Visa Types
Portugal Work Visa Process
Apply to work in Portugal, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Portugal Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Portugal?
To visit Portugal, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
Portugal visa application is made online or offline?
You can download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and take it to the Visa Application Centre. If applying at the Portugal Consulate in Goa, fill out the form online through the E-Visa website.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Portugal visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment
What kind of visa will we acquire from Portugal?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
Long Term Visa
|
DURATION |
VISA FEES IN EUROS |
|
Temporary Stay |
90 |
To obtain more information about fee, please click here
Step-by-step guide (At The Embassy/Consulate)
Let us walk you through the process
- Determine the required visa type and check your eligibility before applying.
- Gather the necessary documents, be aware of processing time and fees.
- Ensure your application follows the guidelines, and translate non-English documents if needed.
- When you're ready to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and bring the complete form along with the required documents to the Visa Application Centre for submission.
- For applications at the Portugal Consulate in Goa, the form must be filled out online through the E-Visa website.
- After completing your visa form, you must schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.
- Once the appointment is booked, you'll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
- For families or groups, each member needs to book an individual appointment.
- Once you have submitted your application, you will need to pay the visa application fee. If you choose to download and print the form for submission at the Visa Application Centre, you can make the payment during your appointment.
- The Visa fee must be paid at the Visa Application Centre.
- You must submit your visa application form in person at the Visa Application Centre.
- Discover what takes place at the Visa Application Centre.
- After submitting your visa application, you'll be notified via email when a decision has been made and returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you prefer SMS updates or have limited email access, check if this option is available at the centre you visited.
- Additionally, you can track your visa application status online using the Reference Number from the invoice or receipt provided by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name. This service allows you to stay updated on the progress of your application.
Once a decision has been made on your visa application, you have two options for receiving your passport:
- Collecting in Person: Bring the receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre and a valid Government identification document. If allowed, you may authorize a representative to collect the passport on your behalf by providing them with a signed letter of authorization, the receipt issued to you, and their own Government identification.
- Courier Delivery: You can opt for courier delivery of your passport for an additional fee.
To know the available options and procedures for collecting your documents, please check with the Visa Application Centre during their opening hours.
Step-by-step guide (Through the E-Visa Website.)
Let us walk you through the process
- Go to the Website: Visit the website of the Portuguese Immigration Services at https://www.sef.pt/en/.
- Navigate to the Visas Section: Click on the “Visas” tab on the website.
- Access E-Visa: Look for the “E-Visa” link and click on it.
- Select Visa Type: Choose the type of visa you are applying for from the options available.
- Initiate the Application: Click on the “Start Application” button to begin the visa application process.
- Create an Account: If you don’t have an account on the website, you will need to create one. Provide the required information to create your account and then log in.
- Fill out the Application Form: Complete the visa application form with accurate and up-to-date details. This form will require personal information, travel details, and other relevant information related to your visa application.
- Upload Documents: Prepare and upload all the necessary documents as per the consulate’s requirements. These documents may include passport copies, photographs, travel itinerary, financial documents, and any other supporting papers.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Process the payment for the visa fee through the designated payment methods specified on the website.
- Submit the Application: Once all the required fields are completed, and the documents are uploaded, submit the visa application form. The system will confirm the successful submission of your application.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a work visa for Portugal from India, you will need to submit a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. Here is a document checklist to guide you through the process:
- Passport: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity from the intended date of travel. It should have at least two blank pages for visa stamping.
- Visa Application Form: A completed and signed Portugal work visa application form.
- Passport-sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the specifications mentioned in the visa application guidelines.
- Employment Contract: A copy of the employment contract or a job offer letter from a Portuguese employer.
- Work Authorization: Evidence of work authorization approval from the Portuguese authorities, if required.
- Certificate of Qualifications: Your educational certificates and qualifications, along with certified translations (if not in Portuguese or English).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting your work experience and skills.
- Proof of Accommodation: Confirmation of your accommodation arrangements in Portugal, such as a rental agreement or hotel booking.
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or other documents demonstrating sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
- Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage for your entire stay in Portugal.
- Flight Itinerary: A copy of your round-trip flight itinerary indicating your intended travel dates.
