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Updated February 2024

Portugal’s allure to foreign workers remains steadfast, as it offers enticing opportunities and attractive qualities. The country’s strong economy, emphasis on work-life balance, and high quality of life make it an appealing destination for job seekers. Additionally, Portugal’s economic growth has fostered a range of job prospects, notably in sectors like technology, tourism, renewable energy, and services. Please keep reading to find out more about the Portugal job seeker visa

 

Portugal job seeker visa 2024

The Portugal job seeker visa permits individuals to enter and reside in Portugal for up to 4 months or 120 days, specifically for the purpose of seeking employment opportunities in the country. During this period, visa holders are authorized to engage in subordinated work activities until the visa expires or until they are granted a residence permit.

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Portugal job seeker visa validity and extension

The Portugal job seeker visa is initially valid for 120 days or 4 months and allows a single entry into Portugal. It can be extended for an additional 60 days.

Upon receiving the visa, applicants will be assigned a scheduled date within the 120-day validity period. Once an employment contract is formalized during this time, applicants can apply for a residence permit.

After the maximum validity period of the job seeker visa has expired and if no employment relationship or residence permit application has been established, the visa holder must leave the country.

In such cases, the visa holder can reapply for a new visa one year after the previous visa’s expiration. The extension request should include proof of registration with the IEFP, I.P., and a declaration by the applicant maintaining the conditions of the planned stay, which will be assessed based on the reasons that justified the initial visa issuance.

Portugal job seeker visa requirements

The following are some of the documents required to apply for a Portugal job seeker visa

  • a national visa application form completed and duly signed by the applicant
  • passport or other travel documents, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return. Please note that a photocopy of the passport (biographical data) is also required
  • one photograph, even passport-type, recent and in good condition to identify the applicant
  • proof of regular status, if the applicant is of a nationality other than that of the country where they are applying for a visa, valid for more than the date of expiry of the visa they are applying for;
  • request for criminal record enquiry by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF). Please note that this is not applicable to minors under the age of 16
  • a 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 the age of 16, with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalized
  • valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation
  • copy of return flight tickets, proof of financial resources equivalent to at least the sum of three guaranteed monthly minimum salaries
    • proof of the financial resources may be waived upon presentation of a term of responsibility with a recognized signature made by a Portuguese citizen or a foreign citizen, with a legal residence authorization in Portugal, which guarantees food and accommodation for the visa applicant, as well as the repatriation costs, in case of irregular stay
      • the signatory of the responsibility term must also prove to have the financial capacity in the amount of at least three times the value of the guaranteed minimum monthly salary.
  • declaration with an indication of the conditions for the estimated stay
  • proof of presentation of a declaration of expression of interest for enrolment in the IEFP

Portugal job seeker visa online application

To apply for a Portugal job seeker visa, applicants must visit the Portuguese embassy/consulate or an authorized visa application center like VFS Global in their home country. The application cannot be completed online.

To start the process, individuals should schedule an appointment through the embassy/consulate’s website or by contacting an authorized application center. Once the appointment is confirmed, applicants must gather the required documents and submit them on the scheduled date.

For more detailed information about the Portugal job seeker visa, it is advisable to consult the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate. They will be able to provide additional guidance and address any specific inquiries you may have.

Portugal job seeker visa processing time

The processing time for a Portugal job seeker visa is typically reported to be between 3 to 6 months, as indicated by various sources. However, it’s important to note that the processing time can vary based on the specific embassy/consulate or visa application center where you submit your application.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on the processing time for the Portugal job seeker visa, it is recommended to consult the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate. They will be able to provide you with specific details and any potential updates regarding the processing time.

Portugal job seeker visa fees

The price for a Portugal job seeker visa has not been confirmed yet. However, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the fees for processing national visa applications may range between EUR 75 to 90.

 

 

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