Portugal Job Seeker Visa for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
- August 11, 2025
- Posted by: visasabroad
- Category: Featured
If you are a citizen of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and wish to travel to Portugal to find employment, then the Portugal Job Seeker Visa is for you. It allows you to enter Portugal legally, explore the job market for 120 days, and is also extendable for an additional 60 days. No educational or experience criteria are required to apply for a Portugal job seeker visa; however, the employer’s requirements and choice may vary.
If you are a working professional looking to live and work in European countries, you may wish to explore work-class opportunities. Here, the right opportunities are knocking on your door; the Portuguese government is offering working professionals the chance to migrate to their country through a job seeker visa. It lets you search for jobs for a limited time. Once you secure a job, you can then apply for a residence permit.
Document Required to Apply for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa:
- A valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- A return travel ticket
- Travel insurance
- Proof of fund
- A statement of purpose outlining the intention to seek employment
- A criminal record certificate
You can apply for proof of registration with the Portuguese Institute for Employment & Vocational Training (IEFP).
What is a Job Seeker Visa of Portugal?
A type of temporary visa was launched for international students, enabling them to search for job opportunities in the country for a limited time. The visa is initially valid for 120 days and can be renewed for 60 days. The aim is to get the formal employment contract within this period. Once you secure a job, you can then apply for a residence permit to live in the country. The main objective of this visa program was to increase the workforce in various sectors and Portugal’s economy.
To facilitate a smoother application process for non-EU citizens and make it easier for internationals, the system allows them to enter the country without a pre-employment offer or sponsorship. Instead, it enables them to find their own opportunities and jobs in their field within the validity period of the visa.
Who Can Apply for a Job Seeker Visa:
Many non-European citizens can apply for Portugal’s Job Seeker Visa from any professional background who contributes significantly to the country’s economy.
Eligible for the Job Seeker Visa
If you are a non-EU citizen over 18 with the necessary documents and financial means, you are generally eligible to apply for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa. The following is the list of eligibility criteria that you need to have for higher chances of getting the visa approval.
| Category | What’s Required | What It Means for You |
| Nationality | Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen | This visa is only for those outside the European zone |
| Age | Minimum age: 18+No upper age limit | You must be of legal working age with a genuine intent to work in Portugal. |
| Qualifications & Work Experience | Ensure your degrees and work experience certificates are apostilled to be accepted in Portugal. | While not required, having a Bachelor’s degree or higher and experience in a skilled field gives you an edge in job hunting and residency conversion. |
| Document Apostille (India) | Indian citizens must apostille all academic and work-related documents | Must have a valid passport with at least 3 months’ validity beyond your planned stay |
| Financial Proof | Must show funds equal to 3 months’ minimum wage (€2,610 in 2025)OR submit a Term of Responsibility from a legal Portuguese resident | Show this via a bank statement, or have someone in Portugal vouch for your financial support through an official declaration. |
| Medical Insurance | Must have travel health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage | Your insurance must cover emergencies and repatriation while in Portugal. |
| Criminal Record Check | A clean criminal background certificate from your country and any country you’ve lived in for over 12 months | Indian applicants need a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the Regional Passport Office, apostilled. |
| Passport Validity | Show confirmation of where you’ll stay during your initial days in Portugal. | Check your passport expiry date carefully and renew it if necessary. |
