Work visa for Portugal: documents, fees and steps

Documents requested

National visa application form ("requerimento"), filled in and signed by the applicantThe visa portal requires a requerimento on the official model, filled in and signed by the applicant; for a minor or a person lacking capacity, it is signed by the legal guardian.
Two identical passport-type photographs, recent and in good condition for identificationThe general list requires two identical passport-type photographs, recent and allowing the applicant to be identified.
Passport or other travel document valid for more than 3 months after the planned duration of stay, with a photocopy of the biographical pageThe travel document must remain valid for more than three months beyond the planned duration of stay. The page also requires a photocopy of its identity page (biographical page).
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the country of residence for more than one year, with The Hague apostille or legalizedConditions and details
The criminal record certificate is issued by the country of origin or by the country where the applicant has resided for more than one year. It bears The Hague apostille, if applicable, or is legalized. Minors under 16 years of age are exempt from it.
Employment contract or promise of an employment contract; expression of interest from the employer with recognised and suitable qualificationsConditions and details
For employed work, the applicant has an employment contract or a promise of an employment contract. The route based on an individualised expression of interest from the employer also requires recognised skills or qualifications suitable for the activity concerned, in accordance with Article 59, paragraph 5. Check with the consular post the supporting documents corresponding to the route chosen.
Proof of means of subsistence, including through the contract or promise of an employment contract, or through a declaration of support from the employerConditions and details
The portal requests proof of means of subsistence, assessed based on their availability in Portugal, including through the contract or promise of an employment contract. A termo de responsabilidade, with certified signature, subscribed by the entity that undertakes to host the worker, may also be taken into account. The reference is the guaranteed monthly minimum wage (920 euros in 2026), taken net of social security contributions and counted per person in the household: 100% for the first adult, 50% for each subsequent adult, 30% for children under 18 years of age and dependent adult children.

Depending on your situation

Proof of lawful stay in the country of submission, for an applicant who does not have its nationality, valid beyond the end of the visa requestedConditions and details
A person applying for the visa in a country of which they are not a national attaches proof of their lawful status in that country, whose validity extends beyond the end date of the visa requested. This condition is to be verified by the applicant.
Travel insurance covering emergency medical assistance and repatriation, unless a waiver appliesConditions and details
The general list requires valid travel insurance covering the expenses necessary for medical reasons, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation. The page notes that this requirement may be waived by a bilateral or international medical assistance agreement that recognises the insurance of certain beneficiaries (Brazil and the United Kingdom are cited as examples).
Proof of authorisation to practise the profession, where it is regulated in PortugalConditions and details
If the profession is regulated in Portugal, the applicant proves that he or she is authorised to practise it. The page does not say which body issues this proof or which professions are regulated; the applicant verifies for himself or herself whether his or her profession is regulated.

Official fees

National long-stay visa: administrative processing fee for the application, per application 110 €

Steps

Obtain an employment contract or a promise of an employment contract in Portugal or, with recognized and appropriate qualifications, an individualized expression of interest from an employer.
Search for a job offer: IEFP maintains a public system of job offers, and an employer established in Portugal may publish an offer there intended for non-resident third-country nationals (offers not processed by IEFP).
If the profession is regulated in Portugal, obtain proof of authorisation to practise it.
Identify on the page "Onde deve solicitar visto" the consular post of Portugal, or the external service provider, competent according to nationality or country of residence.
Download, fill in and sign the national visa application form, then gather the documents in the "Residência" list.
Apply for the visa at the competent consular post or at the external service provider it designates.
Pay the national visa processing fee of 110 euros, unless an exemption applies.
Wait for the decision: the period is 60 days for a residence visa, except for shorter periods provided for by law.
If the visa is granted: it is valid for two entries and four months, and a residence pre-authorisation is issued with it (tax, social security and health numbers allocated provisionally).
After entering Portugal, apply to AIMA, by appointment, for the residence permit for salaried activity: passport, valid visa, employer's attestation, address, tax and social security registrations.
Receive the residence permit: valid for two years, renewable for successive periods of three years.

Where to apply

Consular post of Portugal (embassy or consulate general) competent according to nationality and country of residence, listed country by country on the page "Onde deve solicitar visto"
External service provider (VFS) indicated next to many posts for the receipt of national visa applications
"Formulários" page of the visa portal: national visa application form to be filled in and signed
IEFP job offers portal (iefponline), where employers established in Portugal register their offers, including those intended for non-resident third-country nationals
AIMA offices, by appointment, for the application for a residence permit for salaried activity after entering Portugal
AIMA electronic platform, being set up for residence visa holders

