Portugal Work Visa for Expats: Everything You Need to Know 

Foreign nationals and expats are choosing Europe as their new home, and Portugal is a top choice. The welcoming nature, beautiful coastline, and affordability make Portugal one of the most appealing European countries for residence and work.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need about the Portugal work visa, the temporary and permanent residence permits you’ll need, and how to start applying.

Here’s what we’ll cover below:

• Portugal work visa requirements
• Types of Portugal work visas residence permits
• Where to apply for a work permit
• Detailed information on the D3 Portugal Highly-Skilled worker visa, D8 Visa, and more
• Documents required and eligibility
• How to apply for Portuguese work visas

Do I need a visa to work in Portugal?

If you’re a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you won’t need a Portugal work visa.

However, if you’re staying more than 90 days,  you will need a Residence Certificate (Certificado de Registo) that will be filled out according to the Town Hall that is closest to your residence in Portugal. The cost of this Residence Certificate is around €15.

Non-EU citizens do need a visa to work in Portugal. Once they get accepted into their new job in Portugal and receive a job offer, they’ll be eligible to get a Portugal work visa.

When the request for your Portugal work visa gets approved by the relevant Portuguese authorities, non-EU citizens can obtain legal residence permit authorization.

Types of Portugal Work Visas

The type of Portuguese work visa that you will need will depend on your nationality and the length of your employment contract. There are two main types of Portuguese work visas available for non-EU citizens.

Short-term Portuguese work visas

Temporary stay visas are required for temporary contracts that last less than six months for employees and self-employed workers, subject to an evaluation by the labor authority (IEFP). It’s possible to extend this short-term visa up to one year if you are engaged in scientific research, academic teaching, highly qualified professional activities, or certain training and service provisions provided by members of World Trade Organization countries.

If you are visiting Portugal on a short stay for business purposes, you can apply for a Portuguese business visa.

Long-term Portuguese work visas

For non-EU citizens who get a long-term employment contract and will be living and working in Portugal for more than six months, you will need to get a long-term work visa (Type D). Because Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, you will have access across the 27 Schengen Area countries once you obtain the long-term visa. As stated before, you will have to start the residence permit process upon arrival.

The process for a Portuguese work visa may take some time, so you need to be patient because it’s very different from applying for a tourism visa or any other type of visa. You may wait for several months before your Portuguese work visa application is finalized. AIMA can take up to 60 days to process the work permit application and two to three months for the Portuguese Embassy to issue an entry visa. However, that doesn’t necessarily happen in all cases, and your visa could be processed quicker depending on your specific circumstances.

You should also know that the Portuguese Embassy may call you anytime and ask for more documents before finalizing your work visa, so always be prepared.

Portuguese Work Visas and Permits

D3 Highly-skilled Worker Visa

Also known as the Portugal Skilled Worker Visa, the D3 Visa is designed for individuals with advanced education and specialized expertise who want to secure employment opportunities with a residence permit in Portugal.

Highly skilled workers such as scientific researchers, medical professionals, professors, and Ph.D. students located in Portugal are examples of eligible candidates for the D3 residence permit work visa.

Highly qualified workers from non-EU countries can also apply for the European Blue Card scheme, which gives you the same benefits as the Portugal work visa and Portuguese residency. You can apply for the EU Blue Card only if the following conditions apply to you:

1. You have the required higher education for your position
2. You are a paid employee with an employment contract or binding job offer in an EU country for at least one year
3. You have a gross annual salary of at least 1.5 times the country’s national average. Check out the minimum wages and average salaries in Portugal.

EU Blue Cards are valid for one to four years and allow non-EU nationals to work in EU member states (excluding Denmark and Ireland). A Blue Card holder living in Portugal for 18 months can apply for a residence permit for researchers, medical professionals, or highly-skilled migrants.

D1 Visa

The D1 Visa, commonly called the Subordinate Worker Visa, is intended for individuals who have received a job offer in Portugal. This offer must have been publicly advertised and subjected to interviews but remained unfilled by a Portuguese or EU/EEA national.

This visa grants holders a temporary residency permit for an initial period of two years, with the option to renew for an additional three years. Upon obtaining the temporary residency permit, individuals can pursue family reunification and bring family members to Portugal. After a span of five years, they become eligible to apply for permanent residency and, subsequently, citizenship, entitling them to enjoy all the privileges associated with EU citizenship.

