Portugal Seasonal Work Visa

Obtaining a Portugal Seasonal Work Visa offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it grants you the legal right to work in Portugal during peak seasons, providing valuable employment opportunities. Secondly, it opens the door to immersing yourself in the vibrant Portuguese culture and lifestyle. Moreover, this visa ensures your access to essential services and protections under Portuguese labour laws, offering peace of mind during your stay.

Page Contents

• ​​Portugal Seasonal Work Visa Overview
• Eligibility for Obtaining a Seasonal Work Visa in Portugal
• General Requirements for Seasonal Work Visa in Portugal
• Applying and Obtaining a Seasonal Work Visa in Portugal
• Processing Times and Fees
• Understanding Your Rights as a Seasonal Worker in Portugal
• Mobility and Travel Restrictions for Seasonal Workers in Portugal
• Validity And Extension Of The Visa
• How Total Law Can Help
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To secure a Portugal Seasonal Work Visa, it’s crucial to meet specific eligibility criteria and provide evidence of your qualifications. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s required:

1. Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of applying for the visa.
2. Job Offer or Pre-Arranged Employment Contract: The cornerstone of your application is a genuine job offer or pre-arranged employment contract from a Portuguese employer. This document should outline key details such as job responsibilities, duration of employment, salary, and working conditions. Your prospective employer must have the job registered with local authorities, demonstrating the legality of the position.
3. Clean Criminal Record: You must provide a police clearance certificate from both Portugal and your home country, proving that you have no criminal record or history of criminal activities. This is essential to ensure that you pose no security risk to Portugal.

Step-by-Step Process for Applying for a Seasonal Work Visa

• Determine Eligibility: Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a seasonal work visa in Portugal. Typically, this visa is granted for temporary employment in industries like agriculture and tourism.
• Find a Job: Secure a seasonal job offer from a Portuguese employer. This is a crucial prerequisite for your visa application.
• Complete Visa Application Form: Obtain the visa application form (usually available on the website of the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country) and fill it out accurately. Ensure you select the correct visa category for seasonal work.
• Gather Required Documents:

Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from Portugal.

Passport-sized photos: Typically, two recent passport-sized photos are required.

Employment Contract: Provide a copy of your signed employment contract with your Portuguese employer.

Proof of Accommodation: Show evidence of your intended place of residence in Portugal during your stay.

Health Insurance: Secure health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Portugal.

Criminal Record Certificate: Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide a criminal record certificate.

Proof of Sufficient Funds: Prove that you have adequate financial means to support yourself during your stay.

Submit Application: Submit your completed application form and all supporting documents to the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Be prepared to pay the visa application fee at this stage

Interviews and Additional Requirements

Interviews are not mandatory but may be requested by the embassy or consulate during the visa application process. During these interviews, applicants should be prepared to discuss their employment arrangements and provide detailed information about their visa applications.

Additionally, applicants should be aware that specific additional requirements may be imposed based on individual cases and the discretion of the authorities. These additional requirements can vary significantly, underscoring the importance of maintaining close communication with the embassy or consulate throughout the entire application procedure.

Appeals & Rejections

In case your seasonal work visa application is declined, there is typically an opportunity to file an appeal, although the precise appeals process may differ depending on the embassy or consulate handling your application. Consult their guidelines for comprehensive instructions on the appeal procedure. Common grounds for visa rejections often include inadequate supporting documents, failure to meet eligibility requirements, incomplete or inaccurate application forms, and concerns regarding the authenticity of the job offer.

Specific Documentation

In the context of travel and employment in Portugal, the need for transport documentation (such as a return ticket) may be waived if an individual holds a valid work contract or has received a legitimate work offer for seasonal employment from either a temporary work agency or an employer based in Portugal.

This employment documentation should clearly outline the job location, duration, job type, salary, and entitlement to paid vacation. For regulated professions, compliance with national legal requirements for that specific occupation is mandatory. Additionally, individuals must have adequate medical coverage that is on par with what is available to Portuguese citizens, either through national health services or private medical insurance, covering any gaps in coverage periods. Employers are also required to provide work accident insurance to ensure the safety and well-being of employees.

The processing period for a work permit in Portugal could take anywhere from 60 days to several months. SEF typically needs 30 to 60 days to process a Work Permit application. After that, after two to three months, you can anticipate the Embassy to issue an entry visa. You should budget €90 for your seasonally valid work visa when applying for a work visa for Portugal.

As a seasonal worker in Portugal, you are afforded a range of fundamental rights and protections. These rights include receiving a minimum wage that adheres to Portuguese labour laws ensuring that you are fairly compensated for your work.

Moreover, you have the right to a safe and healthy working environment, which includes access to necessary safety equipment to protect your well-being. Discrimination and exploitation are strictly prohibited, and you are entitled to protection against any form of mistreatment.

Additionally, your employment contract should comprehensively outline key details, such as working hours, salary, and job responsibilities, ensuring transparency and fair treatment in your seasonal employment. When an employer makes accommodations for a seasonal employee, whether they are paid for out of pocket or provided for free, they are required to make sure that the employee complies with any applicable health and safety laws.

These provisions must be spelt out in a written agreement or included in the employment contract. If the accommodation is supplied for a fee by the employer, a monthly income corresponding to the cost and terms of the accommodation may be necessary; however, this income cannot be automatically withdrawn from the seasonal employee’s pay or exceed 20% of their salary.

Seasonal workers in Portugal enjoy a certain degree of mobility within the country. Generally, you have the freedom to move within Portugal as needed. However, it is important to note that you are required to inform local authorities of your place of residence, ensuring they are aware of your whereabouts during your stay.

On the other hand, travelling outside of Portugal during your designated work season can have implications for your visa status. Departing the country temporarily may affect your visa validity or eligibility for extensions.

In order to navigate these restrictions and ensure compliance, it is strongly advised to consult with Total Law, who can provide guidance and assistance tailored to your specific situation, allowing you to make informed decisions regarding travel while maintaining your visa status. Contact us today at 0333 305 9375 or visit our office near you.

Portugal Seasonal Work Visas offer a validity period that typically aligns with the duration of the seasonal work, often up to a maximum of 9 months. This means you can stay and work in Portugal legally throughout the specified seasonal employment period.

Should your circumstances require an extension beyond the initial visa period, it’s essential to explore the possibility of extensions.

It is crucial to understand the consequences of overstaying your visa. Overstaying can result in significant repercussions, including fines, deportation, and potential difficulties in securing future visas or entry into Portugal. If you overstay 90 days in the EU, you risk deportation. Portugal can legally imprison you, deport you, or give you a limited number of days to leave. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to adhere to all visa regulations and maintain compliance throughout your stay in Portugal.