Apply Portugal Work Visa: Types, Requirements, Benefits 2024

Why Seek a Portugal Work Visa?

• IELTS not required

• Invest in INR, earn in Euros

• Gain citizenship in 3-5 years

• Perfect place to retire

• Family benefits with a work permit

Beginning one's career with a Portugal work visa is a great opportunity to join an active culture. It is also a good idea to immerse yourself in an innovative workforce and have the chance to experience flourishing economics. Portugal's Labor Visa Program gives worldwide individuals an opportunity to discover professional roads in Portugal and in the middle of the beautiful European environment. Independent of whether you're an Indian or from any other location, it is pleasantly known that the thorough details of Portugal’s work visa application are of notable importance. In this detailed guide, we will touch upon the intricacies of the Portugal visa process, such as requirements and application procedures, the Portugal work visa from India, as well as the processing times and more.  

Benefits of Portugal Work Visa

There are several benefits to obtaining a Portugal Work Visa, especially to a Portugal Work Visa from India, including:

1. Live and Work Lawfully: A Portugal work visa allows you to live and work legally with an employer in the country, making you feel safe as if all doors are open for you.

2. Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Spending five years holding a temporary residence permit granting you the right to apply for permanent residency. Also, ten years after you are lawfully residing in Portugal, you may apply for Portuguese citizenship.

3. Test Out the Job Market: With the Job Seeker Visa, you can stay in Portugal for as long as six months to look for work; get a sense of what's available and confirm if your professional goals align well with this country.

4. High standard of living: Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and rich culture. It also provides a great quality of life with top health care and associated low costs compared to other developed European countries.

5. Live and Work Remotely (From Portugal): The Digital Nomad Visa is ideal for self-employed individuals, like most of my readers, who are freelancers or remote workers to live and work in Portugal.

Portugal Work Visa Requirements in 2024

Securing a Portugal work visa involves two key components: the work visa and the residence permit. Below are the requirements for each:

1. Work Visa

• A passport valid for at least three months longer than you plan to remain.

• Two identical passport-sized photos are able to meet Portugal visa photo requirements.

• Proof of enough money to support yourself for the duration of your stay, e.g. bank statements

• Certificado de Antecedentes Penales del país, delitos/barrios en todos los países donde haya residido más de un año.

• Document: Declaration signed off by you and allowing SEF (Servijson de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to obtain your Portuguese criminal record.

• Health insurance is valid for international employees in Portugal.

• Evidence of lodging in Portugal, corresponding to a contracts or inn reservations

• Employment agreement between you and your future employer in Portugal. Your employer must obtain a Work Permit from the Portuguese Labor Authorities before you are hired.

2. Permanent Residence

Residence Permit (applied for upon entering Portugal along with your work visa):

• A valid work visa.

• A legitimate passport.

• A signed employment settlement.

• Two passport photos.

• Evidence of sufficient finances.

• A Portuguese tax identification variety.

• Confirmation of Portuguese social security registration.

• Verify qualifications for regulated professions if relevant.

• Proof of lodging in Portugal.

Types of Portugal Work Visa

• Job seeker visa

• Temporary work visa

• Schengen category C short-stay visa

• Work visas for specific circumstances

1. Portugal Job Seeker Visa

In Portugal, skilled specialists from non-EU nations have the opportunity to use a Job Seeker Visa, also referred to as Manifestação de Interesse. This visa lets entry into the country for an initial period of a hundred and twenty days. This visa also provides a choice for renewal for an extra 60 days. Hence, individuals have a most than eight months to search for employment opportunities in Portugal.

Requirements for this Visa:

• Fill out and sign the National Visa application form.

• Make sure your passport is up-to-date, with at least 3 months of validity beyond your planned stay and a couple of blank pages for stamps.

• Bring along two recent passport-sized photos.

• You'll need to show you have enough money to support yourself while you're in Portugal. Usually, this means having at least three times the monthly minimum wage in Portugal. Check the current figures when you apply.

• Get health insurance that covers at least €30,000 for medical costs and emergency travel back home.

2. Portugal Temporary Work Visa

There are two temporary work visas that we should keep in mind for work in Portugal:

1. Seasonal Work Visa: If you're looking for short-term opportunities in sectors like tourism, agriculture, or retail, this visa has got you covered. You can enjoy up to 9 months in Portugal within a span of 12 months, making it ideal for seasonal work experiences.

2. Temporary Work Visa: This visa is your ticket to working with Portuguese employers. It matches the duration of your job contract, giving you flexibility for up to two years. Plus, if you love your job and want to stay longer, you can renew it easily.

Requirements for Portugal Temporary Work Visa:

• Ensure your passport remains valid for a minimum of three months beyond your planned stay in Portugal.

• Two recent passport-sized photos that adhere to Portugal's visa photo specifications.

• The rental agreement or hotel booking confirmation indicates your place of stay in Portugal.

• Submit bank statements or other relevant documents verifying that you possess adequate funds to sustain yourself throughout your stay.

• Valid health insurance that offers coverage throughout your visa duration as a foreign worker in Portugal.

• Provide a criminal record certificate from your home country, as well as from any other nation where you've resided for over a year.

• Furnish a letter granting SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) permission to conduct a criminal background check in Portugal.

• Sign an employment contract with your prospective employer in Portugal to formalize your work arrangements.

3. Schengen category C short-stay visa

This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. It suits short-term engagements like assignments, conferences, or training programs.

