As in several European countries, Portugal has recently joined the list of countries that include a job-seeker visa in their visa system. In addition to the new visa, a bill approved by the Portuguese Council of Ministers introduces changes to the legal regime governing the entry, stay, departure and expulsion of foreigners, and at the same time abolishes the quota for work-related residence visas.
 Update |
Job search visa in Portugal Article 2024 |
List of required documents, work visa for Portugal
Contents
Visa for job seekers without a work contract in Portugal
While most people wishing to immigrate to Portugal, or to Europe in general, rely on obtaining a work contract to immigrate to the continent, others undertake to look for a job in one of the countries issuing the job-seeker visa, thereby greatly increasing their possibilities. If you're a regular visitor to our website or Facebook page, you'll no doubt be aware that several countries such as Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden have already opted for the job-seeker visa system to solve their labor shortage problems and encourage immigrants to settle in their countries. The special feature of the Portugal is that its conditions are lighter than those of other countries.
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What is a job search visa in Portugal?
In practical terms, this is a temporary visa which entitles the holder to enter Portugal and reside there legally for a limited period, in order to seek suitable employment. If a job is found, the holder can start work, after applying for a long-term worker's residence permit. However, if the person does not find a job within the period of validity of this visa, he or she must leave Portugal.
As a result, foreigners wishing to emigrate and work in Portugal can travel to the country and stay for a certain period of time without needing a prior work contract in the country.
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How long does the visa for seeking work in Portugal last?
Visit duration visa to look for a job in Portugal for foreigners is 120 daysrenewable once for a period of 60 days from Portuguese territory. This means that the beneficiary will have 180 days to find a suitable job in Portugal and obtain a work contract from your potential employer.
The job-seeker visa holder then has two options:
Either he/she does not find a job during the period of validity of the visa, in which case he/she must leave Portugal, and will not be able to return on the same visa until an entire year from the date of departure from Portuguese territory.
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On the other hand, if the visa holder finds a job corresponding to his/her qualifications and obtains an employment contract, he/she must submit an application to the competent authorities to convert the job seeker visa into a temporary residence for workers in Portugal, and then occupy his/her position as an employee while awaiting a favorable response from the authorities.
Documents and conditions required to apply for a job search visa in Portugal
The documents and criteria required may differ slightly depending on your country of residence, but in general, make sure you have the following documents and qualifications:
- Personal documents: A passport valid for at least six months from your expected date of entry into Portugal, plus several personal photos; you may also be asked to provide a birth certificate or other personal documents.
- Academic and professional qualifications: These include certificates and diplomas related to your profession principal. In addition to professional experience proving that you have the necessary qualifications to work in Portugal.
- Health insurance: you must have valid health insurance in Portugal for the duration of your stay.
- Sufficient funds: Portuguese consular services need to be sure that you are prepared to pay all accommodation and living expenses during your job-seeking stay in Portugal. For this reason, they require evidence that you have a minimum of around 3,000 euros to cover the costs of a 4-month stay (which is the initial duration of the visa as mentioned above). This amount is based on the equivalent of 4 months' Portuguese minimum wage.
- Proof of accommodation: You are also required to provide a hotel reservation or other proof of accommodation; an invitation or accommodation with an acquaintance will also do.
- A clean criminal record in your country of origin (in certain cases).
- Language skills: As Portugal's official language is Portuguese, most job offers require a command of this language, with the possibility of finding jobs requiring only English or Spanish, for example. This means you'll need to prove your command of one of the country's most widely used languages when you apply.
- Other documents: For example, some Portuguese embassies require applicants to submit a round-trip flight reservation before submitting their visa application. In this case, be sure to book a return ticket that can be cancelled.
You will be granted an appointment after your visa application has been submitted, so that you can present and defend your case in the same way as for the American lottery.
On the application form for a visa to seek employment in Portugal, the section corresponding to work experience, you can choose between several options, the first being no experience, the other options being the following:
- Architects, urban planners and designers
- Biologos, Botanists, Zoologos
- Electrical, electronics and telecommunications engineers
- Industrial, civil, mechanical, mining and metallurgical engineers
- Agricultural, forestry and environmental engineers
- Specialists in finance, accounting, management, marketing and public relations
- Legal and social specialists (lawyers, economists, psychologists, journalists, translators, etc.)
- Physicists, chemists, mathematicians and statisticians
- General practitioners and specialists
- Nurses and nursing assistants
- Pharmacists
- Health professionals (physiotherapists, nutritionists, therapists, etc.)
- Nurses and family assistants
- Veterinarians and veterinary assistants
- Teacher
- Education aids
- Analysts and programmers (software, web and applications)
- IT experts and operators
- Telecommunications technicians
- Cultural and religious technicians (librarians, museum curators, photographers, decorators, etc.)
