The benefits of Work Permits for Portugal

• Visa-free travel to all European countries in Schengen areas
• With the right visa/work permit, you will have full rights to live, work and study in Portugal (and this is extendible to family members also)
• Full access to Portuguese public services; including education and healthcare
• Visa/work permit holders will be eligible for citizenship (and the potential to hold a national passport) after 6 years. This will allow access to the entire EU block (UK, Germany, Italy, France,)
• Minimal documentation is required for Portuguese work permits and visas

Who needs a Portuguese work visa or permit?

Non-EU nationals will be required to have a work permit before they begin applying for jobs. This means that immigrants won’t be able to visit Portugal and then make the decision to work. If you are married or have a secure job offering, a work permit should be straightforward to obtain, but if not, you may struggle. Once you have a permit in place, you can then go on to apply for a Portuguese work visa or residence permit.

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in unemployment rates over the last few years. This has led to government protocol stating that set quotas need to be filled by EU national applicants before non-nationals can be sought. As a result, many jobs are listed locally and are required to meet advertising standards targeted toward Portuguese and EU/EFTA citizens. This has to be in force for 30 days before the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training in Portugal (IEFP) will permit roles to be offered to the wider talent pool of non-EU employees.

Once you have been living in Portugal for five years, you will be able to apply for permanent residence in Portugal. Citizenship can be obtained after six years. When you have either of these, you will be able to work freely and without restriction.

Work permits for non-EU nationals

As outlined above, unless you are married to a Portuguese national or have a secure job offer in place, you will be unable to hold a work permit that will allow you to gain employment. As the government protocols restrict job opportunities further, it can be extremely difficult for Non-EU nationals to secure work and visas. If you are lucky enough to find a job, the hiring company will be required to apply to the Portuguese Labour Authorities for your work permit with a copy of the job’s contract. When this is successful, you must then apply for a Portuguese work permit yourself at a local Portuguese Embassy. It may be worthwhile to know that permits last for six months, are renewable and can take up to eight months to obtain.

What are the necessary documents for visas?

As with any form of application, the documents you need may vary from one visa to the next and can be dependent on your country of residence. Portugal’s immigration department website should provide you with the necessary information, but for a regular work permit you will need:

• A completed application form
• Passport or other valid travel documents
• Two recent, identical photographs (preferably passport-sized)
• Valid residence visa
• Valid labour contract
• Evidence of the funds to support yourself
• Proof of your current tax situation
• Evidence of proposed accommodation
• Permission for checking criminal records
• A valid labour contract
• Documentation proving Social Security registration

Of course, you should check the exact requirements for your visa before submission to ensure the process runs as smoothly as possible. This can be done via the local embassy you’re hoping to apply under, as some will require specific guidelines be met. In some instances, they may want the application form to be signed by a member of staff acting as a witness.