Does Portugal Offer a Post-Study Work Visa Option?

For Portugal's Post-Study Work Visa (also known as the Temporary Stay Visa for Job Search), it is important to note that the primary purpose of this visa is to allow you to search for work, not to engage in full-time employment immediately. However, once you have secured employment and if your visa status allows it, there may be certain conditions about the number of hours you can work.

Regarding Your Question: Can you work more than 40 hours in two different jobs?

• During the Job-Seeking Period:

The Job-Seeking Visa itself does not directly limit the number of hours you can work, since the purpose is primarily to allow you to look for a job. However, if you do begin working (even in part-time jobs during the search period), you must ensure that it aligns with your legal status and any restrictions that may apply, such as the number of hours you're permitted to work while holding a visa.

• After Securing Employment:

Once you find a job and transition to a work visa, the rules for working hours may vary. Generally, in Portugal, the standard workweek is around 40 hours per week (8 hours a day, 5 days a week).

If you have two jobs:

o You can work more than 40 hours a week, provided that both jobs are legally registered and you comply with labor laws (including social security contributions and taxation).

o You cannot exceed the legal maximum for combined work hours (which can vary depending on the nature of the work, but generally it’s around 48 hours per week).

Important Considerations:

• Social Security and Tax Contributions: If you are working two jobs, you must ensure that both jobs are properly registered with the Social Security system in Portugal. You will be required to pay taxes and social security contributions on your earnings.

• Employer Knowledge: In some cases, employers may need to be informed if you're working multiple jobs, depending on the sector and employment agreements.

• Work-Life Balance and Labor Laws: Portuguese labor law also focuses on ensuring the well-being of workers, so the number of hours worked is carefully monitored, especially for jobs that may be physically or mentally demanding.

Summary:

• During the post-study visa job-search period, there are generally no specific restrictions on working hours, but your main focus should be to find a job.

• Once you find a job and transition to a work visa, you can work more than 40 hours per week across two different jobs, as long as you comply with Portuguese labor laws regarding work hours, taxes, and social security contributions.

Make sure to check with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Services (SEF) or a legal expert to confirm the specifics of your situation and ensure you're complying with all necessary regulations.