Can an immigrant work in Portugal? This question resides in the minds of many foreigners looking to relocate to Portugal with the hope of working and living there. As a sun-kissed country with captivating weather and a superb quality of living, it makes sense that anyone wants to build a life and career in this welcoming nation.
Portugal is also an open, friendly, and multicultural country, with its cities, towns, and villages as vibrant and diverse as possible.
You’ll especially love that many inspiring global brands invest in the country and buy innovative products and solutions from leading Portuguese companies. Hence, you can expect excellent work opportunities there.
But then, like most things in life, it’s never a straight part of uprooting your life elsewhere to move to a new country. Still, you need to consider all the scenarios you can expect when you relocate. Hence, this article talks about all the confusing steps immigrants must consider when moving to Portugal.
Overview – Can an immigrant work in Portugal?
First,, you must realize that Portugal welcomes skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and seasonal workers. There are also many different pathways to employment. But then, there are bureaucratic hurdles and the need to understand specific requirements and how they influence your field and career options.
Citizens of the EU/EEA versus other foreigners – job opportunities available
First, there are essentially two pathways for foreigners. There’s the path for European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) citizens and Switzerland. And then there’s another one for other foreigners.
Suppose you are a citizen of Switzerland, the EU, and the EEA. In that case, you can enjoy freedom of movement within the EU (including Portugal), work in Portugal without any additional permits or visas, and only have to register with the Portuguese authorities when you arrive.
In contrast, non-EU/EEA citizens need a work visa or residence permit with work authorization. The specific visa you can apply for will depend on the nature of employment, such as self-employment visa, seasonal work, and highly qualified work. Generally, your job offer must come from a Portuguese employer.
The Portuguese job market for immigrant
The job market in Portugal has been growing in recent years, but it is still competitive. Some industries, such as technology, healthcare, and tourism, have a higher demand for workers. However, the requirement to speak Portuguese may also influence your job. Traditional placements often have this requirement. Many international businesses, tech companies, and seasonal jobs have opportunities for non-Portuguese speakers. Beyond that, you have more chance if you are multilingual. You may find options where you have the advantage because you speak Dutch, German, English, or other European languages.
Nevertheless, be willing to take language classes as well. You can use online applications and get a personal coach to help. Many employers are also willing to provide language training for their employees. It is also worth noting that many jobs in Portugal offer lower salaries than other European countries. However, the cost of living in Portugal is generally lower (aside from rent). Hence, it’s still an attractive option for many people.
Even so, we always recommend that as a non-EU citizen, you should get hired first before moving there. This helps you quickly find and snag employment opportunities that are indeed in demand to be filled by non-EU nationals.
Legal requirements for working in Portugal as an immigrant
Portugal has a comprehensive labor system that protects all workers, regardless of whether they are Portuguese or immigrants. Some benefits include a minimum wage, vacation time, and sick leave. Employers must also adhere to strict regulations for working hours and health and safety in the workplace. Discrimination in the workplace is prohibited, and you can report any discriminatory practices to Portugal’s Labor Inspectorate.
Nevertheless, remember Portugal has a list of regulated professions. You should check to see if your career requires additional training or certification when you move to Portugal.
So, once your employer has sent and you’ve accepted the contract, they will apply for a Portuguese work permit (Autorização de Trabalho) to the Portuguese Labor Authorities if the job is longer than three months. After they approve the job contract, you’ll apply for a Portuguese work visa, if you need one, and a residence permit if you plan to work in Portugal long term.
The application process for visas and permits can be complex and time-consuming. Seek professional guidance from immigration lawyers or consultants. Learning Portuguese, even basic phrases, will enhance your integration and job prospects. Portugal’s bureaucracy can be challenging, but persistence and patience are key.
Types of visa options for non-EU/EEA citizens
As a foreigner living outside the EU and EEA, you can apply for four visa types to live and work in Portugal. They include:
Startup visa
This is for entrepreneurs seeking to establish innovative businesses in Portugal.
Self-employment visa
This is for individuals intending to run their businesses in Portugal
Short-term Portuguese visa
This visa enables you to access temporary contracts lasting less than six months. It’s the visa you need to take seasonal work in sectors like tourism and agriculture. This visa is called Portugal’s working holiday program. Self-employed workers and employers can access this visa, but the labor authority (IEFP) reserves the right to accept it.
