Portugal Job Seeker Visa

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is a valuable opportunity for individuals aspiring to work in Portugal. This visa program was introduced in 2022 by the Portuguese government to address the labor shortage in the country.

What sets the Job Seeker Visa apart from many others is that applicants do not need a job offer to apply. It allows visa holders to enter and stay in Portugal for up to a 120-day initial period solely to find a job.

During their stay, job seekers can explore the job market, attend interviews, and network with potential employers. If they get a job within this period, they can apply for a residence and work permit.

On the other hand, if they do not get a job at the end of the 120 days, they can renew their visa for an additional 60 days to find the right job fit. If they still can’t find a job after the extension period, they may have to leave the country. In this case, they can only apply for a new visa one year after the expiration of the previous visa.

Page Contents

• An Overview Of The Portugal Job Seeker Visa
• Eligibility Requirements for Portugal Job Seeker Visa
• Document Requirements for Job Seeker Visa Application
• The Application Process for Portugal Job Seeker Visa
• Fees of Portugal Job Seeker Visa
• Validity and Extension of Job Seeker Visa
• Portugal Job Seeker Visa Was Rejected
• What Are The Benefits of the Portugal Job Seeker Visa
• How Can Total Law Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

If you are looking to apply for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, there are eligibility criteria you must meet for your application to be successful, and they include:

• You must be a non-EU national
• You must have a clean criminal record if you’re above 16 years old
• You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself throughout your job-seeking period. Your finances must be up to three times the minimum salary in Portugal.
• You must have health insurance coverage of up to €30,000.

When applying for the job seeker visa, you must provide the following documents as part of your application:

• A filled and signed visa application form.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• A passport or travel document valid for at least three months after the expiration date on your visa.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of regular situation if you reside in a country other than your home country.
• A criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of the country where you have resided in the last one year.
• A filled consent form requesting Immigration and Border Services (SEF) to conduct a background check on you.
• Proof of financial means with documents such as bank statements. If you do not have financial means to support yourself, you can present a term of responsibility signed by an individual with a Portuguese residency permit that guarantees they will sponsor you. Your financial support must be up to three times the minimum salary in Portugal.
• Proof of return ticket.
• A letter explaining the conditions of your planned stay.
• Proof of expression of interest declaration to enrol with the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP), the Portuguese Public Employment Service.

The application fee for the Portuguese Job Seeker Visa is €75. You must also pay €170 to submit and receive your residence permit from the SEF when you get to Portugal.

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa allows for an initial 120-day stay, extendable for 60 days if you need more time to seek a job.

To request an extension of stay while job hunting, you must submit proof of your registration with IEFP and confirm that you still meet the initial stay conditions. The immigration authorities will consider the reasons for the request before granting an extension.

Upon securing employment, you can transition to a residence permit linked to your job, typically lasting for your work contract’s duration. However, if you reach the maximum validity on your visa without finding employment, you must leave the country, and you can only reapply for a visa after one year.

Your Job Seeker Visa application may be rejected for several reasons, including the following:

• Failing to submit the complete documents
• Errors or inaccurate information in your application form
• Insufficient funds
• Failure to provide details of your return ticket that shows you will return home if you don’t get a job

If your application is rejected, you may be able to submit the right documents for consideration or submit a fresh application when your circumstances change. Discuss with an immigration lawyer to know your options. To speak with a lawyer, call our law office at +1 844 290 6312 or fill out the online contact form, and we will contact you.

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa offers several advantages for individuals looking to explore job opportunities in Portugal:

1. No need for a prior job offer: One of the primary benefits is that applicants do not require a pre-existing job offer to apply for this visa.
2. No age limit: There is no age limit for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, making it accessible to people of all ages who wish to explore employment opportunities in Portugal.
3. Open to various professions: The visa is open to individuals from various backgrounds and industries.
4. Transition to residence permit: Upon finding employment, a visa holder can easily transition to a residence permit, allowing them to reside and work in Portugal for the duration of their employment contract.
5. Low financial requirements: Individuals seeking this visa do not need to demonstrate an extremely high level of financial resources to support themselves during their job search in Portugal.