How to Obtain a Work Visa for Portugal: A Complete Guide
Looking to build your career in Europe? Portugal offers attractive job opportunities for skilled workers from around the world. But before you can start working legally, you need to obtain a work visa for Portugal.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the process works, which documents are needed, and how Borderless Lawyers can help you secure your work visa successfully.
🇵🇹 What Is a Work Visa for Portugal?
A work visa allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to live and work legally in Portugal. It’s ideal for individuals who have secured a job offer from a Portuguese employer.
🧠 Tip: If you don’t have a job yet, consider applying for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, which allows you to enter the country to look for work.
📋 Types of Portuguese Work Visas
There are several categories depending on the type of job:
1. Standard Work Visa (Subordinate Employment)
For full-time employees hired by a Portuguese company.
2. Highly Qualified Activity Visa (EU Blue Card)
For professionals with high education and salary levels.
3. Tech/Startup Visa
For tech professionals and startups joining incubators in Portugal.
4. Teaching, Research, or Cultural Work Visa
For academics, researchers, and artists.
📝 Requirements to Obtain a Portugal Work Visa
To apply, you’ll generally need:
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✔️ A valid job contract or offer letter
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✔️ Passport valid for at least 3 months
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✔️ Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates)
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✔️ Criminal background check from your home country
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✔️ Portuguese Tax ID (NIF)
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✔️ Valid health insurance (if required)
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✔️ Proof of housing or accommodation in Portugal
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✔️ Completed visa application form
All documents not in Portuguese must be translated and, in some cases, apostilled.
🔄 Step-by-Step Process to Get a Work Visa
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Secure a Job in Portugal
✅ Must be with a registered Portuguese employer
✅ They apply for a work authorization from AIMA (formerly SEF) -
Gather Documents
Prepare personal, legal, and employment documents with certified translations. -
Apply at the Portuguese Consulate in Your Country
Submit your visa application, pay fees, and wait for processing. -
Enter Portugal
Once approved, travel to Portugal and register your residence. -
Apply for a Residence Permit
Book an appointment with AIMA to convert your visa into a legal residency.
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
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Work authorization from AIMA: ~30–60 days
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Visa processing at consulate: ~30–60 days
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Residence permit after arrival: ~2–3 months
📌 Total timeline: 3–6 months on average. Delays may occur based on embassy and AIMA workloads.
🌍 Who Can Apply?
Anyone outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland with a valid job offer may apply. We help clients from:
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🇮🇳 India
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🇧🇷 Brazil
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🇵🇭 Philippines
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🇿🇦 South Africa
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🇨🇳 China
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🇳🇬 Nigeria
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🇷🇺 Russia
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🇺🇸 USA & 🇨🇦 Canada
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🇲🇽 Mexico
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🇪🇬 Egypt and many others
📩 Why Use Borderless Lawyers?
Working with immigration professionals makes your application smoother, faster, and compliant.
We offer:
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✅ Document preparation & translation
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✅ Employer support with AIMA authorization
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✅ Consulate appointment scheduling
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✅ Remote & in-person legal assistance
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✅ Follow-up with AIMA and consulates
✨ Bonus: No Job Yet? Try the Job Seeker Visa
If you don’t yet have a job offer, you can still move to Portugal using the Job Seeker Visa:
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Allows you to stay in Portugal for 120 to 180 days while searching for a job
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Once hired, you can switch to a work-based residence permit
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No employer sponsorship required to apply
[Learn more about the Job Seeker Visa →]
📍 Best Cities in Portugal for Work
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Lisbon – Tech, startups, finance, hospitality
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Porto – Engineering, digital, teaching
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Braga & Coimbra – Healthcare, education, customer support
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Faro & Algarve – Tourism, hotel & seasonal work
🏁 Ready to Work in Portugal?
Let Borderless Lawyers help you start your professional life in Portugal legally and confidently. From job seeker options to full work visa support, we’ve got your back.