Work Permit in Portugal

With its stable economy and high quality of life, many foreign professionals head to Portugal. To work legally in Portugal, foreigners from outside the EU or EEA must obtain a work permit. In this article, we look at the most relevant issues regarding obtaining a work permit in Portugal.

Key types of work permit

Residence Authorization for Highly Qualified Employment Activity. This residence permit is designed for highly qualified professionals, such as IT and engineering but also medicine. The conditions for getting this residence permit entail university study and an employment contract with a Portuguese employer.

Residence Authorization for Subordinate Professional Activity. This permit covers the workers who will have an employment contract with a Portuguese employer. One of the requirements is proof that there is a job vacancy that cannot be filled by local candidates.

Entrepreneurs and Freelancers Work Permit: This visa applies to those who want to set up either a business or freelance in Portugal. This permit will require proof of financial solvency, accompanied by a business plan that proves potential for economic development.

Job offer. The first major step towards getting a work visa is getting an offer from an employer in Portugal. The employer must confirm that the vacancy could not be filled by Portuguese or European Union nationals.

Documents required. For the application to the work permit, you have to prepare an application with the following set of documents:

• A valid passport
• Work permit application form
• A contract of employment or job offer
• Confirmation of qualification and work experience: diplomas and certificates.
• Evidence of financial solvency.
• Health Insurance.

Application for a visa. Having received a job offer and having prepared all the documents, one submits an application to the Consulate or Embassy of Portugal in your country. It is necessary to make an appointment for an interview and submit a full package of documents.

Waiting for the decision. The application process takes, on average, 2-3 months. It is very important to keep continuous checks on the status of the application and be prepared to submit any additional documents needed in a timely manner.

Entry into Portugal and residence permit application. Upon receipt of a visa in your home country, entry into Portugal is allowed, and you will need to apply for an Autorização de Residência with the local immigration office, SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras. This registration should be made during the first weeks following arrival.

Portugal, because of its stable economy and good climate, is very attractive for foreign professionals. Third-country nationals who do not have European Union or European Economic Area nationality need to get a work visa along with permission to work, which allows them to work legally in Portugal. In the article below, we will review the main characteristics and the application process for a work visa to Portugal.

Main types of work visas

Visto para atividade profissional altamente qualificada – Work visa for highly qualified professionals. This visa is intended for highly qualified professionals in the field of information technology, engineering, and medicine. The major requirements include a university degree with a labor contract with an employer based in Portugal.

Subordinate work visa. This visa is for employees who have a contract of employment with a Portuguese employer. It is very important that the employer confirms that the vacancy could not be filled by Portuguese or EU/EEA nationals.

Entrepreneurs and freelancers working visa Visto para atividade profissional independente. This visa applies to self-employed entrepreneurs and freelancers who intend to practice in Portugal. A business plan is necessary together with proof of financial solvency.

The process of obtaining a work visa

Receiving a job offer. The first step is receiving an official job offer from a Portuguese employer. The employer needs to confirm that the vacancy could not be filled either by local candidates or EU citizens.

Gathering required documents. For obtaining a work visa, you will be needing the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• A contract of employment or job offer.
• Qualification and proof of work experience, such as diplomas and certificates.
• Proof of financial solvency.
• Health insurance, valid for the whole period of stay in Portugal.

Visa Application. The application should be sent to a Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country. You are supposed to make an appointment for an interview and provide a full package of documents.

Waiting for the Decision: This usually takes 2 to 3 months in a process. Following up on the status and submission of additional documents, if needed is very necessary.

Entry into Portugal and residence permit. Once the visa has been issued and upon entry into Portugal, one needs to apply for a residence permit with the relevant immigration office, Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – SEF. The registration must be performed within the first weeks following arrival.

How to apply for the Portugal work visa in 2024?

A work visa to Portugal gives the right to foreign professionals to work legally and reside in one of the most interesting countries in Europe. In general, a work visa application involves several steps that must be in place, preparation being number one, and adherence to all procedures. The topic of how one applies for a work visa to Portugal in 2024 is quite interesting.

How can I get a Portugal work visa and permit?

Portugal is a popular destination for foreign professionals, offering a stable economy and high standard of living. For them to work in the country, a citizen of any country other than the EU or EEA has to apply for a work visa and work permit. In this article, we will outline the process for obtaining these documents.

What documents do I need for Portugal work visa application?

Applying a visa to work in Portugal requires attention to be paid to which documents are necessary to prepare correctly and on time. Correct paperwork is one of the determining factors in successful issuance of a visa and work permit. In this article, we will take a closer look at what documents are required in order to apply for a work visa to Portugal.