| Proof of Accommodation | You don’t need a purchased ticket; just a confirmed reservation will do. | This could be a hotel booking, lease agreement, or host invitation. |
| Flight Reservation | Must submit a round-trip flight reservation | Submit a Declaration of Expression of Interest to register with the IEFP (Portuguese employment office) |
| IEFP Registration Proof | It proves you’re actively seeking employment and is essential for both the visa and a possible extension. | It proves you’re actively seeking employment and is essential for both the visa and possible extension. |
Portugal Job Seeker Visa 2025 Updates: What You Need to Know
There were recent changes made in the policy of the Job Seeker visa program that every individual must know while applying to secure a job in Portugal:
| Update Area | What’s New in 2025 | What It Means for You |
| Focus on Highly Qualified Talent | Portugal now prioritizes skilled professionals, especially in IT, engineering, healthcare, and tech. | You’ll have a better chance if you hold a degree or have relevant experience in these in-demand fields. |
| Faster Processing Times | Standard processing takes 30–90 days, but high-skilled applications may be reviewed within 20 working days. | If you’re highly qualified, you might get a faster decision, so highlight your skills clearly in the application. |
| AIMA Replaces SEF | The immigration service SEF is now AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). | Your residence permit appointment will now be with AIMA. It is just an administrative shift, not a process change. |
| Financial Requirements | You must show at least €2,610 in funds (based on the €870/month minimum wage). | Prove you can support yourself for 3 months, and submit round-trip flight and accommodation proof. |
| Visa Validity & Extension | The visa is valid for 120 days and will be renewed for 60 more days. | To extend, you must register with IEFP and show you’re actively job-hunting. Plan your time wisely. |
| Single Entry Only | The visa only allows one entry into Portugal. | Once you arrive, you can’t leave and return on the same visa. Be fully prepared to job hunt right away. |
The jobs are not restricted to the mentioned in-demand jobs; this visa is open to a broad range of work in various sectors contributing to the major economy of the country. Having a strong CV, relevant experience, and a high degree can significantly improve your chances of securing a position.
Navigating the Portuguese Job Market (2025): A Sector-wise Guide for Job Seeker Visa Holders
The following is the list of highly demanded professions, where the country wants to call the international professionals to take the job in these sectors to fill the gap of required skills and workforce shortages:
| Sector | What’s in Demand | Why It Matters to You |
| Technology & IT | – Software Developers- IT Specialists- Data Analysts- Cloud Experts- Cybersecurity Professionals | Portugal’s tech scene is thriving, especially in Lisbon and Porto. If you’re tech-savvy, you’re in the right place. |
| Healthcare | – Doctors- Nurses- Pharmacists- Medical Technicians | With a national shortage of healthcare staff, medical professionals are urgently needed. Your qualifications can go far. |
| Engineering | – Civil Engineers- Mechanical Engineers- Telecommunications Engineers | Infrastructure projects and industrial growth are fuelling a strong demand across multiple engineering branches. |
| Tourism & Hospitality | – Chefs- Hotel Managers- Front Desk Staff- Restaurant Service Workers | Portugal is a top tourist destination, so hospitality professionals with experience can find great opportunities. |
| Construction | – Masons- Carpenters- Plumbers- General Trade Workers | Fluency in English, French, German, or Spanish? Multinational companies need you for their shared service centres. |
| Global Business Services | – Customer Support Reps- Administrative Staff- Multilingual Call Center Agents | – Customer Support Reps- Administrative Staff- Multilingual Call Centre Agents |
*The above list is not the end, you can further refer to the official website for more options they have. (link)
Financial Requirements for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa
It is essential to present the available funds that cross the threshold to prove that you can live in the country, covering the costs of rent, food, medical treatments, and other expenses.
