Portugal Work Visa – Work Permit and RequirementsA Detailed Guide Covering Everything You Need To Know About Work Visas In Portugal
In recent years, Portugal has become a popular destination for many reasons. Working in Portugal is amongst one of those popular reasons. If you wish to travel to Portugal for work, you may need to apply for a specific Portuguese Work Visa. In this detailed guide, you will find everything you need to know about work visas in Portugal.

What Is A Portuguese Work Visa?
There is no official term for a visa that allows you to work in Portugal. In essence, a Portuguese Work Visa is either a short-stay visa that allows you to work in Portugal for a time not exceeding 90 days or a temporary residence permit that allows you to work in Portugal for a time exceeding 3 months.

A temporary residence permit can be renewed after 2 years for an additional 3 years. After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship. Once you are a Portuguese citizen, you do not need to apply for a “Portuguese work visa”.

In this post, we will keep using the term “Portuguese Work Visa”.

Who Needs A Visa To Work In Portugal?Who Needs A Visa To Work In Portugal?
If You Are A EU/EEA Or Switzerland Citizen
If you reside in an EU country or a country that forms part of the European Union, you do not need to apply for a specific visa to work in Portugal. Citizens from these nations are allowed to travel, work and live in Portugal without a visa. However, if you plan to stay in Portugal for more than 3 months, you will need to obtain a Residence Certificate (Cerificado de Registo).

If You Are A Non-EU/EEA or Swiss Citizen
If you are a Non-EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you will most likely need to apply for a Portuguese Work Visa to work in Portugal. To be able to do this, you will first need to secure a job in Portugal. Once you have done this, you can start the process of applying for a Portuguese Work Visa.

In accordance with Portugal’s regulations, employers need to advertise new job opportunities to Portuguese or EU/EFTA citizens. After advertising the job for 30 days, the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training in Portugal (IEFP) will classify them as jobs that can be filled by non-EU citizens.

What To Know Before Applying For A Portugal Work Visa?
There are a few simple things to know before applying for your Portuguese Work Visa.

You will need a job offer/work contract – Before starting the application process for a Portugal Work Visa, you need to have a work contract from your employer in Portugal. The contract should include where you will work, what company you will work for, and what work you will be doing.

Your employer needs to apply for a Work Permit on your behalf – Your employer will need to apply for your Work Permit at the Portuguese Labor Authorities. The permit will indicate what work you will be doing and where you will be doing that work.

If you decide to relocate or apply for a new job, you need to reapply for a Work Permit. This is because your Work Permit specifies where you will be working and what work you will be doing. If your Work Permit does not match your current job position or location, you might get in trouble with the Portuguese Authorities.

Once your work contract or work permit is approved – If your employment is less than 6 months or your country of origin requires you to do so, you will need to apply for a Portuguese Work Visa. In the segment below, we will look at the different types of Portuguese Work Visas you can apply for.

Those planning to work in Portugal for a longer period, need to apply for a Residence permit.

What Are The Types Of Portuguese Work Visas?What Are The Types Of Portuguese Work Visas?
There are 2 main types of work visas that Portugal offers. These are known as “Short Stay Visas” and “National Visas”

Short Stay Work Visas
You can apply for a Short Stay Work Visa if your work period does not exceed 90 days. This visa is used for seasonal work or work purposes that require a short-term stay.

National Work Visas
National Work Visas, known as long-stay visas, allow you to work in Portugal for a period exceeding 90 days. National Visas are the most common visas used for work purposes.

The Most Common National Work Visa Types
Portuguese Work Visa A Portuguese Work Visa is the most common work visa for employees working in Portugal. It is a standard residence permit that is valid for 1 year and is renewable for up to 5 years. If you have a work contract that exceeds 1 year, you will most likely apply for a Portuguese Work Visa.
Independent Work Visa
If you wish to work in Portugal independently, you can apply for a Temporary Stay Visa. A Temporary Stay Visa will allow you to work in Portugal for up to a year. Note that when applying for this visa, you are not allowed to work for a company in Portugal. All revenue generated should be external or online.

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