully take note of the application process:

Prepare the Documents as listed above
Apply for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your home country.
The visa processing time can take from 2 to 3 months

What Happens Once You Arrive in Portugal?

When you have received your Job Seeker Visa and safely arrived in Portugal, you will be eligible to stay in the country for 6 months to search for a job.

The visa allows you to search for employment and also travel round the country during your search.

If you are able to get a job during the 6 months, you can proceed to apply for a work permit and/or change your status to a residence permit.

How to Apply for Residence Permit After Getting A Job

After getting your job offer, you can easily apply for a residence permit in Portugal. It is also important to know that this residence permit is tied to your employment and is usually issued for a period of one-year. You can always renew it as long as you remain employed.

Benefits of the Portugal Job Seeker Visa

Gateway to the larger European job market.
After working in Portugal for a few years, you can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship (usually after 5 years).
Great work-life balance, beautiful landscapes, and a relatively low cost of living
Access to Portugal’s public healthcare system (Serviço Nacional de Saúde).

How to Find a Job in Portugal

Focus on High-Demand Sectors: Such as technology (IT), engineering, healthcare, and tourism.
Learn Portuguese: Fluency in Portuguese will increase your chances of getting a job.
Job Search Websites: Use job search platforms like LinkedIn, Net-Empregos, and Indeed Portugal.

Note: Lisbon and Porto are major job hubs in the country, however, other cities may offer more opportunities, especially in tourism, agriculture, and growing industries.