Good to know

Persons exempt from the long-stay visaConditions and details
The long-stay visa is required of all nationals of third countries who wish to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days. It does not apply to nationals of a Member State of the European Union, of a State party to the European Economic Area or of a third country linked to the Union by an agreement on the free movement of persons, nor to members of their family.
Nationals of the EU, the EEA, Andorra and Switzerland: right of entry and residenceConditions and details
AIMA states that nationals of all European Union countries, family members who accompany or join them, and nationals of States party to the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway), of the Principality of Andorra and of Switzerland, as well as their relatives, enjoy the right of entry, stay and residence in Portugal. This right derives from Law No. 37/2006; it is sufficient to prove nationality or the family link, without a residence permit.
Legal conditions of the residence visa for salaried workConditions and details
The law provides for a residence visa for the exercise of salaried activity, granted to a third-country national who meets the general conditions of Article 52 and who has an employment contract or promise of an employment contract, or, with recognized and appropriate qualifications, an individualized expression of interest from the employer. The Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) and its services in the autonomous regions maintain an information system of job offers, up to date and accessible to the public on their websites.
Labour mobility agreements: Cape Verde, India, Morocco, MozambiqueConditions and details
The labour mobility agreements signed between the Portuguese State and third States aim to facilitate legal and safe labour migration flows. To recruit in Cape Verde, India, Morocco or Mozambique, the employer registers its offer on the IEFP portal, under "ofertas de Emprego – Acordos de Migração", with the target country. These offers provide for contracts of at least one year or, in seasonal work sectors, of six to nine months, with conditions and costs covered by the employer clearly indicated.
Cooperation protocol for regulated labour migrationConditions and details
AIMA describes an April 2025 protocol, signed with public bodies (AIMA, Directorate-General for Consular Affairs, IEFP, among others) and employer confederations, which organizes a regulated channel for recruiting foreign workers holding an employment contract. It does not create a new legal regime and does not relax the legal requirements for consular visas: it aims for greater speed and greater responsibility on the part of employers. If your employer recruits under this framework, they will inform you of the steps; AIMA publishes a set of frequently asked questions about it.
Highly qualified salaried activity: separate procedureConditions and details
The portal describes a separate residence visa for highly qualified activity exercised by an employee (Article 61-A of the law): contract or promise of an employment contract of at least six months, with an annual remuneration of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the value of the social support index (IAS), reduced thresholds (1.2 times the average gross annual salary or twice the IAS) for designated professions of major groups 1 and 2 of the international standard classification of occupations, and high professional qualifications. This fact sheet describes the ordinary salaried work visa.
Validity of the residence visa and residence pre-authorisationConditions and details
The residence visa allows entry into Portugal in order to apply for a residence permit. It is valid for two entries and for four months. Its issuance is accompanied by a residence pre-authorisation, which carries the information on obtaining the permit and the provisional allocation of the tax, social security and health numbers. The decision period is 60 days, except for shorter periods provided for by law.
General conditions and grounds for refusal of the residence visaConditions and details
Subject to the particular conditions and exemptions provided for, the visa is granted only if the applicant is not subject to a removal measure with an entry ban, is not flagged for the purposes of refusal of entry or return, and has means of subsistence, a valid travel document and travel insurance (and, if a minor, parental authorisation). The residence visa is refused to a person who has been convicted of a crime punishable in Portugal by a prison sentence of more than one year, even if not served or suspended, and to a person who constitutes a danger or threat to public order, security, national defence or public health.
Residence permit issued by AIMA for salaried activityConditions and details
The temporary residence permit for professional activity is valid for two years from issuance and renewable for successive periods of three years. Its holder may exercise an independent activity: they then request the replacement of the permit at an AIMA office, by prior appointment. For the application, AIMA requests the valid passport, the valid residence visa, the employer's declaration on honour attesting to the employment relationship, the declaration on honour of the residence address (with proof of ownership or declaration from the landlord as applicable), and proof of registration with the tax administration and social security.
Family members who accompany the workerConditions and details
The portal provides for a residence visa to accompany an applicant for a residence visa: the family links must be proven and the applicant and the relatives accompanying him or her must have sufficient stable and regular resources, for the shorter of these two periods: the duration of stay requested or 12 months. Family members include in particular the spouse, minor or incapable dependent children and the partner in a de facto union. This visa is not intended for relatives of legal residents in Portugal, who apply for a family reunification visa after AIMA's decision.
Basic documents: the post may request othersConditions and details
The documents indicated by the portal are the basic documents: the consular post may request additional documentation. Therefore consult the page of the competent post and, if it designates one, that of the external service provider.
Refusal and appealsConditions and details
A refusal may be challenged under Portuguese law: complaint to the author of the decision within 15 days of notification, hierarchical appeal to the member of the Government responsible for Foreign Affairs within three months (filed at the consular post), or administrative action before the Lisbon administrative circle court within three months. These avenues are not mutually exclusive. The processing of each administrative guarantee procedure costs 75 euros, except for applications arising from family reunification authorisations.

Nationalities covered

This procedure applies to 217 nationalities.

Afghanistan
Åland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Cape Verde
Caribbean Netherlands
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
Curaçao
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Isle of Man
Israel
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Macao
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Korea
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn Islands
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Réunion
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
São Tomé and Príncipe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
U.S. Outlying Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Vietnam
Wallis and Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Official links

Residência - Documentação instrutória - Vistos Nacionais - Vistos (new tab) vistos.mne.gov.pt
Regime jurídico de entrada, permanência, saída e afastamento de estrangeiros do território nacional | DR (new tab) diariodarepublica.pt
Meios de subsistência - Documentação instrutória - Vistos Nacionais - Vistos (new tab) vistos.mne.gov.pt
Quem precisa de visto - Informação Geral - Vistos Nacionais - Vistos (new tab) vistos.mne.gov.pt
Nacionais UE e Familiares - AIMA (new tab) aima.gov.pt
Recrutar no Estrangeiro - IEFP, I.P. (new tab) www.iefp.pt
Protocolo de Cooperação para a Migração Laboral Regulada - Trabalhar | Working - AIMA (new tab) aima.gov.pt
Autorização de Residência para Exercício de Atividade Profissional Subordinada, com Visto de Residência – Art. 88.º, n.º 1 - Trabalhar | Working - AIMA (new tab) aima.gov.pt
Mecanismos de impugnação - Vistos Nacionais - Vistos (new tab) vistos.mne.gov.pt
Onde deve solicitar visto - Informação Geral - Vistos Nacionais - Vistos (new tab) vistos.mne.gov.pt
Formulários - Informação Geral - Vistos Nacionais - Vistos (new tab) vistos.mne.gov.pt
Emolumentos - Informação Geral - Vistos Nacionais - Vistos (new tab) vistos.mne.gov.pt

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