- Performing artists and workers
- Physical and sports technicians (athletes, trainers, instructors, etc.)
- Office, administration and secretaries
- Call center and call center staff
- Chefs and cooks
- Kitchen helpers and meal preparers
- Bakers and confectioners
- Waiters and bar staff
- Hotel receptionist
- Hairdressers, beauticians, masseuses and the like
- Sales clerks and cashiers
- Security and security personnel (guards, porters, etc.)
- Agriculture, animal production and forestry workers
- Fishing and aquaculture workers
- Responsible for the mining, manufacturing and construction industries
- Basic structural construction workers (masons, calceteiros, reinforced concrete workers, carpenters)
- Construction finishers (tilers, plasterers, plumbers, painters, etc.)
- Metallurgists, metal workers (builders, welders, locksmiths, etc.)
- Electrical and electronics workers
- Food processing workers (meat and fish preparation, canning, etc.)
- Clothing and footwear industry workers (tailors, shoemakers, etc.)
- Machine operators in the mining, manufacturing and construction industries
- Vehicle mechanics, equipment and repairers
- Warehouse and logistics employees
- Locomotive drivers and similar
- Car, van and motorcycle drivers
- Heavy vehicle and bus drivers
- Cleaners and housekeepers
How to apply for a job search visa in Portugal ?
It is possible to apply for a Portuguese job-seeker visa by making an appointment with the Portuguese consular services in your country, or in a neighboring country if your country does not have an embassy or consulate, and submitting an integrated application, as is the case for other travel visas or scheingen visas.
Read more on the same subject:
Application form for a visa to work in Portugal
You must also complete an online form " DECLARATION OF INTEREST FOR IEFP REGISTRATION "in which you declare that after entering the country, the Portuguese intend to register with the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training to look for work.
Link to IEFP form : Pedido de Visto de Procura de Trabalho (iefp.pt)
How do I obtain a work visa for Portugal?
To obtain a job search visa in Portugal, you must follow the steps below:
Step 1: Completing the IEFP form
To enter and reside in Portugal to look for a job, you must express your interest in registering with the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP) before applying for a job-seeking visa.
To complete this declaration of interest in registering with IEFP, please fill in the following form:
Step 2: Apply for a Job Search Visa
Once you've completed the form, you'll receive the declaration by e-mail, and you'll be able to apply for a job-seeker's visa "online" and/or at your nearest Portuguese consulate, after making an appointment in advance.
The link to apply for a visa online is : pedidodevistos.mne.gov.pt/VistosOnline
Documents required to apply for a job search visa
You must first contact your country's consular service to request the list of documents required for your country.
Generally speaking, you will probably be asked to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and at least two blank pages.
- Declaration of interest in registering with the Institut de l'Emploi et de la Formation Professionnelle (IEFP)
- Documents that can be used to declare your professional skills and experience.
- Proof of health and accident insurance
- Color passport photos
- Documented flight bookings
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal; hotel reservation or guest accommodation, etc.
The appointment
The interview you get after submitting the IEFP form is a crucial success factor in your chances of obtaining a job-seeking visa in Portugal, so be consistent in your statements and good luck.
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116 Responses
Hello I got an email after filling out the form (iepf) to present or nearest consulate my question what are the documents to provide
Please publish the email after omitting your personal data so that we can give you more details.
Hello I have received an email after reading the procedures I wonder what documents to provide
What are the procedures for immigrating to Canada?
How can extend my visa job seeker plz and necessary document for that.
How can I extend my work visa and what documents do I need?
sai9
Morocco
Dear Sir/Madam,
I just found out about immigration and getting a job in português. I'm a Hand/Lndust Technician. I'm finding it really difficult to finance this project.
Yours sincerely
respectful and fraternal.
Hi, how did you get this job?
Hi my name is Noël dougan i'm an aluminium and wood joinery technician i'm looking for a job as an immigrant to develop my experience in the trade that i've been doing for 7 years . thank you all
Bonjour je suis ivoirien je suis intéressé j'ai une formation cariste j'ai le permis et le certificat CACES, un permis de conduire et un passeport valide mais je comprends pas anglais est ce que je peux immigrés merci d'avance.
I need demand visa in Portugal
I am looking for a work contract in the field of building electricity
Experience 13 years
I'd like to immigrate to Portugal for work
How do I create my account?
The job seeker visa allows the holder to enter and stay in Portugal solely for the purpose of seeking employment, and authorizes him/her to carry out subordinate work until the visa expires or the residence permit is granted.