Basic documents for application

Valid passport. The passport needs to be valid for at least six months beyond the expiry date of the visa requested and have at least two free visa pages.

Completed visa application form. This can be downloaded from the official website of the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate. It should be completed and signed by the applicant.

Photographs. Two recent colour photographs, in accordance with the requirements for visa photographs, should be submitted.

Labour contract or job offer. A copy of the contract or an official letter from the Portuguese employer stating working conditions, salary, and duration of the contract has to be presented.

Proof of qualifications and work experience. Diplomas, certificates, and letters of reference from previous employers that prove your qualifications and work experience. All the documents have to be translated by a sworn translator either to Portuguese or to English and notarized.

Proof of financial solvency. Statements from the bank or any other documents proving that you have sufficient funds to spend the period in Portugal.

Health Insurance. Health insurance that covers the entire period of your stay in Portugal.

Proof of residence. Documents confirming a place of residence in Portugal, such as a contract of lease or a letter from your landlord.

Criminal record certificate. Depending on specific situations, you will also be required to provide a criminal record certificate from all countries where you have lived for more than six months in the last five years.

Application process

Gathering the necessary documents. Check that you have all the documents listed in the above list, which comply with the requirements of the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate.

Application Submission. The documents should be submitted personally at the consular section of the embassy or a visa application center. You should make an appointment for an interview in advance and be prepared to answer some possible questions concerning your travel purposes and future plans.

Waiting for a decision. The time normally required to process your work visa application usually takes from 2 to 3 months. In the meantime, you are advised to keep up with following the procedure and submit any further required documents on time.

Where and when can you apply for a Portugal work visa?

Application for a working visa in Portugal should be meticulously planned, taking into consideration all the procedural nuances. That is why it is so important to know exactly where to apply and what deadlines need to be taken into consideration so that the process will go smoothly and without delays. In this article, we will look at where and when you can apply for a work visa to Portugal.

Where a work visa is applied for

1. Portuguese embassies and consulates. The main places where one can apply for a work visa are the Portuguese embassies or consulates in your country. It is these diplomatic missions that are authorized to take in documents and conduct interviews.
2. Visa Centres: In some countries, Portugal cooperates with visa centres receiving applications that will later be processed by embassies or consulates. In many cases, these centres offer more convenient application conditions, such as extended opening hours and the provision of additional services.
3. Online application: Sometimes, in case of specific requirements, one may apply online through certain websites given on the particular embassy or consulate website. The last step of application and interview, however, goes in a physical office.
4. It is recommended to start the process of applying for a work visa at least three months before the planned date of entry into Portugal. This is because the verification and processing of documents can take a considerable amount of time.
5. Consideration of the processing time: For a work visa, the estimated time taken for the processing in general usually ranges between two and three months. This period has to be kept in mind while planning the application.
6. Avoid Peak Periods: Summer months and seasons around holidays are generally when the consular services are most in demand. Outside these peak periods, it is most probable that the speed of an application going through will be much faster.
7. Most of the embassies and consulates require an appointment for an application. This could be done online via the web page of the embassy/consulate.
8. Document gathering: Make sure you have all the documents, including passport, photos, employment contract, health insurance, and other papers, as required.
9. Attend the interview: Attend the interview at the designated time with a full application. Following the interview, your documents will be forwarded for processing and you are allowed to leave and await the outcome.

For what period of time is the work visa to Portugal valid?

A work visa to Portugal brings the right of foreign workers to live in this country and to work here legally. Understanding visa validity periods is an important aspect in the successful planning of your stay and professional activities in Portugal. How long a working visa is issued for and what to expect during the renewal procedure, further in this article.

Validity period for work visas depending on their type

Work visa for highly qualified professionals: Visto para atividade profissional altamente qualificada

Duration: From one to two years, depending on the terms of the employment contract.

Renovação: Its renewal for another two years is possible if the employment and residence conditions are satisfied.

Renewability: renewable annually if the employment contract is in force and all conditions are complied with.

Entrepreneur and freelancer work visa: Visto para atividade profissional independente

Duration of stay: one year; renewable.

Renewability: possible after successful business operations have been achieved and proof of financial solvency has been presented.

Visa extension procedure

Preparation of the documents. For extending the work visa, prepare an updated set of documents: valid employment contract, proof of qualification and work experience, documentation of meeting minimum wage and working conditions requirements, etc.

Renewal Application. The application for a work permit’s renewal has to be addressed to the local branch of Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – SEF. It is advisable that the renewal application process should start a few months prior to the expiry of the current visa.

