The Portugal Seasonal Worker Visa (commonly known as the E8 Temporary Stay Visa) is designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who have secured a time-limited employment contract in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, hospitality, food processing, construction, or land transport.
It’s a flexible option for those who plan to stay in Portugal up to 90 days on a short-stay permit, or between 90 and 270 days on a temporary stay visa, without needing a longer-term residence permit
This article will explore the application procedures for the Portugal E8 Visa to help you plan your move or employment in Portugal. We will also cover:
⚠️ Portugal Nationality Law Changes 2025
On June 23, 2025, the Portuguese Government announced plans to amend the Nationality Law and the legal framework governing immigration. The proposals have passed the plenary vote on October 28, 2025, which marks a significant step forward in the legislative process.
Among the measures under discussion are an increase in the residence requirement for nationality from five years to ten years – seven years for nationals of CPLP and EU countries – and a change to how residency time is calculated, so that the clock would start when residency is issued rather than when the application is submitted.
These changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review. At that stage, the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended, including any transitional provisions or possible grandfathering rules, but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Key Aspects of Portugal’s E8 Visa
The E8 visa in Portugal is a Temporary Stay Visa intended for seasonal work. It is specifically designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who have a job offer or employment contract for seasonal employment in Portugal.
This typically includes sectors such as agriculture, tourism, or hospitality. The contract must be for a duration of 90 to 270 days. Please note that this visa is not for job seekers; applicants must already possess a valid job offer.
- Purpose: Seasonal work in Portugal
- Eligibility: Requires a valid job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese company for a specific period (90-270 days)
- Non-EU/EEA nationals: Primarily intended for individuals from outside the European Union and European Economic Area
- Employment sectors: Agriculture, tourism, hospitality, food industry, construction, and land transport
- Processing time: The E8 Visa processing time is generally around 30 calendar days, but this can vary
- Application: Must be submitted at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in the applicant’s country of residence
Requirements for the E8 Visa
- A completed E8 Visa national visa application form
- Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay
- Proof of regular status if not a national of the country where applying, such as a residence permit
- Valid travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation
- Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of origin or residence
- Copy of the return transport ticket
- Proof of financial means to support your stay
- Employment contract or valid job offer for seasonal work, specifying details like location, duration, type of work, salary, and vacation time
- Proof of accommodation, which the employer can provide
- Adequate medical protection or health insurance
Key seasonal work sectors
- Agriculture, zootechnics, hunting, forestry, and fishing
- Accommodation, catering, restaurants
- Food, beverage, and tobacco industries
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Construction industry
- Land transport
The E8 visa is a temporary option, and applicants are expected to leave Portugal once their employment period concludes.
It’s important for applicants to understand the specific requirements related to their chosen sector and profession, particularly for any regulated professions. All documents must be submitted in Portuguese or English, or they should include appropriate translations if necessary.
What is Portugal’s E8 Visa?
The E8 Temporary Stay Visa is designed for foreign nationals who have a valid job offer or employment contract with a Portuguese company for seasonal work. This contract must be set for a period between 90 and 270 days.
The E8 is not a job seeker visa; applicants must already have an employment offer in place.
Targeted towards non-EU/EEA nationals, the E8 Work Visa is ideal if you want to work in sectors that experience high demand during certain times of the year, such as agriculture, tourism, or hospitality. Examples of seasonal work Portugal opportunities that qualify for Portugal’s E8 Visa include:
- Agriculture, zootechnics (animal production), hunting, forestry, and fishing
- Accommodation, catering/restaurants, and similar activities
- Food, beverage, and tobacco industries
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Construction industry
- Land transports
Benefits of the Seasonal Work Visa
While the E8 Visa doesn’t allow you to obtain residency or citizenship like the Portugal Golden Visa, there are several other benefits.
 | Short-term commitment: The E8 Visa allows individuals to live and work in Portugal for a short period, making it ideal for those who do not want a long-term commitment. |
| | Easier application process: Compared to other long-term visas, the application process for the E8 Visa is relatively simpler and faster, with fewer documentation requirements. |
| | Work opportunities: The visa provides an opportunity to work in various sectors with high seasonal demand, helping individuals gain experience and earn income. |
| | Cultural experience: Living and working in Portugal offers a chance to immerse oneself in Portuguese culture, learn the language, and explore the country without a long-term commitment. |
| | Potential future opportunities: Seasonal work can be a stepping stone for individuals considering other longer-term visa options or residency in Portugal. |
Portugal’s E8 Requirements
A critical requirement for the E8 Visa is having a work contract or a valid work offer for seasonal work with a temporary work company or an employer established in Portuguese territory.