| Requirement Area | What You Need to Know | Why It Matters |
| Core Financial Requirement | – A Portuguese citizen or legal resident can act as your sponsor.- They must sign a “Term of Responsibility”, legally recognised (by a notary, lawyer, or solicitor).- They must prove enough funds to support both you and themselves. | This ensures you can support yourself during your stay, since you’re not allowed to work until you secure a job. |
| Option 1: Personal Bank Statements | – Submit bank statements from the last 3–6 months.- Statements must show a stable balance of €2,610 or more.- They should reflect regular income and financial stability. | This is the most straightforward proof that you’re financially self-sufficient. Make sure details are clear and match your application. |
| Option 2: Term of Responsibility (Sponsor) | All financial documents must be clear, consistent, and accurate. Any inconsistencies may delay or harm your application. | This is ideal if you don’t meet the bank balance requirement yourself. But the sponsor must meet strict legal and financial conditions. |
| Document Accuracy | An apostille makes your documents internationally valid and trustworthy. Double-check with VFS or the Portuguese consulate for current requirements. | Visa officers will cross-check details, so keep everything neat and truthful. |
| Apostille (For Indian Applicants) | Though not always required, getting your financial documents apostilled is recommended. | Apostille makes your documents internationally valid and trustworthy. Double-check with VFS or the Portuguese consulate for current requirements. |
| Accommodation & Return Flight | In addition to financial proof, you also need to show:- Proof of accommodation (e.g., hotel or rental booking)- A return flight reservation | These prove you have a realistic and temporary stay plan, which is crucial since the visa is single-entry and time-limited. |
Document Requirements for Portugal Job Seeker Visa for Working Professionals
Document presentation is the core requirement while applying for a visa. You need to be honest and submit the complete documents for a chance to get approved. Missing, altered or incomplete documents would lead to excess decision time or rejection of the visa. So be cautious while dealing with the documentation.
| Category | Documents Needed | What You Should Know |
| General & Personal Documents | Bank statements should show stability, not just one-time deposits. The sponsor’s Term of Responsibility must be notarised or certified. Accommodation should cover your initial stay. | Double-check your passport’s validity and pages. Make sure your photo meets exact Schengen standards. Include visa/residency proof if applying from a third country. |
| Financial & Accommodation Proof | Bank statements should show stability, not just one-time deposits. The sponsor’s Term of Responsibility must be notarised or certified. Accommodation should cover your initial stay. | Bank statements should show stability, not just one-time deposits. The sponsor’s Term of Responsibility must be notarized or certified. Accommodation should cover your initial stay. |
| Health & Character Documents | Your insurance must cover emergencies and repatriation. PCC for Indian citizens should be apostilled by the MEA and requested in advance. It takes time! | Proof of Financial Means: • Bank statements (3–6 months, €2,610 min)• OR a notarised Term of Responsibility + sponsor’s financial docs Proof of Accommodation: • Hotel booking or lease agreement |
| Professional & Intent Documents | Proof of Financial Means: • Bank statements (3–6 months, €2,610 min)• OR a notarised Term of Responsibility + sponsor’s financial docs. Proof of Accommodation: • Hotel booking or lease agreement | The IEFP document is mandatory for this visa. Make your Letter of Intent personalised and professional. All qualifications should be certified and ideally apostilled. |
| Notes for Indian Citizens | Apostille Requirement: • PCC, degrees, experience letters, etc., must be apostilled by MEA. Document Translation: Non-English/Portuguese documents must be officially translated. Global Submission: • Application is submitted via VFS Global; requirements may vary slightly by city | IEFP Registration Proof: • Declaration of Expression of Interest. Letter of Intent:• Explains your job-seeking goals and background. CV (Resume):• Use Europass or professional format. Academic & Professional Documents: • Degrees, diplomas, and professional certificates |
Visa Fees and Costs while applying Portugal Job Seeker Visa
The following is the list of visa fees and other additional costs that you will encounter while applying for the visa. The additional costs may vary from place to place, so ensure you can cover them to ensure a smooth process.