- Police Clearance Certificate: A police clearance certificate from your country of residence, showing that you have no criminal record.
- Biometric Data: You may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the visa application center.
- Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip, details of your employment, and your intended duration of stay in Portugal.
- Payment of Visa Fee: The visa processing fee, which is non-refundable, as per the Schengen regulations.
Document checklist for other work visa categories:
https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/portugal/india/english/index.html
You must have travel insurance for all Schengen countries. If you haven’t bought it yet, please click here.
- Temporary Work Visa (Visa de Trabalho Temporário):
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of travel.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting visa application requirements.
- Job offer letter or employment contract from a Portuguese employer.
- Proof of qualifications and educational certificates.
- Proof of professional experience or relevant work experience.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
- Flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates.
- Visa processing fee (non-refundable).
- Highly Qualified Workers (Trabalhadores Altamente Qualificados):
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of travel.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting visa application requirements.
- Job offer letter or employment contract from a Portuguese employer.
- Proof of specialized knowledge, qualifications, or skills.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your work experience and expertise.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
- Flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates.
- Visa processing fee (non-refundable).
- Seasonal Work Visa (Visa de Trabalho Sazonal):
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of travel.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting visa application requirements.
- Job offer letter or employment contract specifying the seasonal work period.
- Proof of previous experience or qualifications relevant to the seasonal work.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
- Flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates.
- Visa processing fee (non-refundable).
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa (Transferência dentro do Grupo Empresarial):
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of travel.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting visa application requirements.
- Letter from the multinational company confirming the intra-company transfer.
- Employment contract or assignment letter from the Portuguese subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
- Proof of specialized knowledge or skills required for the transfer.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
- Flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates.
- Visa processing fee (non-refundable).
- Entrepreneur Visa (Visto de Empreendedor):
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of travel.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting visa application requirements.
- Business plan outlining the proposed venture in Portugal.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support the business and yourself during your stay.
- Proof of relevant experience or qualifications in the field of the proposed business.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
- Flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates.
- Visa processing fee (non-refundable).
- Researcher Visa (Visto de Investigador):
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of travel.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting visa application requirements.
- Research project proposal or job offer from a Portuguese research institution or university.
- Proof of qualifications and educational certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your research experience and achievements.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
- Flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates.
- Visa processing fee (non-refundable).
- European Blue Card:
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity from the intended date of travel.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs meeting visa application requirements.
- Job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese employer.
- Proof of specialized qualifications or skills meeting the Blue Card requirements.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Portugal.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
- Police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
- Flight itinerary showing your intended travel dates.
- Visa processing fee (non-refundable).
Note:
- Applicants may need to provide additional documents or attend an interview if requested by the Portugal Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General of Portugal in Goa.
- Applicants (both adults and children) applying from Mumbai and Pune VFS centers will need to have a Skype interview with the Portugal Consulate. The Visa Application Centre will assist in scheduling the appointment.
- Please note that the interview will be scheduled at the time of application submission in Mumbai or Pune VFS centers, based on the earliest available slot.
- The visa fee is non-refundable as per Schengen regulations.
- During the interview, remember to bring all documents in their original form.
- However, for the following documents, applicants do not need to submit the originals during the application at the VFS center. Instead, bring colored photocopies and also carry the original documents while submitting the applications at the VFS office:
- Birth certificates
- Birth registration certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Marriage registration certificates
- Education degrees
Please note that the document checklist provided above is a general guideline, and specific requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the latest updates in Portuguese immigration regulations. It is essential to consult the official website of the Portugal authorities or contact the Portugal Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
For VFS Mumbai and VFS Pune applicants for Consulate General of Portugal, Goa:
After completing the Online Visa Application Form, choose the same date for submitting your visa application at VFS Mumbai or VFS Pune. Schedule your appointment on our website accordingly. Click here to schedule an appointment with VFS.
