Portugal Work Visa: How to Apply and Work Legally

Portugal has become an increasingly attractive destination for skilled professionals looking to work and live in Europe. With its high quality of life, strong demand for international talent, and clear pathways to permanent residency and citizenship, Portugal offers a compelling opportunity for Australians aiming to grow their global careers.

In 2025, the Portugal Work Visa program continues to offer flexible work permit options, simplified residence routes, and faster processing for professionals with valid job offers. Whether you're in IT, education, engineering, hospitality, or healthcare, Portugal’s growing economy has roles across sectors.

 

Portugal Work Visa Highlights - 2025

• Job offer required before visa application (mandatory for non-EU citizens)
• Valid for 1-2 years and renewable; leads to permanent residency
• Competitive salaries and low cost of living
• Option to bring dependents (spouse, children)
• Access to public healthcare, education, and social benefits
• Pathway to Portugal PR and citizenship after 5–6 years
• Portugal’s work visa is a Type D Long-Stay National Visa

 

Why apply for Portugal Work Visa?

Non-EU nationals will need a work Visa Portugal before they can take up any work in Portugal. In most cases, only those foreign workers who have received a job offer from a Portuguese employer will be granted the work visa. In other cases, the foreign worker could be married to a citizen of Portugal.

Portugal currently has quotas in place so that it can limit the number of jobs that go to nationals of third countries.

Once you complete 5 years in Portugal as a resident, you will be eligible to claim permanent residence in Portugal. After 6 years of living in Portugal, you will be eligible to apply for Portuguese citizenship. Permanent residents/citizens naturally don’t require a work visa in Portugal.

Portugal work visa process

Upon approval of a work permit or job contract, you must apply for:

• a Portugal work visa if employment is less than six months
• a residence permit, if your plan is to work in Portugal for a long-term

Types of Portugal Work Permit Visa

Short-term Portugal work visa

This visa is needed when the foreign worker is coming to Portugal for short-term temporary contracts. The duration of these contracts will be under 6 months.

This visa is available to employees as well as self-employed workers. The IEPF will make an evaluation in this respect.

This visa is extensible for up to a year in case you are into academic teaching, scientific research, or highly qualified professional activities. Even provisions for certain training and service made by WTO member countries apply in this regard.

Long-term Portugal work visa

For non-EU workers who want to work in Portugal for over 6 months, a long-term Portugal work visa is necessary. This visa comes as a long-term (type D) Schengen visa. With this visa, you can travel across 26 countries in the Schengen area.

Residence Permits in Portugal

Once you're in Portugal with a long-term visa, you must apply for a residence permit. Types include:

Standard residence permit	It has 1-year validity, renewable for up to 5 years. Post that period, the holder can apply for permanent residence.
Residence permit for academic teachers, scientific researchers, and workers in professional activities for highly qualified workers	It has 1-year validity, renewable for up to 5 years. Post that period, the holder can apply for permanent residence.
EU Blue Card	A Portugal work visa cum residence permit for those who are paid employees with high qualifications. They have a job offer in an EU nation for a year and earns a gross salary one and a half times the country’s national average.

 

Portugal Work Visa Requirements

If you're planning to work in Portugal, here’s what you’ll need to be eligible for a work visa:

• A valid job offer or signed employment contract from a registered company in Portugal
• A passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the intended date of travel
• Proof of academic qualifications or relevant work experience matching the role
• Minimum salary criteria as defined by Portuguese immigration authorities
• Police clearance certificate from your home country showing a clean criminal record
• Health insurance coverage and proof of sufficient funds to support yourself
• Medical examination results if requested by the Portuguese consulate

 

How to Apply for a Portugal Work Visa

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how Australians can apply for a Portugal Work Visa in 2025:

Get a job offer from a Portugal-based employer

• Your employer applies for a work permit through Portuguese Labour authorities
• Once approved, submit your Type D visa application at the nearest Portuguese Consulate in Australia
• Upon visa approval, enter Portugal and register with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras)
• Complete biometric registration and apply for a residence permit
• After successful verification, your residence card is issued and visa is stamped

 

High In-Demand Jobs in Portugal – 2025

• IT & Tech: Software developers, data analysts
• Healthcare: Nurses, caregivers, lab technicians
• Engineering: Civil, electrical, mechanical engineers
• Hospitality: Chefs, front office, tour guides
• Education: English teachers, STEM faculty
• Skilled Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters

Skilled professionals in these sectors are in demand and enjoy better chances of visa approval and permanent residency.

How Can Y-Axis Help?

At Y-Axis Australia, we help professionals like you work and settle in Portugal with expert guidance throughout the entire visa journey. From getting the right job to securing your visa and planning for PR, we support every step.

Our Services Include:

• Free eligibility check for Portugal Work Visa
• Assistance with job search and employer connections
• Documentation and application support
• Guidance on residence permit and SEF registration
• Support for PR and citizenship planning
• Visa help for dependents (spouse and kids)

Book your free consultation today with Y-Axis,  Australia’s leading overseas career consultant!

 

Our Accreditations
Code of Conduct	Code Of Professional Conduct
Proud Sponsor of