Portugal Work Visa 2026: Types, Documents and Fees
To work in Portugal for more than 90 days, a non-EU citizen needs a national visa issued by a Portuguese consulate, and the visa is only the first half. A residency visa lasts four months and exists so that you can enter the country and apply for a residence permit. One route, the visa to look for work, is not available at the moment. This guide sets out the routes that are open, the documents and the fees, from the visa portal of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as read on 13 October 2026.
Quick answer
For a job in Portugal you apply for a residency visa with a work contract, a promise of a contract or a demonstration of interest. The fee is 110€ and the deadline for a decision is 60 days. The visa allows two entries and is valid for 4 months, during which you must apply for a residence permit with the agency AIMA. Means of subsistence are measured against the minimum monthly salary, 920€ in 2026. The Skilled Job Seeker Visa is not yet available at Portuguese consular offices.
Who needs a visa
Third-country nationals must hold a long-stay visa to enter and stay in Portugal for over 90 days. Citizens of EU member states, of states party to the European Economic Area agreement and of third countries with which the EU has freedom of movement agreements are exempt, as are their family members.
Two kinds of long-stay visa
| Temporary stay visa | Residency visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Length of stay | Less than a year | Leads to a residence permit |
| Validity | The entire stay | 4 months |
| Entries | Multiple | Two |
| Next step | None | Apply for a residence permit with AIMA during the 4 months |
| Deadline for a decision | 30 days | 60 days |
The work routes
| Purpose | What you need to show |
|---|---|
| Subordinate work (employment) | A work contract, a work promise or a demonstration of interest; a professional certificate if the profession is regulated in Portugal |
| Independent professional activity | A contract or written service provider proposal for liberal professions and, if applicable, a declaration certifying professional competence |
| Migrant entrepreneur | Investment operations executed, or proof of financial means available in Portugal and of the intention to invest |
| Startup Visa programme | A declaration from the agency IAPMEI certifying an incubation contract with a certified incubator |
| Highly qualified or cultural activity, teaching | A work contract, work promise or service provider contract, or an invitation letter from a higher education institution, research centre or recognised cultural body |
| Highly qualified subordinate activity | A contract or work promise for at least six months with a salary at the level set by law |
| Seasonal work for over 90 days | A temporary stay visa, with a work contract or valid work offer from an employer or temporary work company established in Portugal, in a sector on the government's seasonal list |
The highly qualified salary rule
- A valid contract or work promise for a minimum period of six months.
- A salary of 1.5 times the annual gross salary, or three times the indexed value for social welfare support (IAS), in the portal's wording.
- For professions in groups 1 and 2 of the international classification that are considered particularly in need of professionals from third countries, 1.2 times the annual gross salary, or two times the IAS.
- For a regulated profession, proof that you are entitled to practise it in Portugal. For an unregulated one, proof of high professional qualifications suited to the job.
The job seeker visa: currently closed
The visa portal describes a Skilled Job Seeker Visa for holders of specialised technical skills who want to enter Portugal to look for work. Its documentation page carries one notice: the visa is not yet available at Portuguese consular offices, pending the regulation of Article 57-A of the foreigners' law. Until that regulation is published, plan on a route that starts with a contract or an offer.
Documents every applicant needs
- The national visa application form, filled in and signed
- 2 recent passport-type photos
- A passport or other travel document valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return, with a photocopy of the data page
- Proof of regular status if you apply in a country other than that of your nationality
- Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent assistance and possible repatriation
- A criminal record certificate from your country of nationality or the country where you have lived for over a year, with the Hague Apostille or legalised. Applicants under sixteen are exempt
- Proof of financial resources
The consular post may ask for additional documents. The insurance requirement can be waived where a bilateral agreement on medical assistance applies, for example for Brazil and the United Kingdom.
Means of subsistence
You must prove that you have sufficient means to live in Portugal, or that you will acquire them on arrival. The test is based on the minimum monthly salary, 920€ in 2026:
| Family member | Share of the minimum monthly salary |
|---|---|
| First adult | 100% |
| Second adult and additional adults | 50% |
| Children and young people under 18, and dependent adult children | 30% |
For a work visa, the funds arising from the contract or the promise of a contract count. Proof can also be given through a term of responsibility with a recognised signature, issued by the entity hosting the worker.
Fees
- National visa: the fee for processing an application is 110€.
- Exempt: children below the age of 6, descendants of residence permit holders under family reunification, people with a study scholarship granted by Portugal, and applicants for highly qualified research activity.
- Appeal: 75€ for the administrative costs of each appeal against a visa decision.
How to apply, step by step
- Secure the contract, promise or offer that fits your route.
- Collect the general and specific documents, with the apostille on your criminal record certificate.
- Lodge the application with the Portuguese consular post, or its external service provider, for the place where you live.
- Pay the 110€ fee.
- Wait for the decision: up to 60 days for a residency visa.
- Enter Portugal and apply to AIMA for the residence permit within the 4 months of the visa.
The portal's own advice on timing is simple: apply in advance, so that the authorities have time to decide.
After the permit
A temporary residence permit held for at least 5 years opens the way to a permanent residence permit, which also requires basic Portuguese. Citizenship runs on a longer clock: since 19 May 2026 the minimum legal residence for naturalisation is seven years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and EU member states, and ten years for others.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a work visa for Portugal?
With a work contract, a promise of a contract or a demonstration of interest, you apply for a residency visa at the Portuguese consulate for your place of residence, then apply to AIMA for a residence permit after you arrive.
How much does a Portuguese work visa cost?
The fee for processing a national visa application is 110€.
How long does a Portugal work visa take?
The deadline for deciding a residency visa application is 60 days, and 30 days for a temporary stay visa.
Can I go to Portugal to look for a job?
Not at present on a job seeker visa. The Skilled Job Seeker Visa is not yet available at Portuguese consular offices, pending regulation.
How long is the Portuguese residency visa valid?
For 4 months, with two entries. During that time you must apply for a residence permit with AIMA.
How much money do I need to show?
Means of subsistence are measured against the minimum monthly salary, 920€ in 2026: 100% for the first adult, 50% for other adults and 30% for children. Funds arising from your work contract count.
Do I need a criminal record certificate?
Yes, from your country of nationality or the country where you have lived for over a year, with the Hague Apostille or legalised, unless you are under sixteen.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Visa portal — Type of visa
- Visa portal — Necessary documentation: residency
- Visa portal — Skilled Job Seeker Visa
- Visa portal — Means of subsistence
- Visa portal — Fees
- Visa portal — Deadlines
- Visa portal — Who needs a visa
- AIMA — Permanent residence permit
- Ministry of Justice — Nationality Law, new rules from 19 May 2026
All figures verified against the official pages above on 13 October 2026. The consular post can request further documents, so check its page before you apply. Information, not legal advice.