| Cost Category | Details | Estimated Cost |
| Visa Fee | Portugal’s national long-stay visa fee | €110 (non-refundable) |
| VFS Global Service Fee | Charged by VFS Global when applying from India | Approx. €40 (paid in INR, varies by exchange rate) |
| Travel Health Insurance | Must cover at least €30,000 for medical, emergency, and repatriation | €100 – €400 (depends on provider & duration) |
| Apostille of Documents | For PCC, degrees, etc. by MEA (India) | ₹50 – ₹1,200+ per document |
| Proof of Financial Means | Must show €2,610 in your bank account (not a fee) | €2,610 minimum balance |
| Flight Reservation | Confirmed round-trip flight booking (not a ticket purchase) | Varies: €400 – €800 (avg) |
| Accommodation Proof | For PCC, degrees, etc., by MEA (India) | Varies: €100 – €500 (approx) |
| Hotel booking or rental agreement for the initial stay | Round-trip cost to visit your VFS appointment location | Depends on your location (est. ₹500 – ₹5,000) |
Step-by-Step Application Process
It is essential to understand every step of the procedure. Missing or avoiding any of the steps can lead to a time delay or rejection of the visa application.
Step 1: Declaration of Expression of Interest for IEFP (Institute of Employment and Vocational Training) registration
Before submitting your visa application, you need to express your interest in working while registering with the Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP), the Portuguese public employment service.
To declare the interest, you need to complete the form on the official website of the Work Seeker Visa: Click here.
After submitting the form, you will receive an extract via email within 6 hours. You can then apply for a visa to seek employment online or at the nearest Portuguese embassy.
Step 2: Assemble all the required documents as mentioned above
Step 3: Take an appointment from the Portuguese embassy in your country, and on the day of the appointment, pay the visa fees
Step 4: Submit the visa application: The visa application must be submitted with the correct documents; the falsification or incomplete documents would lead to visa rejection.
The visa decision will take 30-90 days, depending on the embassy and the case.
Step 5: After the approval of the visa, the Job seeker visa holders can enter the country only once and need to search for a job within the borders of the country.
Step 6: After signing the employment contract in Portugal, the applicant can apply for a residence permit, which is valid for two years or may depend on the contract. The applicant can include their special family members under family reunification once they get a successful occupation and a permit to live in the country.
Benefits of the Portugal Job Seeker Visa for Working Professionals
What makes it special, while considering the Portugal Job Seeker Visa? How it could be beneficial for working professionals:
| Benefit Area | What You Gain | Why It’s Valuable |
| No Pre-Arranged Job Required | Offers flexibility and removes the pressure of job hunting from abroad, and is ideal for networking and in-person interviews. | Offers flexibility and removes the pressure of job hunting from abroad and ideal for networking and in-person interviews. |
| Pathway to Residency & Citizenship | Once you land a job and convert your visa to a residence permit, you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship soon after. | Leads to long-term settlement in Portugal and opens doors to EU-wide rights (work, study, live across 27+ countries). |
| Gateway to the Schengen Zone | A Portuguese residence permit lets you travel visa-free to all 27 Schengen countries. | Ideal for business travel, tourism, or future job opportunities within Europe. |
| High Quality of Life | Enter Portugal without a job offer and search for work on the ground during a 120-day stay + 60 more days. | Great for professionals seeking work-life balance and a family-friendly environment. |
| Access to a Growing Job Market | Portugal offers a friendly culture, relaxed lifestyle, mild climate, and affordable living costs. | There’s a genuine demand for skilled workers. Your expertise is needed. |
| Family Reunification | After getting your residence permit, you can apply to bring your spouse and dependent children to join you. | Makes Portugal a practical option for those seeking a future for the whole family. |
| Right to Work Upon Permit Approval | Once you secure a job and receive your residence permit, you can legally work and access public healthcare, social security, and other services. | A smooth transition from job seeking to working and living like a full-time resident. |
Common Reasons for Portugal Job Seeker Visa Rejection
Various reasons may lead to the rejection of a job seeker’s visa application. You must be conscious while submitting your application. You need to be honest and have integrity, taking all the liabilities and responsibilities.
1. Document Mistakes: Incomplete, missing, and expired documents
2. Financial Proof Problems: Not Enough Money or Sponsor Issues
3. No Clear Job Plan: Weak Cover Letter or Inconsistent Profile
4. Missing Deadlines
5. False Information
Why Choose Portugal?