SEF Form ( Application Form ):Fill and submit along with other documents. Not required for children below 16 years.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Portugal Work/Permit visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Obtain a Job Offer from a Portuguese Employer: Research and apply for job opportunities in Portugal. Secure a job offer from a Portuguese employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for your visa application. This may include a valid passport, visa application form, passport-sized photographs, job offer letter, employment contract, proof of qualifications, health insurance, and other supporting documents.
- Fill out the Application Form: Download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and bring the complete form along with the required documents to the Visa Application Centre for submission. For applications at the Portugal Consulate in Goa, the form must be filled out online through the E-Visa website.
- Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Portugal Visa Application Centre in your city for submitting your visa application and supporting documents. Check the specific requirements for appointment booking on the Visa Application Centre’s website.
- Attend the Visa Application Centre: On the day of your appointment, visit the Visa Application Centre with all the required documents and the completed application form. Submit your application and pay the visa fee.
- Biometric Data Collection: You may be required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at the Visa Application Centre.
- Wait for Processing: Your application will be processed by the Portuguese authorities. Processing times may vary depending on the time of year and the volume of applications.
- Receive the Decision: Once the processing is complete, you will be informed of the decision on your work visa application. If approved, your visa will be affixed to your passport.
- Collect Your Passport: If your work visa application is approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker from the Visa Application Centre or arrange for it to be delivered to your address.
- Travel to Portugal: With your approved Portugal Work/Permit visa, you can travel to Portugal for the purpose of working.
- Temporary Work Visa (Visa de Trabalho Temporário):
The Temporary Work Visa is issued to individuals who have a specific job offer from a Portuguese employer. It allows them to work in Portugal for a limited period, typically tied to the duration of their employment contract. This visa is suitable for foreign workers who intend to work temporarily in Portugal and return to their home country after the work assignment is completed. The applicant must meet the specific requirements of the job position and have the necessary qualifications or experience.
- Highly Qualified Workers (Trabalhadores Altamente Qualificados):
The Highly Qualified Workers visa category is designed for skilled professionals, scientists, researchers, and other individuals with specialized knowledge. It offers streamlined procedures and certain benefits to attract top talent to Portugal. To qualify for this visa, applicants must have exceptional skills or qualifications that are in demand in the Portuguese job market. They may be exempt from labor market testing, and their family members can also apply for residence permits.
- Seasonal Work Visa (Visa de Trabalho Sazonal):
The Seasonal Work Visa is intended for individuals who will work in sectors with seasonal demands, such as tourism and agriculture. It is issued for a short period and is subject to the specific needs of the employer during particular seasons. The visa is granted for a fixed duration and is non-renewable. Seasonal workers can return to Portugal in subsequent seasons if their employer requires their services.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa (Transferência dentro do Grupo Empresarial):
The Intra-Company Transfer Visa is designed for employees of multinational companies who are transferred to the company's subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in Portugal. This visa allows employees to work in Portugal while continuing their employment relationship with the overseas company. The applicant must have been employed by the company for a specific period and meet the requirements set by the Portuguese authorities.
- Entrepreneur Visa (Visto de Empreendedor):
The Entrepreneur Visa is for individuals who wish to start and run their own business in Portugal. Applicants need to present a business plan and demonstrate that their project is economically viable and contributes to the development of the country. The visa allows entrepreneurs to reside in Portugal to establish and manage their business. After a specific period of successful business operation, they may be eligible to apply for a residence permit for entrepreneurs.
- Researcher Visa (Visto de Investigador):
The Researcher Visa category is for researchers, scientists, and academics who have a research project or job offer from a Portuguese research institution or university. The visa allows them to live and work in Portugal while contributing to research and development activities in their field. Researchers can also bring their family members, who can apply for residence permits.
- European Blue Card:
Similar to the Highly Qualified Workers visa, the European Blue Card is designed for highly skilled non-EU workers. It offers the possibility of working and living in Portugal and other EU member states. To be eligible for the Blue Card, applicants must have a high level of qualifications, particularly in fields where there is a labor shortage. The visa is initially issued for a limited period and can be renewed or converted into a long-term residence permit under certain conditions.
Note: Please note that each visa type has specific eligibility criteria and application requirements. It is essential to thoroughly review the guidelines provided by the Portuguese authorities and seek advice from the relevant consular services before applying for a particular visa type.