The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is a temporary visa that allows Indian professionals to stay in Portugal for four months while seeking employment opportunities.
What is a Portugal Job Seeker Visa?
The Portuguese government introduced the Portugal Job Seeker Visa in 2022 to address the country's labour shortages, making it an excellent option for those who wish to work and settle in Portugal.
The Job Seeker Visa in Portugal is different from traditional visas as it does not require a job offer before applying. This visa allows individuals to stay in Portugal for up to 120 days with the sole purpose of job hunting. During their stay, applicants can explore the job market, attend interviews and network with potential employers. If they manage to secure employment during this time, they can apply for a Portuguese residence permit.
If job opportunities are not available within the initial 120-day period, visa holders can request a 60-day extension to continue their job search. However, if they are still unable to find suitable employment after the extension, they may need to leave the country. They can only reapply for a new visa one year after the expiration of their previous visa.
What are the Key Benefits of Portugal Job Seeker visa?
The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is an excellent option for those interested in job opportunities in Portugal. There are numerous benefits to this visa, including:
- Job Offer is not required: You do not need a job offer before applying for this visa
- No age limitation: The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is open to people of all ages who wish to explore employment opportunities in Portugal.
- Anyone can apply: The visa is open to individuals from various backgrounds and industries.
- Convert to residence permit: Once you find employment, you can easily transition to a residence permit, allowing you to reside and work in Portugal for the duration of your employment contract.
- Low proof of funds to be shown: You do not need to demonstrate an exceptionally high financial resource to support yourself during your job search in Portugal.
What are the Visa Validity and Renewable conditions?
The Portugal Job Seeker Visa allows applicants to stay in the country for up to four months, providing enough time to search for employment. If you are unable to secure a job within this period, you may be eligible to apply for an extension of two more months.
Who is eligible to apply?
To qualify for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Proof of Financial Means: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Portugal
- Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage of minimum EUR 30,000 that is valid in Portugal
- Qualifications: Possession of relevant qualifications or skills that align with the Portuguese job market
- Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a clean criminal record certificate from their country of origin
What is the application process?
- Register with the IEFP: To work in Portugal, you must register with the IEFP (Portuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training). Then, complete the online application form with your qualifications, work experience, and interests. Once this step is complete, you can start your application for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa
- Gather Required Documents:Collect all necessary documents, including passport, visa application form, proof of accommodation, financial statements and other important documents as required.
- Submit Application Online:you must fill out and submit the online visa application form accurately and truthfully. Please ensure that you provide all the necessary information to avoid any delays or issues with your application.
- Schedule an appointment:Schedule an appointment to submit your supporting documents and biometrics at the consulate, embassy, or Portugal Visa Application Center.
- Wait for Processing: Await processing of your visa application. Processing times may vary. Once the visa decision is taken it will be notified via email.
- Receive Visa: Once approved, collect your Portugal Job Seeker Visa from the Portuguese embassy or consulate.
Documents required to apply for a Portuguese Job Seeker Visa?
As part of your job seeker visa application, you must submit the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Latest passport size photographs
- Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30000
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Proof of financial means to support yourself
- Cover Letter
- Return ticket
- Proof of application submission at the IEFP the Portuguese public employment portal
- National Visa application duly filled in and signed
- Visa Appointment confirmation and payment receipts
- Case specific documents as required.
Overall cost (Fees and other expenses)
EUR 80 (approximately INR 7,000). You must pay the fee and take the receipt along with your documents at the time of visa interview.
How can Kansas help with the application process?
Kansas Overseas handholds you throughout the process. We will suggest the right visa for you based on your profile. We will also help you get your documentation together and assist you to fill up the online forms.
As a top Portugal Job Seeker Visa consultant, Kansas Overseas provides -
- Guidance on required documents,
- Dependable customer support,
- Assistance in filling up forms,
- Cover letter preparation,
- Appointment for application submission, and
- Travel bookings and insurance.
A consultant offers comprehensive visa services that ease your application process.
Professional guidance helps you apply with confidence. Getting a Portuguese Job Seeker visa for a European country is a straightforward process. Keep in mind the top reasons for Portugal Job Seeker visa refusals and prepare accordingly.
The right visa consultancy can get you an approval after a previous refusal.
For more details, get in touch today. Free consultation.
Other FAQs
1. How to get a job seeker visa for Portugal?
To get a Job Seeker Visa for Portugal, you would need to have specific education and work experience and meet the Health and Character requirements. To learn more, schedule a Free consultation with the Kansas Overseas team.
2. Is it easy to get a job in Portugal?
With the right education and professional work experience, one can find many opportunities in the Portuguese job market. The Kansas Overseas team helps you draft your resume and market your profile. Talk to us to know more about how we can help.
3. Can you apply for permanent residency with a Portugal job seeker visa?
It is not possible to apply for Permanent Residency with a Job Seeker Visa. However, you can apply for a residence permit or work permit visa while holding a job seeker visa. After staying in Portugal for 5 years on a residence permit, you can apply for a Permanent Residency visa.
4. What is the application fee for the Portugal job seeker visa?
The application fee for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa is EUR 80 (approximately INR 7,000)
5. What are the eligibility criteria for a Portugal job seeker visa?
- You should be a graduate with at least 3 years of work experience,
- Good health and a Clean Criminal Record
- Have sufficient financial means to support yourself in Portugal
- Non-EU citizen
- Medical Insurance coverage of a minimum EUR 30,000
6. What should you do if your Portugal job seeker visa is rejected?
If your visa application has been rejected, you can reapply by providing a more detailed explanation to the visa officer of the Portuguese consulate. Kansas Overseas can assist you in creating a comprehensive, professional cover letter that is more likely to be approved. Contact our experts to discover how we can assist you in converting your visa rejection into an approval.
7. Can my family members apply for the dependent visa along with me?
No, the job seeker visa does not allow family members to apply with the principal applicant or visa holder of a job seeker visa.
8. What is the processing time for the Portugal job seeker visa for 2024?
The Job Seeker Visa application takes approximately two months to process after the documents are submitted to the embassy or consulate.
9. Is it possible to travel to other Schengen countries on a job seeker visa?
The job seeker visa only authorizes individuals to enter and stay in Portugal for the sole purpose of finding employment during the visa's validity period. It is important to note that individuals holding a job seeker visa are not permitted to travel to any other Schengen country of the European Union.
10. What are the differences between a Portugal work visa and a job seeker visa in Portugal?
The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is a type of temporary visa that allows you to enter the country without having a job offer beforehand. However, in order to apply for a Portuguese work visa like the D1 and D3 visas, which are residence visas, you need to have an employment contract secured.