The visa may also be extended for up to 12 months (1 year) if you are engaged in academic teaching, scientific research, or specific training and service provisions provided by members of the World Trade Organization countries.
Long-term Portuguese work visa
As a non-EU immigrant, this visa allows you to work in Portugal for longer than six months. And because Portugal is in the Schengen area, this work visa also allows you to travel to 26 other regions, visa-free for up to 90 days. That said, USA, Australian, New Zealand, Canadian, Japanese, and Israeli citizens can apply for the long-term Portuguese work visa within Portugal within 90 days of arrival. All other non-EU nationals must apply for them before their relocation. Again, you need more than this visa; you must get your Portugal residence permit once you arrive.
EU Blue card
The EU Blue Card scheme can also act as a Portuguese work visa and residency for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries. You can apply when you have a higher qualification, are a paid employee with a work contract or binding job offer, and have a gross annual salary of at least one and a half times the country’s national average.
EU Blue cards have a 1 to 4-year validity. It also enables you to work in 24 out of 27 EU member states, excluding Ireland and Denmark. With the Blue Card, you can apply for a residence permit for highly skilled migrants or researchers after living for 18 months.
Residence permits to work in Portugal as an immigrant.
Residence permits to work in Portugal as an immigrant.
Your employment situation will influence your ability to apply for a residence permit. Here are the different scenarios that apply:
Employees
The standard residence permits apply to most employees working in Portugal. With this permit, you can work for one year and renew for up to five years. This permit must satisfy certain conditions, but it’s also possible to apply for permanent residence after five years with it.
Permits for highly skilled migrants and researchers
You can access residence permits for scientific researchers, academic teachers, and workers in highly qualified professional activities. This permit is valid for one year. You can renew for up to five years, after which the holder may apply for permanent Portuguese residence.
Golden residence for business investors
There is a unique Portuguese visa program for investors looking to make real estate or invest in starting a business in Portugal. This golden visa program speeds up the process for investors from non-EU countries and even accelerates the pathway to permanent residency.
Self-employed workers in Portugal
As a non-EU/EEA resident looking to begin a small business or pursue freelance work in Portugal, you’ll undergo the same process as employees. But the difference is that you need extra documentation showing your business activities, including self-employment registration with a tax office. Self-employed workers can also get work from a third-party employer. However, the employer needs to get a residence permit for employees first.
Training and volunteer work in Portugal
It’s possible to undertake unpaid training placements or volunteer work in Portugal as a third-country national. After this training, you may get the right to work in Portugal on an employment contract. The residence permits for volunteers are also valid for one year, except the volunteering program lasts longer than a year. However, the permit isn’t renewable.
Finding job opportunities as an immigrant
There are many ways to find job opportunities in Portugal, including using online job boards, recruitment agencies, and more. Register at the IEFP Employment Center for more details about job vacancies, internships, training, and programs. This kind of portal also helps you access Emigrant support, which can be super beneficial for integrating or reintegrating into the labor market. In truth, checking out vacancies via the IEFP gives you the advantage of applying to jobs that have been classified as filled freely by non-EU employees.
Beyond that, you should also aggressively network with professionals in your chosen field. Join forums and groups of professionals who are already there. They can help you discover hidden job opportunities you can exploit. Also, attending industry events and conferences can help you attract international businesses looking for sensitive positions and can sponsor your relocation to Portugal.
Employment contracts, working conditions, and foreign qualifications
As mentioned earlier, foreigners have the same rights and duties as Portuguese workers. Hence, there’s no discrimination, even if your work is seasonal or temporary. That said, different employment contracts may apply to your unique situation. This contract exists between you and your employer and may include various types like:
- Fixed term contract
- Contract of employment of unspecified duration
- Contract of employment of indefinite duration
- Short-duration contract of employment
- Part-time contract of employment
- Temporary work
- Provision of service
You want to make sure this contract is signed and concluded before beginning work, as it protects you as a worker in Portugal.
Also, read about, What Skill is in Demand in Portugal?>>
Conclusion
So, can an immigrant work in Portugal? As an immigrant looking to work in Portugal, you have many opportunities. Ensure you apply for the appropriate visa or permit and understand the country’s labor laws. You should also leverage support services made available to non-Portuguese-speaking immigrants. With the proper preparation and resources, starting a new career in Portugal as an immigrant is undoubtedly possible.
