Are you a job seeker and looking to develop your career in a European country? If yes, the Job Seekers Visa in Portugal can open a world of opportunities for you.
After getting this visa, you can enter Portugal and search for a job that fits your interests and qualifications to stay in the country.
In this article, we will take you on the path of getting the Job Seekers Visa in Portugal through a comprehensive step-by-step guide by providing detailed information on each step to ensure a smooth application process.
So, be with us till the end to explore a new window of opportunity for living and working in Portugal.
Job seekers visa in Portugal: an overview
The Job Seekers Visa in Portugal is a unique immigration program designed to attract skilled professionals and talents from around the world. It was introduced as a part of Portugal’s efforts to stimulate economic growth and address labor market demands. Generally, this visa provides a pathway for foreign nationals to search for employment opportunities to stay in the country.
What is a job seeker visa in Portugal?
The job seekers visa in Portugal is a special permit granted by the Portuguese government. Firstly, it allows genuine job seekers to enter and stay in Portugal exclusively to find jobs. Secondly, it authorizes the visa holder to engage in part-time jobs until the visa expires or until a residence permit is granted.
However, Portugal is not the only country that issues Job Seekers Visa. You can check our article about other other countries offering Job Seekers Visa. There you will get a big list.
Who can apply?
If you are a professional having a valid degree and a minimum of one year of experience you can apply for the Job Seekers Visa in Portugal. The Portuguese government receives applications for the visa from a wide range of professionals. Even, if you are an unskilled worker, you can also apply. There is no degree or academic qualification barrier for this category.
The professionals eligible for the job seekers visa in Portugal are as follows:
Engineers and experts
The engineers and experts category is a highly demanding choice for a Job Seekers Visa in Portugal. Thus, the following types of professionals are highly recommended to apply for a visa.
- Architects, Urbanists and Designers
- Biologists, Botanists, Zoologists
- Electrical, Electronic and Telecommunications Engineers
- Industrial, Civil, Mechanical, Mining and Metallurgical Engineers
- Agronomists, Forestry and Environment Engineers
- Experts in Finance, Accounting, Management, Marketing and Public Relations
- Legal and Social Affairs Specialists (Lawyers, Economists, Psychologists, Journalists, Translators)
Medical profession category
There is also a very high demand for medical professionals all over the world, as well as in Portugal. So, applicants from the following professions get priority in granting a Job Seekers Visa in Portugal.
- Physicians, Chemists and Mathematicians
- General Doctors and Specialists
- Nurses and Nursing Assistants
- Pharmaceuticals
- Health professionals (Physiotherapists, Nutritionists, Therapists)
- Health Assistants and Family Helpers
- Veterinarians and Veterinary Assistants
Education and IT
There is a reasonable demand for teachers and IT professionals in Portugal. So, applicants from the following professions can also apply for the Job Seekers Visa in Portugal.
- Teachers
- Education Assistants
- Analysts and Developers (software, web, and applications)
- Information Technology Experts and Operators
- Telecommunications technicians
Technicians
Technicians can also get a job seeker visa in Portugal. So, if you are from any of the following professions you can apply for the visa.
- Cultural and Religious Activity Technicians (Librarians, Museum Curators, Photographers, Decorators)
- Artists and Performing Arts Workers
- Physical Activity and Sports Technicians (Athletes, Coaches, Instructors)
- Clerks, Administrative and Secretaries
- Call center personnel and telephone station staff
Hospitality Professionals
As a huge number of tourists from around the world visit Portugal every year there is a reasonable demand for professionals from the hospitality industry. So, if you are from any of the professions you can apply for the job seekers visa in Portugal.
- Chefs & Cooks
- Kitchen Helpers and Meal Preparators
- Bakers, Pastry Chefs and Confectioners
- Waiters and Bartenders
- Hotel receptionists
- Hairdressers, beauticians, massage therapists and similar activities
- Sales Assistants and Cash operators
- Protection and Security Services personnel (guards, concierges, etc.)
Workers
This category includes workers from different sectors and there is a good demand too. So, if you are a worker from any sector you can apply for a job seekers visa in Portugal.
- Agriculture, Animal Production and Forest Workers
- Fisheries and Aquaculture Workers
- Extractive, Processing and Construction Industries Commissionaires
- Workers in the Construction of Basic Structures (Bricklayers, Pavers, Reinforced Concrete, Carpenters)
- Construction Finishing Workers (Tilers, Plasterers, Plumbers, Painters, etc.)
- Metallurgy Workers, Metalworking (Structure Assemblers, Welders, Locksmiths, etc)
- Electricity and Electronic Workers
- Food Processing Workers (Meat and Fish preparers, Canners, etc.)
- Garment and Footwear Industry Workers (Tailors, Shoemakers, etc.)
