Seasonal work visas are issued to persons wishing to engage in seasonal work for a period of 90 days or less in pre-approved areas of activity.

This type of visa cannot be issued by Portugal through a representative office of another EU member state, and vice versa. An application for a seasonal work visa should be submitted to the consular office of the country in which the applicant wishes to work on seasonal work.

Certain documents are also required to apply for a seasonal work visa, which can be found on the official website.

Non-EU citizens who want to work in Portugal must apply for a Portuguese work visa. 

To be eligible for a Portuguese work visa:

You must have a job offer from an employer in Portugal. The vacancy must be advertised for at least one month so that the relevant authorities can ensure that the position could not be filled by a Portuguese or EU citizen instead.

Your employer must apply for a work permit on your behalf. They submit the application to the Portuguese labor authorities.

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Do I need a visa to work in Portugal?

If you are not a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you need to apply for a visa to obtain a work permit in Portugal. If you are from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you can work without a visa, but you must obtain a residence permit (Certificado de Registo) if you intend to live in Portugal for more than three months.

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Requirements for obtaining a work visa to Portugal

Documents you will need when you apply for a work visa to Portugal:

• Your valid passport.
• Passport-size photographs in accordance with the Schengen visa application guidelines.
• Proof of having enough money to support yourself.
• Police clearance certificate from your country of residence. If you have lived in another country for more than one year, you must also obtain a police clearance certificate from there.
• A document authorizing SEF to check your criminal record in Portugal.
• A certificate of health insurance.
• Proof of residence in Portugal.
• Your employment contract.
• If you are already in Portugal: proof of legal entry into Portugal, such as a visa.
• If you are applying from a country other than your country of origin: proof of legal residence, such as a residence permit or visa.

Recommendations on how to complete the documents:

All documents you submit must be in English or Portuguese. If not, you must have them translated by a certified translator and then notarized. Some documents, such as diplomas or civil documents, may need to be legalized. You can legalize documents with an apostille stamp or through the Portuguese Embassy in your country.

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Health insurance for a Schengen visa must meet the following requirements:

• Cover at least 30,000 euros for medical expenses and emergency evacuation.
• Must be valid in all 26 Schengen countries.
• Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Europe.

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How do I apply for an employment visa to Portugal?

Once you have received a job offer, the application for a Portuguese work visa is divided into three parts:

1. Your employer applies for a work permit (Autorização de Trabalho) to the Portuguese employment authorities or the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF) on your behalf. 

They have to submit several documents, for example:

• Employment contract.
• The company's tax return.
• Proof of social security registration.
• Proof that an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen could not take the position.
• They must do this after they have offered you the job, but before you travel to Portugal.

2. You apply for a work visa at the Portuguese embassy. Once you have received your work permit, you must apply for a work visa at the Portuguese embassy, which you will use to enter the country.

The application process is as follows:

• Find the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate. Find here where you need to apply depending on your country of residence.
• Make an appointment to submit your application. 
• Gather the necessary documents.
• You need to submit the documents on the day of the appointment. You may also be required to attend an interview to obtain your visa.
• This type of visa is valid for approximately three to four months, during which time you must apply for a residence permit and register your stay.

3. You apply for a residence permit in Portugal. Upon arrival in Portugal, you must apply for a residence permit, as well as register for social security and obtain a tax number.

• To register, you must visit the Social Security Office.
• To apply for a residence permit, your first stop is the website of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).

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Types of Portuguese work visas

Depending on your profession or qualifications, you can apply for the following types of work visas:

1. Work visa for skilled workers. You must have a job offer in one of the qualified professions or positions. For example, scientists, healthcare professionals, IT specialists, engineers, or someone who works in a high-level or administrative position in a company.
2. Work visa for self-employment. If you own a business or provide services, you can apply for a self-employment visa to work in Portugal as an independent worker.
3. Work visa for highly skilled workers. If you have exceptional qualifications in your profession and are paid at least 1.5 times the average annual salary in Portugal.
4. Work visa for cultural activities. If you will participate in cultural activities carried out in Portugal in a project recognized by the relevant Portuguese authorities.
5. Work visa for study. You are eligible for this visa if you have a job offer at an educational or vocational institution or research center in Portugal.
6. "Technical visa. You can apply for this type of work visa if you work for a company that is "active in the field of technology and innovation."