D2 Visa

The D2 visa in Portugal, also known as the Entrepreneur Visa, welcomes non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a vision for establishing a business or making a significant investment in Portugal. This visa is perfect for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and independent service providers who are eager to nurture innovative projects or invest in Portuguese enterprises.

With the D2 visa, you’ll find a pathway to residency, granting you the opportunity to live and work in Portugal. Additionally, it opens the door to family reunification and the chance to apply for permanent residency and citizenship.

This visa has two categories:

• Independent professional activities – individuals who can prove their self-employment
• Entrepreneurs – those looking to start or purchase a business in Portugal

Seasonal Worker Visa

The Seasonal Work Visa in Portugal allows the holder to obtain either a temporary stay visa or a residence permit. The latter allows a stay of up to 90 days and the option to extend. This extension possibility is especially advantageous for stays lasting less than a year, capped at a maximum of nine months in total.

It’s important to be aware that the visa is exclusively applicable to specific sectors of employment approved by the Portuguese government, which include:

• Agriculture, stock farming, game, forestry, and fishery
• Accommodation, catering, and related fields
• Food, beverage, and tobacco industries
• Wholesale and retail trade
• Construction
• Inland transport

Individuals interested in this visa should inquire about eligibility by contacting the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Portuguese Consulate. Furthermore, it is essential to note that the Seasonal Work Visa applications must be submitted from within Portugal.

D8 Digital Nomad Visa

The D8, or Digital Nomad Visa, is crafted for self-employed individuals to live and work for themselves in Portugal.

To qualify, applicants must prove that they earn at least four times the minimum wage in Portugal, which is €3,280.00, and produce a contract of employment or statement that proves their employment relationship. It’s important to note that under this visa, individuals are prohibited from working for a company based in Portugal, and their income should originate from sources outside of Portugal.

• D8 Visa is issued within 60 days
• The initial residence permit is valid for one year but is renewable for up to five years
• Applicants are eligible for citizenship after living and meeting specific criteria for five years

D3 Portugal Tech Visa

The Portugal Tech Visa is a distinctive category aimed at drawing highly skilled professionals to existing businesses in Portugal. Noteworthy advantages of this visa include expedited processing, a streamlined application procedure, and the privilege of working in Portugal for up to two years.

To apply for a D3 Tech Visa, the company you’re applying to must meet specific criteria and be accredited by the IAPMEI to qualify.

While this visa is not specific to the tech industry, applicants must have a tertiary education, advanced technical skills, and experience in the field to be eligible. In addition, applicants must be proficient in either Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish to perform their duties.

Job Seeker Visa Portugal

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa allows you to live in the country while searching for a job. It is granted for 120 days and allows a single entry into Portugal. There is a 60-day extension period before the visa expires.

To apply, you’ll need the relevant visa application form, two photographs, your passport, proof of status in a country other than Portugal, valid travel insurance, a criminal record certificate, an appointment with AIMA, and a return flight.

You must provide proof that you can support yourself financially. The recommended amount needs to equal three times the national minimum salary.

Before submitting your application, you must submit a declaration of interest to the Portuguese Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), the Portuguese public employment service.

Students working in Portugal

Non-EU students will need a Portuguese student permit to work in Portugal while studying. If they meet the necessary criteria, they can also conduct research, teach, or participate in highly qualified or professional training activities.

Portugal Work Visa Requirements

Most Portuguese work visas require you to have a job offer or work contract to apply. Once hired, your employer should take the first step in the visa process by applying for your work permit by contacting the Portuguese Labor Authorities (Autorização de Trabalho).

When your contract is approved by the authorities, you will apply for a Portuguese work visa from the Portuguese Embassy in your country to enter Portugal. Your visa validation depends on your nationality and work contract, for which you need to be in Portugal.

Suppose your work contract is longer than six months. In that case, you must apply for a temporary residency permit before your visa expires to continue living and working in Portugal legally. The type of Portuguese residency permit you will need will differ according to the basis of your employment contract.

When applying for a Portuguese work visa, it’s important to ensure you have the required health insurance and financial means to support your stay. Additionally, you must register with the Portuguese tax and social security authorities.

Please note that aside from that, each temporary work visa has its own additional set of requirements.

What documents do I need to apply for a Portuguese work visa?

According to the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum AIMA (formerly known as SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), you must prepare the following documents for your visa application before applying at the Portuguese Embassy.