This visa is granted for 120 days, renewable for a further 60 days, and allows only one entry into Portugal.
Issuance of this visa presupposes the granting of an "ordonnancement" date by the relevant authorities, within the 120-day validity period of the visa, and entitles the applicant to apply for a residence permit once the work contract has been formalized for the entire period. To do so, you must meet the general conditions for granting a temporary residence permit, as set out in article 77 of the law.
Once the maximum validity of the work visa has expired, without an employment relationship having been established or the application procedure for a residence permit having begun, the visa holder must leave the country.
In such cases, you can only reapply for a visa one year after the expiry date of the previous visa.
Applications for visa extension by holders of a job-seeker visa must be accompanied by proof of registration with the IEFP, IP, and a declaration by the applicant that the conditions of the intended stay are maintained, which will be assessed in the light of the reasons for which it was issued.
GENERAL DOCUMENTATION
National Visa Application completed and duly signed by the applicant ;
Passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after estimated date of return. Photocopy of passport (biographical data);
2 recent passport-size photos in good condition to identify the applicant (1 for this form);
Proof of legal residence in a country other than the country of current nationality ;
Request for criminal records investigation by Immigration and Border Services (IBS) (Does not apply to minors under the age of sixteen) ;
Extrait de casier judiciaire, issued by the competent authority of the applicant's country of nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for more than one year (except for applicants under sixteen years of age), with Hague Apostille (if applicable) or legalized;
Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including emergency medical assistance and repatriation;
Transport document - Return flight reservation indicating departure and return dates;
Proof of financial resources equivalent to at least the sum of three guaranteed minimum monthly salaries.
Proof of financial resources can be waived on presentation of a mandate of responsibility signed by a Portuguese citizen or a foreign citizen, with authorization to stay legally in Portugal , which guarantees the visa applicant food and lodging, as well as repatriation costs, in the event of illegal residence.
The signatory of the responsibility mandate must also provide proof of financial capacity in an amount at least equal to three times the value of the guaranteed minimum monthly wage (€705).
SPECIFIC DOCUMENTS
Declaration indicating the conditions of the planned stay.
Attestation of submission of an expression of interest for registration with IEFP
Hello
I completed the file, scanned it and emailed it to the consulate.
Now I'm waiting for him to get back to me to book an appointment.
Pay Algeria
My question is, have they started issuing this job search visa or not yet?
Salam alikom,
Is there a form for the Declaration with an indication of the conditions of the planned stay?
thank you
Chamo-me Abdel Nasser, de Marrocos, procuro um contrato de trabalho com dois italianos, entendo da área agrícola.
Please, after receiving the declaration, what is the next step?
Hello sister, my name is laura from Cameroon, I just finished my declaration to the iefp and I'm lost what is the next step and I just noticed that there is no Portuguese consulate here in Cameroon, please help me even if I file my case in your country if possible.
Good evening
Si si il y a le consulat du Portugal a douala.
Hello Miss
Suis aussi aus Cameroun... After filling out your declaration you did how stp....
Good evening Stéphanie, I'm Eric, also of Cameroonian nationality. I received a letter of invitation from IEFP several months ago. The Portuguese embassy based in Nigeria has been closed until now, so I'd like to know what stage you're at with your application?
I'd like to hear from you so that we can find a solution.
Good evening
May I ask how you did it?
I received the email and now I'm wondering what to do?
Hello, how do I apply for a criminal records check from the immigration and border services (SEF)? Thank you.
I am looking for a job in the clothing industry.
bjr how to send the documents to the embassy of nigeria
1 Do I have to go directly to the embassy?
2 or scan the docs and send?
J ai fait une faute au niveau formulaire comment je puisse le régler est ce que je peux faire une autre ou nn ???😥😥
Hi it's Moussa Soro I wanted to work I wanted to work in Portugal I'm in conductor magico and film my protection is printing
Employment contract
Hi
Yes
My name is ibrahima bah building electrician 7 years experience
I hope this site is real
Which site?
We have published information about a new visa to look for work in portugal.
It's news + procedures to follow
You can find the same information on other immigration and visa websites, or by contacting the Portuguese consular services in your country of residence.
Hello, the embassy closest to us is the one in Nigeria, but it is currently closed due to terrorist threats in the country. I've already collected the documents
Slt Bernardo how did you make your request to consult the criminal record SEF
Cc Laura please write me I live zglamnt in Cameroon thank you
I need to know how to apply online and how much the visa fee is.
Good evening, when can we submit this visa application to the consulates?
Hi, I'm from Algeria. I am from Algeria and would like to know what the first step is to obtain a work visa.
