Portugal job seeker visa 2023 | How to apply

Candidates of any nationality who are seeking to work in Portugal can apply for this Portugal job seeker visa for the purpose of looking for a job as long as they meet the eligibility requirements of the Portugal job seeker visa.

The Portugal job seeker visa entitles its holder to enter and remain only in Portugal for the purpose of looking for a job; authorizes him/her to carry out a subordinated work activity, until the visa expires or until the residence permit is granted.

This visa is granted for a period of 120 days, renewable for another 60 days and allows only one entry into Portugal.

The issuance of the Portugal job seeker visa supposes the attribution of a date of scheduling in the competent services, within the period of validity of 120 days of the visa, and it allows the applicant, after the formalization of the employment contract throughout that period, the right to apply for a residence permit. To do so, you must fulfil the general conditions for granting a temporary residence permit, under the terms of article 77 of the Law.

Once the maximum validity limit of the visa for looking for work has expired, without an employment relationship having been established nor the process of requesting the granting of a residence permit having begun, the visa holder must leave the country.

In these situations, you can only re-apply for a new visa application for this purpose, one year after the expiry of the previous visa’s validity.

The request for a visa extension by a job seeker visa holder must be accompanied by proof of registration with the IEFP, I.P., and a declaration by the applicant indicating that the conditions of the planned stay are maintained, which will be assessed considering the reasons that justified its issuance.

GENERAL DOCUMENTATION

• National Visa application filled and duly signed by applicant;

• Passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return. Photocopy of passport (biographical data);

• 2 Photos, even, passport type, recent and in good condition to identify the applicant (1 for this form);

• Proof of regular situation in case of residence in a country other than the country of current nationality;

• Request for criminal record enquiry by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF) (Not applicable to minors under the age of sixteen);

• Criminal record certificate, issued by the competent authority of the country of the applicant’s nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for over a year (except for applicants under sixteen), with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalised;

• Valid travel insurance, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation;

• Copy of return transport title;

• Proof of financial resources equivalent to at least the sum of three guaranteed monthly minimum salary.

Proof of the financial resources may be waived upon presentation of a term of responsibility with recognized signature made by a Portuguese citizen or a foreign citizen, with a legal residence authorization in Portugal, which guarantees food and accommodation for the visa applicant, as well as the repatriation costs, in case of irregular stay.

The signatory of the responsibility term must also prove to have financial capacity in the amount of, at least, three times the value of the guaranteed minimum monthly salary (705 euros per month).

SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS  

• Declaration with indication of the conditions for the estimated stay.

• Proof of presentation of a declaration of expression of interest for enrolment in the IEFP (EN)/ (PT) / (FR) / (ES). 

FAQs FOR THE PORTUGAL JOB SEEKER VISA

Do I need Job offer for the Portugal Job seeker visa?

No, you don’t need any job offer to apply for a job seeker visa.

What if you cannot find a job with the Portugal job seeker visa?

You can extend your visa further for 60 days. Your total stay cannot exceed 180 days. You have to leave country and can reapply job seeker visa after one. However, some people might consider SEF registration to extend their stay in Portugal.

Can you change the Portugal job seeker visa into work visa?

Yes, once there is an employer willing to give you job offer/contract, you can change your existing job seeker visa into work visa and can get a residence permit in Portugal.

Do I need IELTS for the Portugal Job Seeker visa?

Originally, IELTS is not required for Portugal Job Seeker visa, but if you already have IELTS, it might help.

Portugal Job Seeker Visa 2023 Application Process:

Submit A Declaration of Expression of Interest for IEFP Registration:

First of all you have to submit a declaration of interest online. Filling declaration form is quite easier.

You can access the form at this link:

In order to apply for the Job Seeker Visa, you have to fill in the application online.

The application is to identify and declare that after entering Portuguese territory you intend to register with the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training to seek for a job in Portugal as a foreigner.

Enter all the personal details as mentioned on the Passport.

Select the profession that you are skilled in or have experience with.

You can also check the list of professions given on the website.