Job Seeker Visa Portugal: Discover the New Rules

The rules for the job seeker visa in Portugal have changed. Since October, this route is now restricted to highly qualified professionals or those with specialized technical training, according to recent amendments to the Foreigners Law.

It is important to remember that the manifestation of interest, which previously allowed the regularization of residence after arrival in the country, ceased to exist. Now, it is only possible to obtain a valid residence permit by applying for a visa for Portugal while still in the country of origin, that is, before traveling to Europe.

The Portuguese government has also temporarily suspended the acceptance of new applications for job search visas at all consulates until the official decree listing the qualified professions to be accepted in future applications is published.

The previous rules continue to apply only to applications submitted until October 22, 2025.

Here, you will find an updated step-by-step overview to understand who can apply for this visa, how long it lasts, its requirements, limitations, and the effects of the new law on your migration plan.

Job Search Visa in Portugal: Summary

What is the Visa for Job Seekers in Portugal?

The job search visa for Portugal was created by the Portuguese government in 2022 to allow non-EU foreigners to enter the country with the purpose of seeking employment. It allows stay in Portugal until the visa expires, and if the applicant secures a formal job, they can submit a request to AIMA for a residence permit.

In 2025, this scheme was amended by Law No. 61/2025, which modified several articles of the Foreigners Law (Law No. 23/2007). Following this update, the visa is now exclusively aimed at highly qualified professionals or those with specialized technical training, in fields to be defined by a government decree.

Until the decree is published, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has temporarily suspended the issuance of job search visas at all consulates — including those in Brazil and other countries served by VFS Global.

Main Changes in the Job Search Visa

• The visa is now restricted to professionals with specialized technical skills (highly qualified).
• Job search visas are now valid only for Portugal — there is no longer freedom to move across the EU.
• The price may change — updated consular fees are not yet available on the VFS website.
• The visa will be refused to anyone who has entered or stayed in Portugal illegally, with a ban of up to 7 years if there is a serious threat to public order, public security, or national security.

What is the validity of the visa?

The new visa allows 1 entry into Portugal. It is valid for 120 days, which can be extended for another 60 days. The bearer of the document who does not get a job must, obligatorily, leave the country at the end of the term.

Main requirements

• The applicant must demonstrate technical qualifications or higher education compatible with a profession included in the official list of specialized areas to be defined by a Portuguese government ordinance (not yet published).
• The visa applicant must not have any restrictions on entering a European Union (EU) member state, nor have been convicted of any crime in Portugal that carries a sentence of more than one year;
• You must present your return ticket to your home country to enter Portugal;
• Travel insurance covering the period of stay in the country is required;
• Your applicant must prove that he or she has at least 3 times the Portuguese minimum wage (3 x 870 = 2610 Euros in 2025);
• The visa holder must provide proof of residence in the country;

What is the difference between the Job Seeker Visa and the D3 Visa?

With the new changes, the main difference between the Job Seeker Visa and the D3 Visa is that, with the former, you do not need to have any agreement signed with an employer (such as a contract or job offer) from a Portuguese company, whereas with the D3 Visa, you must already have that guarantee.

Visit our article on the D3 Visa to learn more about the other differences.

Does the visa allow me to seek employment in other European countries?

No. The new visa for seeking work only authorizes the stay in Portugal. In other words, the foreigner cannot move around the EU with this visa in search of job opportunities in other countries. Holders can only enter Portuguese territory once, which means that it will not be possible to travel abroad during the initial 120-day period or the remaining 60 days, if an extension is requested.

Can I apply for a visa for my family?

Under the new regulation, family accompaniment is not allowed at the visa stage. However, after obtaining a residence permit, family reunification will be possible, in accordance with the new rules established by the Foreigners’ Law.

Pre-scheduling at AIMA

Along with the visa issuance, the pre-appointment at AIMA for submission of a work contract at the end of the legal period and residence permit processing remains valid.

What is the price of the job seeker visa Portugal?

The new fee has not yet been published on the VFS website.

Can the visa be renewed?

Yes, the initial validity of the visa is 120 days (4 months), and it is possible to apply for an extension of 60 days (2 months).

Can a new visa be requested after the period ends?

No. If the holder does not secure employment within the maximum period, they must leave the country and can only request a new job search visa one year after the previous visa expires.

It is important to remember that Portuguese citizens or other EU citizens do not need a visa to live or work in Portugal.

If you are interested? Talk to our consultants.