Portugal Seasonal Work Visa for Foreigners

Non-EU/EEA nationals may work in Portugal for a restricted time under the Portugal Seasonal Work Visa, usually in industries like tourism, hospitality, and agriculture that have seasonal demand for workers.

Here’s a general outline of how the process works:

1. Eligibility Criteria:

Those who are not citizens of the European Union or the European Economic Area are eligible to apply for the visa.
Job Offer: A Portuguese employer must provide you with a verified seasonal job offer.
Temporary Employment: Generally speaking, the visa is appropriate for positions in certain industries (such as hospitality, agriculture, etc.) that are temporary in nature and last no more than nine months.

2. Required Documents:

You will typically need the following to apply:

Valid Passport: Your passport must remain valid for at least three months after the date on which you applied for your visa.
A signed employment contract or offer from a Portuguese employer serves as proof of employment.
Proof of Accommodation: Details about your housing arrangements while working.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Documentation, such as bank statements, attesting to your ability to sustain yourself while in Portugal.
Health Insurance: Evidence of coverage for the length of your visit.
Clean Criminal Record: You might need to submit to a background investigation from your nation of origin.
A filled-out visa application form, which can be obtained at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your nation of residence.

3. Application Process:

Find Employment: Get a seasonal job offer in Portugal.
The duties of the employer include: Your employer must submit a request for you to work in Portugal and provide evidence that no local or EU worker can fill the position.
Application Submission: Send your application to the Portuguese embassy or consulate that is closest to you in your nation of residence. You can complete some applications online.
Visa Fees: Depending on the type of visa, there may be an application fee.

4. Duration & Extensions:

Usually, the initial visa is valid for nine months.
You will typically need to leave the country and reapply if you want to extend your stay because it is not renewable.
Your work contract may require you to apply for a different kind of visa, such as a residence visa, if it lasts longer than nine months.

5. Rights & Responsibilities:

Work: The employer you listed on your application is the only one you are legally permitted to work for with this visa.
Social Security: Based on your contract and the nature of your work, you may be eligible for Portugal’s social security system.
Travel: During your stay, but only for the length of the visa, you are permitted to travel within the Schengen Area.

6. After the Seasonal Work:

You are expected to depart Portugal after your seasonal work contract is over, unless you apply for a different visa or permit, if you are eligible.
You can apply for a residence visa after your temporary visa expires if you want to work in Portugal permanently.

7. Other Considerations:

Under some circumstances, you might be able to bring your spouse and kids, but they might have to apply for residency visas on their own.
To prevent any problems with overstaying your visa, make sure you abide by the legal work regulations while in Portugal.

As visa regulations are subject to change, it is advisable to check the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country of residence or the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) website for the latest information on the procedure.

Portugal Seasonal Work Visa for Foreigners

 

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