Citizens of India can legally work in Portugal since both the country’s respective authorities have signed a bilateral contract which will help Indians undertake professional activity there. This bilateral agreement thus ensures safe labour migration and hence prosperity in both ways.

To be able to work in Portugal, Indians need to have a work visa. Read on to learn more about a Portugal work visa for Indians.

A Portugal work visa is a legal document that permits foreigners to take up employment in this country.

Portugal offers various kinds of work visas to foreign nationals. Individuals can apply for any work visa type as per their qualifications and occupation.

Work Visa for Skilled Workers

Applicants must hold a job offer in any qualifying professions or positions. For instance, applicants must be IT professionals, scientists, medical professionals, and engineers. Individuals having a high-ranking or administrative position in a company can also apply for this visa.

Work Visa for Highly-Skilled Workers

Individuals having a high level of qualifications in their profession and getting a minimum of 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary of Portugal are eligible for this visa.

Work Visa for Cultural Activities

By obtaining this visa, individuals can involve in a cultural activity in Portugal in a project that gets the recognition of the relevant Portuguese authorities.

Work Visa for Teaching

This variant of the Portugal work visa is available for individuals who receive a job offer from an educational or vocational training institution or from a research centre located in Portugal.

“Tech” Visa

Individuals who are employed by a company that is “active in the area of technology and innovation” can get a Tech visa.

Work Visa for Self-Employment

Individuals owning a business can apply for a self-employment visa in Portugal. In addition, those who offer services can also obtain this visa as independent workers.

Though citizens of other European Union member states can work in Portugal without a work permit, non-EU citizens such as Indians must have a work permit to legally work in this nation. For this, they need to fulfil certain eligibility conditions.

• Applicants must hold a job offer from an employer in Portugal. Please note that the job opening must remain posted for a minimum of 1 month, so the respective authorities can be assured of non-filing for that same job by a Portuguese or EU citizen.
• The applicant’s employer must apply for a Work Permit on their behalf. An employer must submit this application to the Portuguese Labor Authorities.

A Portuguese work visa application process can be categorised into three parts or steps. They are:

Step 1: Application for Work Permit

After giving a job in Portugal, it is the employer’s responsibility to apply for a Work Permit at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras – SEF (Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) or the Portuguese Labour Authorities on the employee’s behalf.

During this time, they must submit certain documents, including company tax statements, employment contract, proof that they did not find a suitable EEA/EU/Swiss citizen for the said position, and proof that they have registered with Social Security.

Step 2: Application for Work Visa

Once applicants get the authorisation to work in Portugal, then they can initiate the application process for the work visa from the Embassy of Portugal in their country of origin (here, India).

By obtaining this visa, individuals can travel to Portugal for employment or corporate purposes and then apply for a residence permit. Follow the steps mentioned below to complete the application process:

• Find out the nearest Portuguese Consulate or Embassy.
• Schedule an appointment and submit the application.
• Gather essential documents.
• Submit the necessary documents on the said date of appointment. (Applicants also have to attend a visa interview).

Step 3: Application for Residence Permit

After arriving in Portugal with a work visa, applicants need to apply for both a residence permit and social security to get a tax number.

Wondering where to register for security?

Foreign nationals such as Indians need to go to the Social Security Office in Portugal.

Individuals, who are willing to apply for the residence permit, must visit the official website of SEF.

The document requirements of a Portugal work visa for Indian citizens are as follows:

• A valid passport
• Employment contract
• Financial records that show the applicant’s ability to fund themselves during their stay in Portugal
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal
• If an applicant is already in Portugal, they must show proof (e.g. a visa) of legal entry into Portuguese territory.
• A document that permits the SEF to check the applicant’s Portuguese criminal records.
• Criminal records from the applicant’s home country. If they have lived in another country beyond one year, then they must obtain criminal records from there.
• If individuals are applying from a country which is not their birthplace, they need to submit proof of legal stay (e.g. residence permit or a visa).
• Passport-size pictures as per the Schengen visa picture rules.

The processing time for a Portugal work visa can be lengthy as it takes 60 days for SEF to process the application for a work permit. In addition, the Embassy may take up to 3 months to issue the entry visa. In certain circumstances, the processing time can be less lengthy.

When individuals apply for a work visa, they get a residence permit that allows them to work and live in Portugal for 1- 2 years.

After this time period, they will be able to renew this work permit at SEF before the expiry date appears. This time, individuals can apply for renewal till the term of a job offer from their employer.

After completing this process, applicants can continue living and working in Portugal till the time mentioned in the residence permit.

The following reasons can negatively affect the Portuguese work visa application process and lead to rejection.

• Having a past or present criminal record
• Submitting false travel documents
• Not being able to explain the purpose of the visit
• Furnishing invalid passports such as expired passports, not having enough blank pages

Read this piece regarding the Portugal work visa for Indians carefully and get the chance to work in this country by applying for one.