Requirements of Schengen category C short-stay visa: 

• Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area and have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.

• Obtain and complete a Schengen visa application form, typically available from the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your home country.

• Two recent passport-sized photos are usually required.

• If you're employed, a letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and leave of absence for your travel dates is helpful.

• For business travel, include an invitation letter from a business partner or a company in Portugal.

• Provide proof of registration and conference details if attending conferences.

• Present confirmation of your hotel reservation for the entire duration of your stay.

• If staying in a rented property, provide a copy of the rental agreement.

• Show sufficient funds to cover your living expenses during your stay.

• Alternatively, present a prepaid travel card with enough funds.

• Ensure you have valid travel medical insurance covering a minimum of €30,000 for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation.

Portugal Work Visa Fees in 2024

Here is a table giving you an idea about Portugal work visa fees:

Portugal Work Visa Apply Online

Portugal work visa online applications are easily available due to the global net. The Portugal work visa visas are now in the process of being facilitated online. Candidates wanting to submit an electronic application to Portuguese immigration authorities may do it either from the official website of their authority or seek help from some consultants for Portugal work visa apply online. This software provides the option of a Portugal work visa online, which enhances the whole application process at the same time. The Portugal work visa apply online is a straightforward and comprehensive process. 

Portugal Work Permit Processing Time in 2024

Obtaining a work permit in Portugal is key to success in the application of the visa. The operation of Portugal's work permit processing time might take a long time on account of certain features like competence, sponsorship by the employer and full compliance with the immigration regulatory requirements. Highly correlated with both the speed and accuracy of received documents, earlier submitted documentation will result in more rapid processing, which gives applicants a chance to start working in Portugal faster. The Portugal work permit processing time depends on the kind of application you submit. 

Portugal Work Visa Processing Time in India

The Portugal work visa processing time in India mainly depends upon many factors, including the number of applications, documents and their good condition, and also the kind of visa applied for. On the contrary, one type of visa may be processed only in spring or fall, while the other one could take a long time to be reviewed, and the location could be behind. It is as much diligence and attention to time management as honestly estimating the required time of consideration, which are the key demands when one is applying for jobs in Portugal. The Portugal work visa processing time in India depends on the type of visa.

Portugal Work Permit Visa Requirements

The Portugal work permit visa requirements include a list of requirements such as suitability and eligibility tests, which aid in streamlining the selection and admission of applicants. For the Portugal Work Visa.

1.  Valid Passport:

 Candidates need to fulfil conditions about their passport's validity, as imposed by Portuguese immigration officials.

 2.  Job Offer: 

A formal offer of the job from the Portuguese employer, in which the time of employment, salary, and other living conditions are regulated, is expected before the work permit application. 

3.  Qualifications: 

Job requirements may differ, so candidates may have to prove their qualifications, certifications, or professional certificates in the appropriate form.

 4.  Health Insurance: 

Be it individual or family coverage, the applicant should have enough health insurance in place to cover the length of the stay. 

5.  Financial Means: 

It should be compulsory for a person to show sufficient financial affluence for living support in the initial days of stay in Portugal to be issued with a work permit. 

6.  Clean Criminal Record: 

Candidates should certify that they have received correspondence from the police service about their country of residence to fulfil the requirement of a clean criminal record. 

How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa from India?

Obtaining a Portugal work visa from India involves a two-step process: securing a work permit and then applying for the visa. Here are some of the steps to obtain a Portugal work visa from India:

Step 1: Work Permit

Your Portuguese employer must initiate this step by applying for a Work Permit on your behalf with the Portuguese Labor Authorities (Autoridade das Condições do Trabalho - ACT). This ensures they have advertised the position and couldn't find a suitable Portuguese or EU citizen.

Employer Documents for Work Permit Application (may vary):

• Employment contract between you and your employer

• Company tax statements

• Proof of registration with Portuguese Social Security

• Evidence that an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen could not fill the position

Step 2: Portugal Work Visa Application

Once you have the Work Permit approval, you can proceed with the visa application process:

• Contact the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in India: They will provide specific instructions and application forms based on your visa category (temporary work visa, job seeker visa, etc.).

• Fill out the application form accurately with all required information.

To complete the application form, gather the required documents. These may include:

• A valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay)

• Two passport-sized photos meeting Portugal's visa picture requirements

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental agreement or hotel booking)

• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay (bank statements, etc.)

• Health insurance valid as a foreign worker in Portugal

• A criminal record certificate from your home country (and any other country you’ve lived in for over a year)

• A letter authorizing SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to check your Portuguese criminal record

• An employment contract signed by you and your employer in Portugal

• The Work Permit approval document obtained in Step 1

• Submit Application and Fees: Submit the completed application package and pay the visa processing fee (usually €80).

Step 3: Biometric Appointment

You may need to attend an appointment to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph.

Step 4:Visa Interview

In some cases, the embassy/consulate might request an interview.

Step 5: Visa Processing

Allow enough time for processing, which can vary depending on the visa category and workload (generally 15 working days for short-term visas and potentially several months for temporary work visas). 

Discover All That Terratern Can Do for You

1. Clear and Honest Guidance and Consultation

2. Comprehensive Visa and Immigration Documentation Assistance

3. Tailored Checklists Aligned with Your Program Requirements

4. Job Search Assistance and Support

5. Preparation for Language Proficiency Tests such as IELTS, PTE, and more

6. Continued Support and Relocation Assistance After Arrival