Portugal can be a great place to live in. This Southern European country is known for its great weather, beautiful beaches, friendly people, delicious food, and more. However, Portugal is more than just a place to retire and enjoy life since it can also offer interesting opportunities to kick-start or further your career.
This article offers an overview of the legal aspects of working in Portugal. Find out if you need a working visa, a work permit, how to apply for residency to work in Portugal, and more.
Do you need a visa or work permit to work in Portugal?
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member state, you can work and live in Portugal without a visa or a work permit. However, if you plan to stay in the country for over six months, you will need to apply for a residence permit.
If you are a non-EU national, you will need both a work permit and a visa to live and work in Portugal. In most cases, in order to apply for a work permit in Portugal, you will need to first secure a job offer in the country. You can also apply for a work permit if you are married to a Portuguese citizen. After you've secured a work permit, you will need to apply for a work visa or a residence permit.
How to apply for a work permit in Portugal?
If you are a non-EU national, the first thing you will need to do to apply for a work permit is secure a job offer. To learn about the job market in Portugal for expats, check out articles on Finding work in Portugal, Finding work in Lisbon, and Finding work in Porto.
Once you have found a job, your employer will need to contact the Labour Department and apply for a work permit for you. When you've secured the work permit, you will need to apply for a work visa or a residence permit based on your employment:
- If you need a visa to enter Portugal and plan to stay in the country for less than six months, you will need to apply for a work visa;
- If you plan to stay in Portugal for the long term, you will need to apply for a residence permit.
Non-EU nationals will need to contact Portuguese embassies or consulates back home to apply for a work visa prior to their travels. In most cases, you will be asked to submit the following documents:
- Work visa application form;
- Passport and previous visa copies;
- Passport-sized photos;
- Health insurance to cover your stay;
- Proof of accommodation and flights;
- Employment contract.
You can start the process once your Portuguese employer's application for your work permit has been approved.
Nationals of EU/EFTA countries planning to work in Portugal for more than three months will only need a Residence Certificate. They can apply for it at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
Types of work visas in Portugal
The type of work visa you need depends on your nationality and the potential length of your employment. Here are the most common types of Portuguese work visas:
Job search visa
This visa allows individuals to enter and stay in the country while searching for employment opportunities. Holders can work until the visa expires or until they receive a residence permit. Initially granted for 120 days, it can be extended for an additional 60 days and it's single-entry.
Seasonal work visa
A visa for applicants who are staying in the country for less than 90 days for season work. It is very popular in fields such as agriculture and tourism.
Digital nomad visa
Allows holders to remain in Portugal for up to 1 year while working remotely for a company based outside the country. Applicants need to present a freelance contract, as well as proof of all the income generated over the 3 months previous to the application. Please keep in mind that, in order to get the visa, your average monthly income must be at least 4 times the official minimum wage in the country (760€).
Highly qualified activity visa
Temporary residency visa for individuals engaged in scientific research at research centers, teaching positions in higher education institutions, or highly skilled work for durations of less than one year.
Long-term work visa
If you intend to work in Portugal for longer than six months, you will need to apply for a long-term visa (D1). If you are a citizen of Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Israel or the US, you will be able to apply for a long-term work visa from Portugal within 90 days of arrival (thanks to the agreements that Portugal has with these countries). If you don't come from one of the above countries (or an EU member state), you will need to pay for the visa before arriving in Portugal.
Remember that this visa only allows you to stay in Portugal for 120 days. After that period, and in order to continue working legally in the country, you need to apply for a residence permit.
Startup visa
The Startup Visa program welcomes foreign entrepreneurs looking to develop projects and grow them into innovative startups, introducing fresh ideas and business models and attracting highly skilled professionals. To apply for the visa, entrepreneurs need to show proof of their intention to invest and create a business in Portugal.
Types of residence permits for working in Portugal
If you are planning to work in Portugal for a long time and have secured a contract, you will be able to apply for a residence permit. Most employees working in Portugal can apply for a standard employment-based residence permit. The permit is typically valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years. Portugal also offers residence permits for those involved in scientific research, academic teaching, and other types of high-level professional activities. These permits are also valid for a year and can be renewed for up to five years.
If you are participating in an unpaid internship or are involved in volunteer work, you will need to apply for a special type of residence permit. A residence permit for interns and volunteers is typically granted for one year (unless your program lasts longer than that) and is not renewable. If, upon completing your internship/volunteer project, you decide to stay in Portugal and seek employment, you will need to apply for a different residence permit.
Portugal Golden Visa
Buying property in Portugal, on the other hand, used to be a better option for people planning to stay in the country for a long time. While many foreign investors used to buy 500,000€ worth of property in order to get access to the Golden Visa Scheme, allowing them to live legally in the country and apply for citizenship after 5 years, the government has suspended the program.
Now, for investors wishing to enjoy legal residence and the prospect of gaining citizenship through the Golden Visa scheme, the following solutions remain in place:
- Creating at least 10 job postings;
- Investing 500,000€ in scientific research activities;
- Investing 250,000€ in arts or in the preservation of local heritage sites;
- Investing 500,000€ in subscription units of mobile investment funds;
- Investing 500,000€ in creating a local company or supporting an existing one, as long as the investment leads to the creation or maintenance of at least 5 job positions for a minimum of 3 years.
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