Job search visa in Portugal in 2025: Statistics and news

Imagine an entry ticket to live in Portugal for several months, with the mission of finding the job of your dreams. This is what the job search visa in Portugal. The job search visa, officially named Visto de Procura de Emprego, was introduced in Portugal in 2022 to address labour shortages and attract non-EU talent. It allows individuals to enter and stay in Portugal for 120 days, with a possible 60-day extension, to seek employment without a prior offer. This visa is particularly attractive for those looking to take advantage of Portugal’s growing economy, which is known for its dynamic sectors such as technology, tourism and renewable energy.

The visa’s structure is simple: it allows entry to seek employment, and once a job is secured, holders can apply for a residence permit, thus transitioning to a long-term stay. This flexibility makes it a unique tool for international job seekers, particularly outside the EU, where traditional work visas often require a prior job offer.

Statistics and trends

Recent statistics paint a clear picture of the visa’s adoption and impact. According to the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of October 2023, over 16,500 job search visas had been issued, with projections estimating around 20,000 for the entire year. This figure reflects a strong interest, particularly from Brazilian nationals, who have seen a notable increase in applications.

A report from PUBLIC Brazil in December 2024 revealed that in 2024, 54.17 % of the visas issued by Portuguese consulates in Brazil were job search visas, a significant increase from 31.86 % in 2023. This increase reflects growing demand, with visa processing times increasing from three to six months, underlining the popularity of the visa.

• 2024 : Between January and August, Portugal delivered 22,121 job search visas, an increase of 65 % compared to the same period in 2023, when only 13,429 visas were approved2.
• The average number of visas issued monthly, however, decreased after the introduction of the Action Plan for Migration, passing from 1,666 per month in 2023 à 1,266 per month in 2024 (from June to August).
• Approval rate : Approximately 70 % applications are approved, meaning that candidates who meet the criteria have a good chance of obtaining this visa.
• Conversion rate : Next to 50 % visa holders find employment during the validity of the visa (120 to 180 days) and successfully convert it into a work permit.
• Visa holders usually put between 2 and 3 months to get a job in Portugal, which corresponds well to the initial duration of the visa (120 days.
• Geographical originsApplicants come mainly from: Latin America (especially Brazil), Africa, and South Asia.
• Targeted sectors : The most sought-after sectors by applicants include: Information technology, Tourism and hospitality, Finance, Services.

After the introduction of the Action Plan for Migration, the average number of visas issued has fallen significantly from 3,664 visas per month at the beginning of 2024 at only 1,266 visas per month between June and August 2024.

Regarding success rates, precise figures on the number of holders switching to a work permit are not public. However, based on general immigration trends, it is estimated that around 60,000 holders find employment within 180 days, which could represent around 12,000 new residence permits in 2023. This estimate corresponds to the increase of 33.6,000 in the foreign resident population, which reached 1,044,606 in 2023, according to the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA) on 17 September 2024.

In 2023, a total of 329,978 residence permits were issued, of which 150,000 were granted to Brazilian nationals, according to Schengen.News October 1, 2024. This figure includes both new permits and renewals, making it difficult to isolate permits directly related to job-seeker visas. However, with an increase of 263,381 foreign residents between 2022 and 2023, it is reasonable to assume that a significant portion of new permits (potentially 12,000 from job-seeker visas) contributed to this growth.

The high number of permits for Brazilians (150,000) is remarkable, especially since Brazilians represented 35.3% of the total foreign resident population (368,449), suggesting a strong preference for Portuguese-speaking candidates. This trend is reinforced by a 20% increase in work visas granted to Brazilians from January to August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to the same report.

The requirements to obtain this Visa

To apply for the job seeker visa, you must meet several criteria and provide some essential documents. Here is the complete list of requirements:

1. Valid passport : Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the visa expires.
2. Application form : Complete and sign the official national visa application form.
3. Identity photos : Two recent photos that meet standards.
4. Clean criminal record :
   • You must provide a criminal record extract from the countries where you have resided for more than one year.
   • This document must be legalized or apostilled.
5. Health insurance : Valid medical coverage (minimum €30,000) covering medical expenses and repatriation.
6. Proof of financial resources :
   • You must prove that you have at least three times the Portuguese minimum wage (around €2,385 in 2025).
7. Return ticket : Proof that you will be able to leave the country if necessary.
8. Personal statement : A letter explaining your intentions and the conditions planned for your stay.

How to apply for this visa?

The process may seem complex, but it becomes much simpler when it is well organized. Here are the main steps:

1. Prepare your documents :
   • Collect all the documents mentioned above.
   • Check that they are complete and comply with the requirements.
2. Registration with the IEFP (Institute of Emprego and professional training) :
   • This step is mandatory to show your serious intention to seek employment.
3. Submit your request :
   • Submit your application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country.
   • Pay the administrative fee (amount varies by country).
4. Consular interview :
   • Prepare to answer questions about your career plans and financial means.
5. Wait for the decision :
   • Processing can take between 30 and 90 days.

Which sectors are recruiting in Portugal?

Wondering what fields to look for a job in? Here are some booming sectors:

1. Technology : Lisbon is an emerging tech hub with startups and international companies.
2. Tourism and hospitality : With its beautiful beaches and historic cities, tourism remains an economic pillar.
3. Renewable energy : Portugal is investing heavily in solar and wind energy.
4. Health : Medical professionals are in high demand.
5. Education : Teaching English or other languages is a popular option for expats.

So, are you giving it a try?

Visit job search visa in Portugal, it is a golden opportunity to combine work and lifestyle. A dynamic market, a top quality of life, and sectors that are recruiting: everything is there to succeed. Whether you are a coder, a hotelier or an ecologist at heart, this visa can be your ticket to a new life.

Ready to get started? Gather your papers, pack your bags, and go for it. If this article has enlightened you, leave me a little comment or share it with your friends. Vamos ao Portugal!