Waiting for a decision. It usually takes several weeks to one month for the processing of an extension application. Application should, therefore, be timely to avoid illegal stay in the country.

Strong points to consider:

Compliance with the conditions of the visa: Strictly adhering to the employment contract conditions and to current Portuguese law will help you avoid many problems while renewing your visa.

Getting ready for renewal: Start getting ready for your renewal well ahead so that this might be a painless transition that does not interfere with your professional life.

Consultation with specialists: If necessary, consult migration specialists or lawyers for accurate information and support in the visa extension process.

Are foreigners allowed to work in Portugal?

With its stable economic growth and high quality of living, Portugal is an attractive country for foreign professionals. The question of whether foreigners are allowed to work in Portugal is one which very often arises among many who consider this country for career growth and development. In the given article we are going to get familiar with major aspects related to the employment of foreign nationals in Portugal.

Legislative framework

1. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland have the right of free movement and employment in Portugal, without any further work permits being required. They can work in Portugal under the same conditions as locals.
2. Non-EU/EEA nationals For non-EU/EEA nationals, it is necessary to have a work permit and work visa in order to legally work in Portugal. This involves a number of types of permits such as a work visa for highly qualified professionals, a work visa for salaried workers, and a work visa for entrepreneurs and freelancers.
3. Work visa-highly qualified. The residence visa is also available for highly qualified professionals, be it in information technology, engineering, or medicine. It requires a university degree and a labor contract with a Portuguese employer.
4. Visa per lavoratore subordinato. It is designed for employees who have an employment contract with a Portuguese employer. The employer must confirm that the vacancy cannot be filled by local candidates or EU citizens.
5. Entrepreneurial and self-employment work visa Visto para atividade profissional independente Applicable in the event of self-employed entrepreneur or freelancer who wants to practice his activity in Portugal. It requires to present a business plan and proof of economic solvency.

How to get a work permit

Job offer. The major step towards getting a work permit is securing a job offer from an employer based in Portugal.

Visa Application. After receiving the job offer, you have to apply for a visa at the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy in your country. You have to gather the required documents, which include the contract of employment, proof of qualification, work experience, health insurance, and proof of financial solvency.

Registration and residence permit. Upon arrival in Portugal and entering the country on a work visa, you would have to go and register at the local immigration office – known as Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF) – and apply for a residence permit that would confirm your right to work, as well.

Foreign citizens can be legally employed in Portugal by following all the legal requirements and procedures. While for EU/EEA citizens, the process of being hired is simpler, other citizens need to apply for an appropriate work permit and work visa. Carefully prepare your documents and meet all the conditions for successful employment and career start in Portugal.

Types of work visas in Portugal

Portugal attracts many foreign professionals with its dynamic economy and high quality of life. Of course, in order to work legally in the country, you will need to obtain an appropriate work visa. Below, we shall look at the main types of work visas in Portugal, their peculiarities, and requirements.

Due to the globalization of the economy, foreign professionals come to Portugal seeking work and development in greater numbers. A work permit in Portugal is a certain document given to foreigners by which they are allowed to work and live in the country legally. The process of getting a permit requires a careful approach to documentation and a regular understanding of Portuguese labor legislation.

Types of work permits

In Portugal, depending on the length of stay and the nature of the work to be carried out, there are types of permission:

• Short-term permissions are for temporary contracts up to 6 months.
• Long-term permissions, normally provided on the basis of an employment contract, can be subject to renewal.

General Requirements

A foreigner should provide the following documents for a work permit:

• Usan passport;
• Employment contract from a Portuguese employer;
• Proof of adequate means of subsistence;
• Health insurance covering the period of stay in the country;
• Certificate of absence of criminal record in the territory of the Russian Federation and other countries.

Application process

It can be initiated in Portugal, or from outside of Portugal, through a Portuguese consulate or embassy. The full application package, together with the work permit application form, should be presented. Processing time may take some weeks or even months.

Integration into Portuguese society

Obtaining a work permit means the first step to integration into Portuguese society. Besides, foreign workers may need to adapt to the labor market and learn the language.

Getting a work permit in Portugal involves several steps. First and foremost, it is necessary to have a job offer from a Portuguese employer and prepare a number of documents in accordance with established requirements. By doing so, foreign workers can enter the Portuguese labor market and enjoy the benefits that this beautiful country offers.

With its favorable living conditions and vibrant economy, Portugal remains an attractive destination for foreign professionals. In this article, we examined the requirements and processes of obtaining work permits and work visas, as well as the specifics of working in this beautiful European country.