As part of the application criteria, you must submit a letter from the company stating the location, time, type of work, duration, salary, and paid vacation. If it is a regulated profession, then compliance with national legal requirements for that profession is mandatory.
You would also need to prove that you have accommodation or a lease agreement in Portugal. The employer can also provide this if they have staff lodging available. As with all visas for Portugal, you must also provide proof of medical insurance and whether the employer provides work accident insurance.
Portugal’s E8 Visa required documents
In addition to the proof specific to the E8 Visa, you’ll also need to hand in the following documents when applying for any of the Portugal visas:
- National Visa application filled and duly signed
- Two passport photos
- Passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return.
- 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
- Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation
- 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, with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalized
- Proof of financial resources
- Copy of your return flight
Some may find it daunting to provide sufficient means of subsistence to live in Portugal. However, it’s not as complex as the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.
While certain visa applications require you to have a specific amount of money in a Portuguese bank account, the E8 only requires you to prove you have at least €820 for every month you’ll be in Portugal, or at the very least, “able to acquire such means upon arrival” – such as a work contract.
Portugal’s E8 Visa Application Process
As with most visa applications, the process is relatively easy. Once you have all the required documents and proof, including a completed and signed National Visa application, you must book an appointment through VFS Global or your nearest Portuguese Consulate.
Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive a confirmation email and letter. At the Visa Application Center appointment, an agent will review your documents and take your photo and fingerprints.
Your seasonal worker visa application will be sent to Portugal for further processing and approval if everything is in order. You can track your application status online, and once it gets the green light, you’ll be able to collect your passport and visa at the Visa Application Center where you applied.
The E8 Visa processing time is at least 21 days, however, it can take longer if your nationality is on the extended processing time list. Some nationalities on the list include Iran, Russia, Somalia, Egypt, and Belarus.
E8 Visa Cost
The fees associated with the E8 vary depending on where you apply from and your nationality. The application fee is around €75, and if you go through VFS Global, the agency charges a $42 service fee in the US.
Seasonal Worker Visa vs Other Portugal Visas
The primary focus of the E8 is on short-term employment, with no direct pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, and typically granted for stays of up to nine months.
Once the employment period ends, you are expected to leave Portugal, making it an option best suited for workers seeking temporary stays without a long-term commitment.
Below, we compare the seasonal worker visa with other popular Portuguese visa programs.
E8 Visa vs the Portugal D7 Visa
In contrast, the Portugal D7 Visa targets retirees and individuals with passive income who wish to relocate to Portugal for an extended period. Unlike the Seasonal Worker Visa, the D7 is for people who can support themselves financially without relying on Portuguese employment.
This visa grants initial residency for one year, with the possibility of renewal and ultimately transitioning to permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
E8 Visa vs the Portugal D8 Visa
The D8 Visa, often called the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa, caters to remote workers and freelancers who wish to live in Portugal while working for companies or clients outside the country.
Like the D7, the D8 Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship, with similar requirements regarding the length of stay and integration. It allows digital nomads to reside in Portugal while maintaining their location-independent employment. It differs from the Seasonal Worker Visa, which mandates work tied to the Portuguese labor market. The Digital Nomad Visa Portugal (D8 Visa) is specifically designed for remote workers.
E8 Visa vs the Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa program stands apart from the other visas, as it is designed to attract investors rather than workers or retirees. It grants residency to individuals who make qualifying investments in Portugal, such as contributions to certain development projects.
It allows for a more flexible residency requirement, as holders only need to spend a minimum number of days in Portugal each year. After five years of holding a Golden Visa, applicants can pursue permanent residency or citizenship, provided they meet other requirements.
E8 Visa vs Schengen Visa
While Portugal’s E8 Visa is a national visa, it is essential to note that it is different from the Schengen Visa, which is a short-stay visa that non-EU citizens can apply for to stay in Portugal for up to 90 days. The E8 Visa also differs from the Portugal D1 Visa or the Portugal subordinate work visa, which allows for long-term employment. The E8 Visa is not a pathway to obtaining a European Union or EU Blue Card in Portugal, and it is solely focused on temporary work in Portugal.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
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