Why should one consider Portugal when searching for jobs and settling? Let’s learn something about Portugal in short, crisp:
| Reason | Why It Matters |
| Mild Weather All Year | No extreme cold or heat! Portugal’s sunny climate makes outdoor life enjoyable year-round. |
| Affordable Living | Compared to many European countries, your money goes further, whether it’s rent, groceries, or a good meal out. |
| Welcoming People | Locals are known for being warm, friendly, and respectful. Making it easier to settle in and feel at home. |
| Safe and Peaceful | One of the safest countries in the world, where you can walk around comfortably, day or night. |
| Beautiful Beaches & Nature | From golden coastlines to scenic mountains, Portugal is a natural beauty paradise for beach lovers and hikers alike. |
| Work-Life Balance | Portuguese culture values quality of life. Expect slower, less stressful days with time for yourself and your family. |
| Growing Job Market | Tech, tourism, and remote work opportunities are booming, especially in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Braga. |
| Easy to Travel Europe | As a Schengen country, you can explore 25+ countries freely once you’re in Portugal. |
| English is Widely Spoken | Especially in urban areas and among young people, you’ll find it easy to get by without speaking fluent Portuguese |
| Pathway to Residency & Citizenship | Long-term visas like the Job Seeker Visa or D7 can lead to permanent residency and even citizenship after 5 years. |
FAQs: Portugal Job Seeker Visa for Working Professionals
Q1. Can I work immediately upon arrival?
No, you cannot start working until you have secured a job and converted your visa to a residence permit.
Q2. Is knowing Portuguese a requirement?
No, Portuguese proficiency is not a requirement for the visa itself. However, it will be a great opportunity to enhance your job prospects.
Q3. What happens if I don’t find a job?
If you don’t secure an employment contract and begin the residence permit application process within the 120-day (or extended 180-day) period, you must leave the country. You can’t reapply for a new Job Seeker Visa for one year.
Q4. Can my family join me on this visa?
The Job Seeker Visa is for an individual. Once you have successfully converted your visa to a residence permit, you can invite your family members under reunification.
Q5. Is a job offer required to apply for the visa?
No, a key feature of this visa is that it does not require a pre-arranged job offer. You apply for the visa specifically to go to Portugal and look for work.
Expert Advice before applying for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa:
If you do it by yourself, you must be very careful in every step. Also, be cautious with the documents. Before submission, prepare all the documents according to the checklist above. Documents are crucial when applying for a visa, as a minor error can lead to rejection. Some essential guidance follows; you need to be very careful.
1. All the documents should be in a PDF file or, if an image, then .png/.jpg
2. Document file size not more than 3 MB
3. The image should be in a white background wirh 80% area containing your face and 20% area considered as a background. Avoid hiding your face, without goggles, specs, glasses, makeup, or a mask, preferably in a clean shave.
4. Documents should be unambiguous and not blurry.
5. Documents should be attested by an authorised authority only.
6. The document should be valid and not expire, and the passport validity should be at least 6 months at the time of visa submission.
7. Don’t use your native language in any documents. If any documents are in a non-English language, you need to translate those documents into English by an authorised authority that is acceptable in Portugal.
8. Documents should be as per the documents checklist with high visibility.
9. Documents should be in the correct sequence and easy to understand.
10. The letter of explanation should be correct, convincing, and use unambiguous language.
Apart from documents, you also need to be careful about some other important factors. For instance, ensure your internet speed is good and your browsers are updated. Avoid exceeding the session time, and also use the Edge browser. If you are still facing any issues with this visa, write to us at info@VisasAbroad.com
If you’re struggling to find a job in your native country or want to explore more opportunities abroad, especially in Europe. In that case, the Portugal Job Seeker Visa is a great option for those seeking a new adventure in employment in a new country, offering numerous benefits and the opportunity to contribute to a country’s economy. It is the best advantage to expand your expertise skills and step out of your comfort zone for a better lifestyle.
