13 de September, 2024
Portugal is increasingly popular among professionals seeking to work in Europe. With recent changes to the Foreigners’ Law in 2022, obtaining a work visa has become much simpler and more accessible. If you’re interested in learning how to get a work visa for Portugal, this article will guide you through the entire process, focusing on the D1 Visa Portugal, which is intended for those who already have a job offer in the country. We will detail the requirements, application process, and the benefits of this visa, including the possibility of family reunification.
The D1 Visa Portugal is a type of visa for Portugal designed for non-EU nationals who have a work contract or a formal job offer from a Portuguese company. In other words, it is a residence visa for subordinated professional activity. The recent legislative changes have streamlined the application and acquisition process for this visa, especially in areas with high demand in the Portuguese job market.
In 2022, several changes to the law simplified the issuance of work visas. The main change was the revocation of various previous regulations that imposed stricter barriers and complex requirements. Specifically, Law No. 18/2022 made significant amendments to Article 59 of the Foreigners’ Law, allowing the issuance of residence visas for subordinated professional activity under much more flexible conditions.
Previously, visa issuance depended on a specific quota of job opportunities unfilled by Portuguese or EU workers. Practically, companies had to explain in detail why local candidates did not meet the job requirements and why it was necessary to hire someone from abroad. The IFP (Institute for Employment and Professional Training) would also try to gather options (candidates) for the position. Essentially, the process was so cumbersome that companies often gave up on hiring foreign professionals.
The new regulations introduced in 2022 reduced the complexity of the process, allowing the visa to be issued with either a work contract or a formal promise, provided there is an individualized expression of interest from the employer. This facilitates the hiring of professionals, responding more swiftly to the needs of the Portuguese job market and offering a more efficient response to company demands.
At Atlantic Bridge, we have confirmed what many expected: if you have a formal job offer in Portugal, it is possible to obtain a residence permit for yourself and your family.
First, the applicant needs to have a job offer from a Portuguese company with a duration of over one year. The agreed salary must be sufficient to cover the applicant’s expenses and, if applicable, those of their family members. There are two options for proving employment:
In both cases, the contract can be for a fixed term longer than one year, an indefinite term, or an open-ended contract.
As with other visas for Portugal, obtaining a Portugal Work Visa also requires you to present:
Checklist for Work Visa Portugal:
You can apply for a family reunification visa at the same time as your D1 visa application or request family reunification later in Portugal. Note that there are minimum income requirements for families:
It is important to note that when submitting your visa application to VFS, they may classify your situation under a different visa category, such as the D3 Visa, especially if you are highly qualified or coming to Portugal for a managerial position. In such cases, the minimum income requirement may also change. There is some room for negotiation, but applicants should be aware of this possibility before starting the process.
Check out all the requirements for the D3 Visa Portugal!
The visa fee is €90 plus VFS service fees, around €40, which may vary depending on the issuing country.
The time needed to obtain the D1 Work Visa for Portugal can vary. On average, it takes 2 to 3 months to gather all necessary documentation. After submission, the consulate’s legal processing time is about 2 months. The consulate in Brazil usually adheres to this timeline, but other locations, such as the United States, may take longer.
Visa applications are submitted through VFS Global or the Portuguese Consulate in your country of residence.
If you do not yet have a job offer from a Portuguese company, you can apply for the Job Search Visa. This visa allows you to enter Portugal and stay legally for up to 120 days to find employment. During this time, you can apply for jobs, attend interviews, and once hired, you can request to convert the visa to a work residence visa.
Another useful strategy is to explore major job sites in Portugal, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, where companies frequently post job openings. Staying active on these platforms can increase your chances of securing a formal job offer.
If you need professional support to obtain your D1 Work Visa or Job Search Visa, Atlantic Bridge is here to help. We offer comprehensive assistance throughout the immigration process, from visa applications to obtaining essential documents in Portugal. Additionally, we provide guidance on tax and fiscal matters, ensuring a smooth and secure transition. Contact us to make your move to Portugal easier and more secure with our expertise!
Author:
Silvia Resende