- Machinery Operators in the Extractive, Processing and Civil Construction Industries
- Machine and Vehicles Mechanics and Repairers
- Warehouse & Logistics Employees
- Train Drivers and similar activities
- Passager Car, Vans and Motorcycles Drivers
- Lorry and Bus Drives
- Cleaning and Household Workers
- Unskilled workers
Duration and entry
Initially, the Job Seekers Visa is granted for a period of 120 days. This allows you four months to explore the job market and find out a potential job. If you need additional time, the visa can be renewed for another 60 days. However, it’s important to note that this visa permits only one entry into Portugal.
Job seekers visa in Portugal: application process
Once you have decided to apply for a Job Seekers Visa in Portugal, you have to follow the step-by-step process to apply for the visa. The steps are as follows:
Step 1: Gathering required documents
Once you have decided to apply for the Job Seekers Visa in Portugal, you should start gathering the required documents. So, get down to prepare the documents mentioned below.
Valid passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Portugal. It’s also essential to provide a photocopy of the passport’s biographical data.
Passport-sized photos:
Passport size is an important part of visa application. Capture good-looking photos and print it in passport-sized.
Proof of accommodation:
You’ll need to provide evidence of where you’ll stay during your job search. This could be in the form of a rental agreement or an invitation letter from a host. If you have a friend or relative living in Portugal you can collect an invitation from him. Otherwise, you can search for a rental house or a room in a dormitory to stay in during your job search period.
Health insurance:
Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay is a necessity. This ensures you have access to necessary medical assistance including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation during your stay in Portugal.
Proof of financial resource
You must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds, at least the sum of three guaranteed monthly minimum salaries, to support yourself during your stay in Portugal. For that, you must obtain a bank statement and financial solvency certificate before applying for the visa.
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. It guarantees food and accommodation for the visa applicant, as well as the repatriation costs, in case of an irregular stay.
In that case, the signatory of the responsibility term must also prove to have financial capacity in the amount of, at least, three times the value of the guaranteed minimum monthly salary.
Qualification certificates:
You will need copies of your educational and professional qualifications certificates to apply for the visa. These documents will demonstrate your eligibility for potential job opportunities.
Criminal record certificate:
A clean criminal record certificate from your home country is essential for applying for the visa. This certificate serves as an evidence of your good standing.
Copy of return ticket
Before you apply you will have to buy a return air ticket. You must submit a copy of this along with your visa application.
Step 2: scheduling an appointment
Once all your documents are ready, contact the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country to schedule an appointment for your visa application. They will provide you with specific requirements and inform you of any additional documents that may be needed.
Step 3: visa application submission
On the day of your appointment, submit your application form along with all the required documents. It’s important to ensure that everything is complete and to avoid any unnecessary delays in the processing of your visa. So, be careful in filling up the application form and arranging all the documents in perfect order.
Step 4: attending the interview
During your appointment, you may be asked questions about your background, your intentions in Portugal, and your plans for job seeking. Be sure to answer truthfully and confidently. This interview is an opportunity for the officials to get to know you better and to understand your motivations for seeking employment in Portugal.
Step 5: waiting for processing
Visa processing times can vary depending on various factors, including the volume of applications being processed. So, patience is key at this stage. Keep in touch with the relevant authorities to stay informed about the progress of your application.
Step 6: receiving your visa
Once your visa is approved, it will be affixed to your passport. This is an exciting moment as it marks the beginning of your job-seeking adventure in Portugal. Take a moment to celebrate this achievement!
Searching job after getting job seekers visa in Portugal
With your Job Seekers Visa in hand, you’re now free to explore the Portuguese job market. This is the time to put your networking skills to good use. Apply for positions, and attend interviews to find the perfect job opportunity for developing a sustainable career.
Visa extension
If you find that you need more time to secure employment, you have the option to extend your Job Seekers Visa in Portugal. To do so, you must be registered with the IEFP, I.P. Additionally, you’ll need to provide a declaration confirming that the conditions of your stay remain the same.
Job seekers visa in Portugal-related FAQs
Can I bring my family members with me on a Job Seeker's Visa?
Family members (spouse and minor children) can apply for family reunification if the visa holder successfully finds employment and switches to a work or residence visa.
Do I need a job offer to apply for a Job Seeker's Visa?
No, a job offer is not a requirement for obtaining a Job Seeker’s Visa in Portugal. The visa is designed to allow individuals to search for employment opportunities within the country.
Who is eligible to apply for a Job Seeker's Visa in Portugal?
Non-EU/EEA citizens who are at least 18 years old and have the means to support themselves financially during their stay in Portugal are eligible to apply.
Can I work while on a Job Seeker's Visa in Portugal?
Yes, the job seeker visa authorizes the visa holder to carry out a subordinated work activity, until the visa expires or until the residence permit is granted.
Final thoughts
Finally, I would like to mention that, the Job Seekers Visa in Portugal is a great opportunity for those looking to develop their careers in this beautiful European country. By following this comprehensive step-by-step guide, you can navigate the application process with confidence.
But please don’t forget that, unlimited patience and persistence are your keys in the job search process. Best of luck on your professional journey in Portugal!
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