Porto

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Work Permits and Visas

Sections

Work Permits and Visas in Porto, Portugal

Types of Work Permits and Visas

  1. EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens

    • No work permit required.
    • Can live and work in Portugal freely.

  2. Non-EU Citizens

    • Temporary Work Visa (Visto de Trabalho Temporário)
    • Residence Visa for Work (Visto de Residência para Trabalho)
    • Highly Skilled Worker Visa
    • Intra-Company Transfer Visa
    • Startup Visa (for entrepreneurs)

Eligibility Criteria

  • Temporary Work Visa: Job offer from a Portuguese employer, proof of qualifications.
  • Residence Visa for Work: Employment contract, proof of qualifications, and no local candidates available for the position.
  • Highly Skilled Worker Visa: Relevant qualifications and job offer in a high-demand sector.
  • Intra-Company Transfer Visa: Employment with a multinational company with a branch in Portugal.
  • Startup Visa: Business plan and proof of funding.

Application Procedures

  1. Obtain a Job Offer: Secure employment from a Portuguese employer.
  2. Gather Required Documents: Varies by visa type (see below).
  3. Apply for Visa: Submit application at the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country.
  4. Enter Portugal: Once approved, enter Portugal with your visa.
  5. Apply for Residence Permit: Within 90 days of arrival, apply for a residence permit at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

Required Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Completed visa application form
  • Job offer or employment contract
  • Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates)
  • Criminal record certificate
  • Health insurance proof
  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal
  • Financial means to support yourself

Associated Costs

  • Visa application fee: Approximately €90-€150, depending on the visa type.
  • Residence permit fee: Approximately €100-€200.
  • Additional costs may include document translation and notarization.

Processing Times

  • Visa processing: 1-3 months, depending on the consulate.
  • Residence permit processing: 1-2 months after application at SEF.

Local Considerations and Tips

  • Language: Portuguese is the official language. Learning basic Portuguese can be beneficial for daily interactions and work.
  • Networking: Join local expat groups and professional networks to build connections.
  • Cultural Adaptation: Familiarize yourself with Portuguese work culture, which values personal relationships and direct communication.
  • Cost of Living: Porto is generally more affordable than Lisbon, but housing costs can vary significantly by neighborhood.

Where to Apply

  • Visa Application: Nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country.
  • Residence Permit Application:
    • SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras)
    • Local SEF office in Porto: Rua de 31 de Janeiro, 45, 4000-211 Porto.

Relevant Government Websites

Cultural and Practical Advice

  • Public Transport: Porto has a reliable public transport system (metro, buses, trams). Consider getting a monthly pass.
  • Healthcare: Register with the Portuguese healthcare system (SNS) upon arrival for access to public health services.
  • Banking: Open a local bank account for salary deposits and daily transactions.

This structured guide should assist you in navigating the work permit and visa process in Porto, Portugal.