Hello Sir or Madam, I'm Brahim Djabar, Chadian nationality, customs declarant with 13 years of experience. I'm looking for a job for myself and my wife.
THANK YOU
Hello, I'm having trouble completing my work visa application.
1- What documents do I need to prove my legal status in the country where I live?
2- What is the form to be completed to obtain the declaration and Request for Criminal Record Investigation by Immigration and Border Services (SEF) .
3 - How to obtain the Declaration with information on the conditions of the planned stay .
My name is ibrahima bah building electrician 7 years experience
THANK YOU
Hello how are you I'm Fathi from Algeria I want you to help me look for work I'm a public machinery driver I have seven years experience I want a work contract to be able to get there I have no problem with the consulate Thank you very much
Hello.
Thank you for all the information and details.
All is well. Except for one thing!!!
It is not yet possible to book a specific appointment for a work visa application.
All this is true, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet set a box for appointments that correspond to this procedure.
(if you have an idea or a direct link to book a specific appointment, I would be very grateful sir)
The Portuguese embassy in Morocco say they still have to wait for it to be put on the site !!!
So this opportunity or this occasion is not really complete. Unfortunately.
i'm having the same problem here in senegal. i'd be grateful if you could keep me informed by e-mail. damedjily
Interested
I have a problem with appointments. When I fill out the appointment request form, I am told that this type of visa does not exist in my consular area of residence.
Bjr frère tu es dans quel pays
Hello I would really like to go work there to show my educational skills.
Is there such a thing as a job search visa in Morocco? because personally, after registering on the site, I went to the Portuguese consulate in Morocco but in the end there was nothing. !!!!?????????
Hello, according to your article I meet all the conditions to apply, but I am married with two dependent children, how do I do in this case? Which visa application does the husband need? What about the children?
It's an individual visa, after having found a job in Portugal. With an SMIC salary and more +1/2 of the smic for the spouse and if I remember correctly 1/4 of smic for each child, it is possible to apply for family reunification.
Tilkout Karim
I'm a plumber and I want to work
Good evening,
why are there still no appointments for work visas in Morocco?
AND when is it due, please?
My IEFP declaration of interest will expire on 04/02? what do I do if there's still no appointment by then?
Thank you for your help
Good evening
Hello !! I would like to know if the IEFP declaration has a deadline ????
Good evening how did you get this declaration please?
Hello sir I am interested in visa seeks work
Hello sir I'm interested in visa seeking work in the field of industrial electricity
Yes
Hello sir I'm interested in visa seeking work in the field of industrial electricity
I am a warehouseman and a merchant I have my merchant card I have my trade card and linea I have my Expo card is impo I am interested in your visa offer in Portugal
Hi me Sofiane from Algeria exactly Béjaïa I'm a tiler I'm looking for work seriously +213781387931
When will Portugal's job-seeker visa registration site close?
Thank you for your service
Good evening I am Senegalese I want to work
I am satisfied with the support and information provided by the consular services and their Portuguese websites to apply for a work visa.
For Tunisians, anyone who does not have a guarantee of accommodation in Portugal for 4 months (rental contract, lease, etc.) cannot apply for a "work" visa.
Hello
Hi my name is Mr Orialy matezo resident in rdcongo ,i'm going to an accompaniment for the request of visa of work in the field of the agriculture
I want a visa I'm looking for a job I have diplomas
holder of a diploma mechanics agricultural more experience in electromechanics permit b and so dominated painting I seek a contract of work
Hello, I recently received the declaration. What are the steps to follow?
Hello,
I would like to obtain a job seeker's visa but I don't know how to go about it. Do I have to go to the consulate or are there offices like TLS that can take care of it?
Thank you in advance
Sincerely
Good evening, thank you for everything, we will try our luck and see what happens as we are in serious need of jobs.
Welcome, respected gentleman, I am Mohamed, 32 years old, from Morocco Shovel driver I have 12 years of experience looking for a job in Portugal Thank you
Hello and thank you for your explanations
How do I apply to the SEF?
Request for a criminal records check by Immigration and Frontier Services (SEF)
Welcome, respected sir, I am Mohamed, 32 years old, from Morocco
Welcome, respected gentleman, I am Mohamed, 32, from Morocco.
Welcome, respected gentleman, I am Mohamed, 32 years old, from Morocco Shovel driver I have 12 years of experience looking for a job in Portugal Thank you
hello I'm mr hicham 45 years old I'have deplom mechanic I'm looking for the jop in Portugal think you
Hello, my respectable sir, my name is Mohamed Mohit, 32 years old, from Morocco, shovel operator. I have 12 years' experience. I want to come and work in Portugal. I'd like to come and work in Portugal. Thank you.