Portugal Job Seeker Visa 2025: Your Complete Guide
The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is a short-term national visa that lets qualified non-EU nationals enter Portugal to hunt for employment. It’s valid for 120 days (4 months) and can be extended by 60 days (total 180 days) if needed
This visa is ideal for skilled professionals, graduates, and other job seekers who want to explore Portugal’s diverse job market without a pre-arranged offer. While in Portugal, you can attend interviews and network in person – a major advantage over remote job searching. Successful applicants often come from sectors like technology, healthcare, education, and tourism, where demand is high.
Portugal Job Seeker Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, you must meet several criteria. Key requirements include financial means, insurance, and documentation:
All applicants fill out and sign the official national visa application form. You’ll also submit a personal statement outlining your reasons and plans for the stay. (Many applicants include a resume/CV and cover letter to demonstrate seriousness.)
Income/Funding Requirement
The minimum funds rule is often the toughest requirement. You must show three months of Portugal’s minimum salary in savings. As of 2025, that equals at least €2,610 in your bank. This ensures you can cover living expenses (rent, food, transport) while job-hunting.
You can prove funds with: bank statements, fixed deposits, or a formal sponsorship letter. A sponsor (Portuguese citizen or legal resident) must commit to cover your costs and demonstrate having 3× the minimum wage themselves.
Note: Unlike investor visas, large capital or investment is not required — just enough to cover your short-term stay.
Job Seeker Visa Terms and Duration
Throughout your stay, you cannot legally work until you switch to a work permit. The Job Seeker Visa is solely for job-hunting activities (interviews, networking, etc.).
Portugal Job Seeker Visa Application
Before Departure – Gather Documents & Apply
(Pro Tip: While waiting, you can prepare by scouting job sites, updating your CV, and learning some Portuguese basics. Contacting MetConnect LDA early can also help – our team can assist with any questions.)
After Arrival – What to Do in Portugal
Once you land in Portugal with your Job Seeker Visa:
Document Checklist
Below is a detailed checklist of documents you’ll need for the Job Seeker Visa. Having everything in order is crucial. Arrange originals and photocopies as required, with translations if needed.
| Document | Details / Notes |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Form | Completed and signed Portuguese national visa application form. (Available via Resources.) |
| Passport | Valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure. Must have blank pages. Include a clear photocopy of ID page |
| Photos | Two recent passport-size photos (one attached to form). Follow Portuguese visa photo requirements. |
| Proof of Legal Status | If not applying in your home country, provide a residence permit or long-term visa for the country of application (valid beyond visa expiry) |
| Criminal Record Certificate | Police clearance from home country and any country lived >1 year (apostilled/legalized) |
| Health/Travel Insurance | Proof of insurance covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, repatriation for full stay |
| Round-trip Flight Reservation | Confirmed return flight or itinerary showing exit from Portugal after visa period |
| Proof of Funds | Bank statements showing ≥€2,610 (3× minimum wage) in savings. Or sponsorship letter if a Portuguese sponsor backs you. |
| Personal Statement (“Stay Plan”) | A written declaration detailing your planned stay and job search strategy |
| IEFP Registration Proof | Receipt of online registration at Portugal’s job center (IEFP). Mandatory for application/extension |
| Cover Letter and CV (recommended) | A professional resume and a brief motivation letter – not always required, but helpful to strengthen your case. |
| Diploma Certificates | Copies of your highest education diplomas and transcripts (especially if relevant to the job market). |
| Accommodation Booking | (Optional but useful) A rental contract or hotel booking can demonstrate you have a place to stay. |
Each consulate may have specific requirements (for example, Brazil or India might require applying via VFS), so check with the local Portuguese embassy/VFS for any country-specific rules. Having extra certified copies and translations of all non-English/Portuguese docs is advisable.
Visa Cost Breakdown
Below is a table of the main fees associated with the Job Seeker Visa process. Amounts can vary slightly by country, but this provides a typical breakdown:
| Fee Type | Amount (EUR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee (national visa) | €90 – €110 | Paid at the consulate when applying. (Some embassies charge €90; others €110.) |
| AIMA Submission (Work Permit Application) | €83 | Paid to AIMA when submitting your work visa/residence permit application |
| AIMA Residence Permit Issuance | €72 | Paid to AIMA for the actual work/residence permit document |
| Other Costs | Varies | E.g. document translation, courier fees, proof of funds (blocked account for Germany, etc.) |
(Note: These fees are for 2025 and subject to change. The visa fee is fixed by the embassy; the AIMA (SEF) fees are set by Portuguese law).
Keep receipts of all payments. If you need to extend your visa (120→180 days), there is typically a small extension fee (check AIMA current rates). MetConnect can also advise on any fee waivers or concessions (rare for this visa).
Comparison with Other Job Seeker Visas
Germany Job Seeker Visa (Germany vs Portugal)
Austria Job Seeker Visa (Austria vs Portugal)
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Start your search early! Use Portuguese and international job platforms (e.g. LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, or specialized portals) to apply from home. Networking is key: reach out to companies, join professional groups, and attend virtual job fairs. Registering with IEFP (Portugal’s job center) online is mandatory and can expose you to local job listings. Consider contacting recruitment agencies that place international candidates in Portugal. Once in Portugal on the Job Seeker Visa, you can attend in-person interviews and expand your network – a big advantage.
Yes. Portugal’s Job Seeker Visa is open to nationals of any non-EU/EEA country – including India, Pakistan, and others. The eligibility criteria are the same regardless of nationality. You will apply at the Portuguese embassy/consulate in your country (often via VFS) and submit the required documents (passport, photos, funds proof, etc.) just like any applicant. If your country requires extra steps (e.g. India often uses VFS centers), follow the local instructions on the consulate’s website. The processing time can be around 1–3 months, so apply well before your intended travel.
You must show proof of funds equal to at least three times Portugal’s minimum wage (currently €870×3 = €2,610). This can be bank statements or investments. Some consulates may also accept a notarized sponsor letter instead. Ensure the funds are readily accessible.
No language test or specific degree is required for the visa itself. The job seeker visa is not points-based. However, having a university degree or vocational qualifications can help when applying for jobs. Speaking some Portuguese is a plus in the job market, though many international companies use English.
You travel to Portugal and begin your job hunt. Schedule your AIMA/SEF appointment (often done for you when the visa is issued). Once you secure a job, you use that employment contract to apply for a temporary residence/work permit at SEF. MetConnect can help schedule your SEF/AIMA appointments and advise on documents for the work visa.
Yes, you can apply for a 60-day extension (total 6 months) while in Portugal. To qualify, you must show you are registered with IEFP and provide a written statement that you are still seeking work under the same conditions. The extension is not automatic, but if granted, it allows up to 180 days in Portugal. If denied, you must exit at 120 days.
Yes, you can apply for a 60-day extension (total 6 months) while in Portugal. To qualify, you must show you are registered with IEFP and provide a written statement that you are still seeking work under the same conditions. The extension is not automatic, but if granted, it allows up to 180 days in Portugal. If denied, you must exit at 120 days.