Why Apply for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa?

• Allows you enter Portugal without a job offer.
• Valid for 120 days, extendable by 60 days.
• Enables legal stay while job hunting.
• No sponsorship or job contract needed.
• Access to growing sectors like tech and tourism

Portugal Job Seeker Visa

The Portugal Job Seeker Visa grants single-entry access for up to 120 days to search for employment in Portugal. If needed, applicants may apply for a single 60‑day extension, reaching a maximum stay of 180 days. You are permitted to carry out subordinated (paid) work during this period, until you either secure a job or apply for a work/residence permit.

*Want to apply for a Portugal Job seeker visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to guide you with the process. 

Benefits of settling in Portugal

Portugal provides a stable, EU-based environment with practical advantages for individuals and families looking to live long-term.

Some of the benefits of settling in Portugal are as follows:

• Residents can access public healthcare through the National Health Service (SNS) at low cost.
• Public and private education options are widely available, with several international schools in major cities.
• Portugal ranks among the top 10 safest countries globally (Global Peace Index 2024).
• The Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime offers up to 10 years of tax benefits for eligible foreign residents.
• Permanent residency is available after 5 years of legal stay, with citizenship possible after 6 years.
• Portugal has one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, particularly in housing and food.
• The country offers visa-free travel across the Schengen Area as an EU resident.
• Economic growth is strong in sectors like technology, tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Eligibility Criteria for a Portugal Job Seeker visa

The eligibility criteria for a Portugal Job seeker visa is as follows:

• Be a non‑EU/EEA/Swiss national
• Hold a valid passport (with at least 3–6 months’ validity)
• Demonstrate a clean criminal record
• Provide travel health insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
• Show sufficient financial means (≈ 3× Portugal’s minimum wage, about €2,610 or a sponsor declaration
• Be registered with IEFP (Portuguese Public Employment Service)

Documents required for a Portugal Job Seeker visa

The list of documents required for a Portugal Job Seeker visa is as follows:

• National visa application form
• Passport (valid for 3–6 months)
• Two passport-size photos
• Financial proof or sponsor letter
• Health insurance certificate
• Return flight reservation
• Criminal record certificate
• Proof of accommodation
• CV/résumé
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• IEFP registration confirmation

Steps to Apply for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa

You can follow the below steps to apply for a Portugal Job Seeker visa:

Step 1: Prepare the required documents

Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, proof of financial means, accommodation details, valid travel insurance, and a criminal record certificate.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment

Book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate or VFS Global centre in your country of residence.

Step 3: Submit your application

Attend the appointment to submit your application, provide biometric data (photograph and fingerprints), and pay the applicable visa fee.

Step 4: Await the visa processing

The visa application is typically processed within 30 to 60 days. Processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Step 5: Receive your Job seeker Visa

Once approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport, allowing you to enter and stay in Portugal for up to 180 days.

Step 6: Register with SEF (if applicable)

Upon arrival in Portugal and after securing employment, schedule an appointment with SEF (Immigration and Borders Service) to apply for a residence permit.

Portugal Job Seeker Visa fees

The table below has details of the Portugal job seeker visa fees:

Type of application	Fee
Visa Application Fee (submitted at Portuguese consulate in the UK)	€ 90
Application Submission for Residence Permit (at SEF in Portugal)	€ 83
Issuance of Residence Permit Card (by SEF)	€ 72

Portugal Job Seeker Visa Processing Time

The processing time for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa generally ranges between 30 to 60 days from the date of application submission. This timeframe may vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence, the consulate’s workload, and the completeness of the submitted documents. In some cases, processing may take longer due to additional verification or seasonal demand.

Extension Rules

• Job seekers may extend their stay from 120 to 180 days by registering with IEFP and demonstrating ongoing job search intent
• Extension request must be submitted before the initial visa expires
• Extensions are not guaranteed and are assessed on a case-by-case basis

Limitations

• The visa is single-entry only
• Work prior to obtaining a residence permit is limited to subordinated (paid) employment only
• If no job is found or permit application commenced by the end of the visa period (including extension), you must leave Portugal and cannot reapply for the Job Seeker Visa for 12 months

Transition to a Work/Residence Permit

• Upon receiving a job offer during your stay, you may apply directly from within Portugal for a temporary residence permit based on work
• Must fulfill general conditions under Article 77 of Portuguese Immigration Law
• Once employment is secured, process the change with AIMA (formerly SEF) to stay and work legally

Portugal Permanent Residency

Portugal Permanent Residency allows non-EU nationals to live, work, and study in Portugal indefinitely while enjoying many of the same rights as Portuguese citizens. Applicants become eligible after five years of legal and continuous residence in the country. The status grants access to public services, social security, and visa-free travel within the Schengen Area. It also serves as a pathway to Portuguese citizenship, subject to additional requirements.

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis is the leading immigration consultant for individuals looking for Portugal immigration. Our end-to-end support with the immigration process ensures that you make the right decision at every step. We guide you with:

• Expert guidance for overseas Immigration
• Coaching services to ace your language tests
• Free career counselling
• Comprehensive guidance with the Portugal visa application process
• Job search services to secure a suitable job in Portugal
• Expert assistance in working abroad

Contact us to enhance your chances and make an informed decision for overseas immigration.