• A valid passport
• Passport-size pictures, following Schengen Visa picture guidelines
• Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself
• Clean criminal record certificate from your last country of residence of at least 1 year.
• A document permitting AIMA to check your Portuguese criminal records
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• Your signed contract

If you’re already in Portugal, you must provide proof of legal entry into Portuguese territories, such as a valid work visa. Alternatively, if you’re applying from another country outside your country of origin, you must provide proof of legal stay – such as a residence permit or valid visa.

Take note of the additional requirements for Portuguese work visa application:

• All the documents you’re submitting need to be in English or Portuguese; if not, you must have them translated by an authorized translator.
• Certain documents, such as diplomas or civil documents, may have to be legalized. You can legalize documents through an Apostille Stamp or the Portuguese Embassy or consulate in your country.

How to apply for Portuguese work visas?

As stated above, to apply for the Portugal work visa, you will first need to look into finding a job vacancy, securing a job, and signing a work contract. Then, you will need to apply for a work visa to be able to enter the Portuguese territory, which is divided into three steps:

• Step 1: Your Portuguese employer applies for your work permit.
• Step 2: You apply for a Portugal work visa at the Portuguese Embassy in your country.
• Step 3: You apply for a Portuguese residence permit.

Now we will break those three steps down to provide you with more detailed information so that you are well-prepared and have all the required paperwork.

Step 1: Work permit visa application

Once you have accepted and signed your employment contract, your employer should apply for your Portugal work visa online through the Portuguese Labor Authorities (Autorização de Trabalho) and AIMA.

The following documents are required:

1. Employment contract
2. Company tax statements
3. Proof of having registered with Social Security (Segurança Social)
4. Proof that an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen could not have filled the position

Step 2: Portugal work visa application

After completing the previous step and getting the work permit approved by the authorities, the visa applicant must submit their documents to the Portuguese Embassy in their home country to get the work visa.

Once you obtain this work visa and prove that you have a guaranteed monthly minimum salary, you can legally enter the country and start working in less than six months. During this time, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

Before going to the embassy, make sure of the following:

1. Prepare all the required documents as mentioned above
2. Find the location of the nearest embassy
3. Make an appointment by calling or emailing
4. Take all the necessary documents with you and ensure you have translated them into English or Portuguese. In some cases, the applicant may require a visa interview with AIMA.

Step 3: Residence permit application (Portuguese Immigration and Border Service)

You have already landed the job, obtained the work permit, obtained your Portuguese work visa, and traveled to Portugal safely and soundly. If you’re considering staying longer in Portugal, it’s time to apply for the Residence Permit.

If your employer has not done so already, you must register for a Social Security Number (NISS) from the Portuguese Social Security Office. It is essential for accessing various social services, including health care, pensions, unemployment benefits, and other social security benefits. Your social security is ordinarily a percentage of your earnings that is automatically deducted.

A tax number (NIF) (from Finanças), and a residence permit.

Your first residence permit is valid for two years and renewable for three years.

Portugal Work Visa Fees

There is more than one fee you have to pay when applying for a Portuguese work visa.

• Cost of the entry visa issued by the Portuguese Embassy – €90 (may be subject to change from country to country)
• To apply for a Portugal residence permit at AIMA – €83
• To receive the residence permit from AIMA – €72

We advise you to check the exact fees on the Portuguese Embassy website in your country. Also, make sure to check if they accept money in cash or if you can pay with a credit card to avoid surprises on the submission day.

Work Residency Permit in Portugal

As an employee, you will be legally living and working in Portugal. The standard validation period for your residence permit is one year, and after that, it gets renewed as long as you’re still working in Portugal.

Renewal can be done online through the AIMA website. After five years of residency, you can apply for Portuguese permanent residency and/or Portuguese citizenship and a Portuguese passport. While being a permanent resident provides an array of advantages, as a Portuguese citizen, you will have the rights of an EU citizen, including the ability to live, work, and study in any EU member country.

Does a Portuguese work visa lead to permanent residency?

Depending on the type of visa and length of stay, a Portuguese Work Visa can lead to permanent residency in Portugal. After five years of living in Portugal and maintaining a temporary residence permit, the visa holder can apply for a permanent residence permit or become a Portuguese citizen.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Portugal Work Visa

How do I get a work visa for Portugal?

Firstly, you need to land a job in Portugal to begin the process of obtaining a Portuguese work visa and go through the hiring and interviewing process. Once you are accepted, and your work contract is signed, your employer can start applying for a work permit on your behalf to the Portuguese Labor Authorities.

