Work visa in Portugal: Documentation Required

Learn about the documentation required for a work visa in Portugal, local expert lawyers guide you through the process of getting a work visa.

Article Published: 06 Feb, 2019, Updated: 23 Nov, 2023 under Temporary Work Visa for Artists

In Portugal there are four types of visas that can be obtained by non-Portuguese citizens wishing to live in Portugal:

Student visa
Work visas
Golden visa
retired persons visa

Here we are concerned with the second on this list i.e. a work visa in Portugal, where a person wishes to live and work in Portugal, not being a Portuguese citizen. The relevant law that describes the documentation required to make a successful application for a work visa in Portugal is contained in Articles 88 and 89 of the Aliens Act. The documentation required is as follows:

Passport or other valid travel document;
Valid residence visa;
Proof of means of subsistence, as provided for in Ordinance no. 1563/2007 of 11/12 - receipts for the last 3 months (at least 676,67 euros per month);
Proof that you have accommodation;
Authorization to consult the applicant's criminal record;
Employment contract under the law;
Document with information necessary to verify registration with the tax administration;
Document with information necessary for verification of required contributions to the social security system;
Employment contract or open independent activity;

This process takes around 6 months.

In order to ensure that you have the best possibility to obtain a work visa in Portugal, please get in touch with our experienced English-speaking immigration lawyers in Portugal.

Our Lawyers

Diana Maria, Lawyer in Porto...

Diana is a lawyer whose areas of expertise encompass tax planning, company set-up, immigration and property matters. While Diana spent her early life in China, she is originally from Oporto, Portugal. She returned and graduated from the University of Coimbra. Diana has participated in various M&A transactions, having gained a broad understanding in cross-border corporate matters. She works alongside UK, Portugal, France, Germany and many countries in Africa in cross-border contracts for fiscal optimisation.

I needed taxation and legal advice regarding my business operations in Spain and abroad and was referred to Miguel. Miguel took the time to understand the scenarios and questions that I had and provided me with clear, easy to understand advice as well as a range of options that I could consider for the future. I have dealt with a few "taxation professionals" in Spain and Miguel was by far the most professional and personable - I remain deeply impressed by the service I was given, so much so that I will be instructing Miguel's office to handle all of my taxation affairs. I highly recommend Miguel to everyone seeking expert legal and taxation advice and support - Five Stars across the board!