For non-EU nationals, Portugal’s job seeker visa provides a special and straightforward route to visit the nation, look for work, and then switch to a residency permit after landing a job. The goal of the visa, its duration, how to apply, and what to do once in Portugal are all covered in length in this blog.
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The Job Seeker Visa: What is it?
As a short-term national visa, the Portuguese job seeker visa enables its bearer to:
- Enter Portugal and remain there lawfully just to look for work.
- From the time they arrive in Portugal until their visa expires or they are issued a residence permit, they must engage in subsidiary work activities or employment under a contract.
- By removing the requirement to obtain a job offer before entering the country, this visa is specifically designed to expedite the job search process.
How much is the validity of the Portugal job seeker visa and Entry?
- The visa is initially issued for a duration of 120 days.
- Renewal: An extra sixty days may be added to it. This indicates that 180 days, or roughly six months, is the maximum length of stay allowed under this visa.
- One Entry: Only one entry into Portugal is permitted with the visa. It’s important to keep in mind that leaving the country will render the visa void.
How to apply for Portugal job seeker visa
The procedure is organized to guide the applicant from obtaining a visa to securing legal residency with a work permit.
- Applying for and receiving a visa
The Portuguese embassy or consulate in your place of origin or legal residence is where you apply for a job seeker visa. Attributing a scheduled appointment with the Portuguese immigration services (AIMA, formerly SEF) that will take place during the visa’s initial 120-day validity term is a crucial component of the issuing process. The next stage of the procedure depends on this appointment.
- Getting to Portugal and Looking for Work
The visa gives you the legal right to look for and accept a job in Portugal. You can apply for a residence permit if you are able to find employment and sign an employment contract throughout the visa’s validity period.
- Making a Residence Permit Application
You can apply for a temporary residence visa at your prearranged appointment with the immigration authorities as soon as you obtain a formal job contract. You must fulfill the general requirements listed in Article 77 of the law in order to be given this permit, which normally include:
- Possessing a current employment contract.
- Evidence of adequate financial resources.
- Evidence of accommodations.
- A spotless criminal history.
- Enrollment in the Social Security program.
- The Route to Expansion
If you haven’t found a job within the first 120 days, you may request to extend your visa for an additional 60 days. This application needs to be sent to the relevant authorities in Portugal. The documents needed for an extension are:
- Certification of enrollment with the IEFP, I.P. (Institute for Employment and Professional Training).
- A signed statement confirming that the circumstances of your intended stay are unchanged.
- The officials will evaluate the application according to the grounds that warranted the original visa approval
Important Factors and impacts for Portugal job seeker visa
- Failure to Find Employment: You are legally obligated to depart Portugal if the 180-day visa’s maximum validity passes before you have found work or started the application process for a residency permit.
- Reapplication Restrictions: You are not permitted to reapply for a new job seeker visa for a year following the expiration date of your prior visa if you are forced to leave the country due to its expiration.
- Work Authorization: The visa gives you permission to perform a subordinate job. This is a big plus because it lets you begin working as soon as you locate a job, without having to wait for the residence permit to be granted.
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