When your work permit is approved, now you can apply for a Portugal work visa at the Portuguese Embassy in your country. You may also find the opportunity for seasonal work in Portugal.

What are the general requirements for a Portugal work visa?

The Portugal work visa requirements are:

• A completed visa application form.
• A valid passport.
• 2 passport-sized photographs.
• Valid employment contract.
• Proof that you have sufficient means to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
• Criminal record certificate.
• Proof of health insurance with coverage in Portugal.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal.

Please keep in mind that each work visa has its own set of requirements. However, these documents are necessary for every work visa application in Portugal.

Is Portugal issuing work visas?

Yes. There are two types of Portuguese work visas, short-term and long-term. Depending on your nationality and the type of your work contract.

Is it easy to get a job in Portugal?

Finding a job, in general, is always tricky and requires time and patience. The following links may help you find a job in Portugal. 

• Indeed
• SAPO Emprego
• Net Empregos
• Empregos Online
• LinkedIn
• Jobs in Lisbon
• Top Language Jobs
• Learn4Good
• Glassdoor
• EURES The European Job Mobility Portal

What is the duration of a work visa in Portugal?

When you apply for a Portuguese work visa, you will receive a temporary residence permit that allows you to live and work in Portugal for one to two years. After one to two years, you can renew this permit at AIMA (former SEF) before it expires, as long as you still have a job offer from your employer. After five years as a legal resident in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency.

Does a work visa lead to permanent residency in Portugal?

Yes. After living and working in Portugal for five years with your temporary visa, you will be eligible for a permanent residency permit, provided you meet all the requirements from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service.

Does a work visa lead to Portuguese citizenship?

When you obtain your Portuguese work visa, and once you enter the country, you will be able to apply for a temporary resident permit. After five years of your stay in Portugal, you can obtain a permanent resident permit. Alongside securing a permanent residence permit, you can start the process of applying for Portuguese citizenship. 

Can I work in Portugal as an international student?

Yes, international students are allowed to work in Portugal. The permitted hours of work depend on your nationality:

• If you have EU/EEA/Swiss nationality: You can work without any restrictions on a time limit.
• If you do not have EU/EEA/Swiss nationality: You can only work for up to 20 hours/week (part-time) during the semester. During semester breaks or holidays, you may work full-time.

Can I work in Portugal if I have a family visa?

Yes, if you are joining a family member who lives in Portugal, then you are allowed to work and study in the country. You may have to seek authorization for work, however, so you should contact AIMA.

Can you work in Portugal if you are from the UK?

Yes, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service allows UK citizens to work in Portugal. You will need to make sure that you can legally reside in Portugal as a UK citizen. Good options to consider include the D7 Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and the Portugal Golden Visa.

Is there a Portugal self employment visa?

If you are a self-employed worker and are looking to live in Portugal for less than a year, you will need to secure a valid temporary stay visa. For longer periods, you will need to obtain a residence visa. Note that this does not automatically grant you the right of residence, and you will need to apply for a residence permit once in Portugal.

Can I get a work permit for Portugal from India?

Yes, Indian citizens can get a work visa and, consequently, a residence permit, to live and work in Portugal. 

Can an Indian work in Portugal?

Provided you have a valid legal residence permit and/or a Portuguese work visa, Indian citizens can live and work in Portuguese territory with the proper residency visas. 

Do I need to have valid travel insurance to work in Portugal?

Valid travel insurance is not a necessary requirement for a visa, unlike proof of health insurance. However, it is always a good idea to have one covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.

How can I get work permit in Portugal?

You typically need a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer to obtain a certain work permit in Portugal. Once you have a job offer, your employer will initiate the work permit application process.

Alternatively, if you are a freelancer or self-employed, the Digital Nomad or D8 Visa is available, provided you make an income four times the national minimum wage, which is €3,280.00

Can a US citizen work in Portugal?

Yes, any US citizen can work legally in Portugal. However, they need a valid work permit and meet specific criteria. This usually involves obtaining a job offer from a Portuguese employer who will assist with the work permit application process.

Is Portugal open for job seeker visa?

Yes, this visa allows individuals to stay for 120 days initially, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 60 days.

Is it easy for Americans to work in Portugal?

Americans seeking employment in Portugal will find a diverse and promising job market, particularly in the rapidly expanding tech sector.