For companies seeking opportunities to grow in the global market, Portugal is one of many enticing options. If your company is planning to extend operations in Portugal, it’s possible that some employees will need to obtain visas and work permits.
Types of work visas in Portugal
Portugal is a member of the European Union (EU). Citizens of other EU member states, as well as EFTA citizens, are free to work in Portugal without a permit.
Other third-country nationals must obtain a visa. In Portugal, there are 3 main types of visas:
- Type 1: Temporary stay visas allow entry and stay in Portugal for less than a year. Temporary stay visas are valid during the entire stay and allow for multiple entries.
- Type 2: Residency visas allow 2 entries and is valid for a period of 4 months. During that time, the holder of a residency visa is required to request a residency permit with the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA).
- Type 3: The jobseeker visa entitles its holder to enter and remain in Portugal for the purpose of looking for a job. It authorizes its holder to carry out a subordinated work activity until the visa expires or until the residence permit is granted.
After obtaining the relevant visa, the worker can travel to Portugal. They will have 4 months to apply for the work and residence permit to convert the visa. Such additional permit is required to work in Portugal legally.
Starting March 2023, citizens from the Community of Portuguese Language Countries can apply for a new, streamlined residence permit, valid up to 1 year. To be eligible they must:
- Not be in the Serviço de Informações de Segurança system.
- Submit a criminal record for each country they have lived in for more than 1 year.
- Have proof of a stable, livable income.
Requirements to obtain Portugal work visas
Along with a completed visa application, the following documents must be submitted in order to obtain a visa:
• Original passport with at least 3 blank pages or additional travel document valid for at least 1 year
• 2 original passport-size photos
• Proof of address in the country of origin
• Police Clearance Certificate issued in the country of origin or in the country where the employee has been residing officially for the last year
• Proof of address in Portugal (rental agreement or hotel reservation for 120 days)
• Proof of means of subsistence (bank statements or last 3 salary pay slips)
• CV
• Original duly legalized and sworn translated (to Portuguese) degree
• Flight reservation
• Valid international travel insurance
• Original visa form
• Visa fees
After arriving to the country, a Residence permit application (work permit) must be submitted to the Portuguese authorities AIMA. On the day of the appointment, the employee will be issued a receipt, and the original Residence Permit card should arrive within 90 days. To apply for a work permit, or Autorização de Trabalho, employees will need to provide the following documents:
- Original valid passport with visa stamped
- Original proof of residence in the form of lease agreement plus rental receipts
- Proof of means of subsistence in the form of a work contract and salary pay slips
- Health insurance / Health Centre Registration
- NISS – Social Security Number
- NIF – Tax Number
- Employment contract
Application process
To obtain a visa, workers must submit an application through the consulate of Portugal in their country of origin or country of official residence. They will need to provide the documents listed above. It may take 2 to 3 months for officials to process the application and issue a visa. This visa will grant entrance into Portugal.
After the visa has been issued, the professional will need to apply for a work permit as well. Individuals from non-EU countries will have a better chance of obtaining a work permit if they have specialized skills.
Employers are tasked with submitting the work permit application, which will go through the AIMA.
After obtaining a visa and work permit, the worker may travel to Portugal and begin working after obtaining a tax number. They’ll need to get their Residency Card from the AIMA, receive a tax code from their branch of the Director-General of Taxes (Direcçaõ-Geral dos Impostos), and register with social security.
Other important considerations
Employees should be aware that they are entitled to apply for permanent residency after 5 years of living in Portugal.
Discover how G-P can help you manage your global teams.
At G-P, we’re committed to breaking down barriers to global business, enabling opportunity for everyone, everywhere, and helping companies tap into the fullest potential of their workforce. We help you maintain full compliance with local laws and ensure everything from hiring and onboarding to paying your employees is quick and easy, regardless of where they are in the world.
Find out more about how our Global Growth Platform™ can help you grow your team across the globe.
–
For this particular location, G-P may sponsor, depending on eligibility, certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.