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Portuguese work visa processing time

It can take several months to finalize your work visa application; it can take up to 60 days for the SEF to process your work permit application, and it takes two to three months for the embassy to issue your entry visa.

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Cost of an employment visa

There are more than one fee to pay when applying for an employment visa.

• The cost of an entry visa issued by the Portuguese Embassy is 90 euros (may vary from country to country).
• To apply for a residence permit to work at SEF - 83 euros.
• To obtain a residence permit for work from SEF - €72.

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What is the validity period of a work visa?

When you apply for a work visa, you will receive a residence permit that allows you to live and work in Portugal for one to two years. After 1-2 years, you can extend this permit at the SEF until it expires if you still have a job offer from your employer.

After that, you can continue to live and work in Portugal for the period for which the residence permit is issued. After five years, you can apply for permanent residence.

Labor law in Portugal establishes the rights and obligations of employees and employers and regulates labor relations in the country. The main aspects of Portuguese labor law include the following:

1. Labor rights: Employees have the right to fair pay, limited working hours, vacation, paid holidays, sick leave and other social benefits. There are also rules regarding occupational health, safety and hygiene in the workplace.
2. Minimum wage: The current minimum wage in Portugal is €956,66 per month in 2024.
3. Working hours: The total working time in Portugal is 40 hours per week (8 hours per day). The law also stipulates limits on employees' working hours, regular breaks and days off.
4. Vacations: According to the labor law, employees are entitled to paid annual vacation. The length of vacation depends on the length of service and is regulated by law.
5. Dismissal: Portuguese law establishes rules and procedures for the dismissal of employees, including mandatory notice periods, payment of appropriate compensation and the possibility of complaining about unlawful dismissal.
6. Collective bargaining: Portugal has collective bargaining agreements that establish working conditions for certain groups of employees, such as trade unions or industry associations. These agreements determine wages, hours of work, working conditions and other issues.
7. Non-discrimination and equal opportunities: Portuguese law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, age, nationality, religion and other grounds. The principles of equal opportunity and fair treatment of all employees must be observed.
8. Social benefits: The Portuguese social security system provides a variety of social benefits, such as unemployment insurance, sickness insurance, maternity and paternity leave, retirement benefits, and others.

To open a company in Portugal, an expatriate must have a residence permit or citizenship. 

Steps to start a business in Portugal

1. Obtaining a tax number in Portugal. A tax number, Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), is required to make payments in Portugal. Foreigners can obtain a tax number remotely by power of attorney. This means that a person finds a tax representative in Portugal, such as a lawyer or a law firm. Then the person and the lawyer sign a power of attorney, on the basis of which the lawyer communicates with the Portuguese tax administration and receives a number for the client.

To obtain a tax number in Portugal, you need to submit the following documents to the Portuguese tax office

• a completed application for registration of a taxpayer number
• a copy of the internal passport;
• a copy of the foreign passport;
• taxpayer identification number in the country of origin;
• bank statement to confirm the legality of income.

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2. Obtaining a social security number. In Portugal, employers are obliged to obtain a Social Security Identification Number (NISS) and notify the Social Security Office when they hire employees. Employers in Portugal are also obliged to pay social security contributions for the company and employees. Contributions are calculated by applying the contribution rate to gross remuneration. Social insurance in Portugal provides access to employee rights and protects against the following risks

• Lack of work-related income due to illness, disability, maternity, work-related injury, unemployment, old age or death of a family member
• lack of access to medical care
• Insufficient support for the family, especially for children and adult dependents.

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3. Opening a bank account in Portugal. To open an account, you must pass Customer Due Diligence. This means that you need to visit a bank in Portugal in person, provide your passport details, income information and tax number. If you have a tax representative in Portugal, you will also provide their details. After passing the bank check, you must be fingerprinted and provide a signature sample for the card to be issued.

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4. Name your company. The entrepreneur can choose a company name from the online list of available names provided by the Institute of Registers and Notaries (IRN), or create one himself or use his own name. 

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5. Choose the structure or type of your business. In Portugal, there are several legal forms of doing business, which are regulated by the Portuguese Companies Code. Entrepreneurs can choose the one that best suits the structure of their best suits the structure of their company.

Private limited liability company: Known as Sociedade por Quotas. It requires at least two partners and a minimum capital investment of 5,000 euros. Shareholders must pay at least 100 euros per share and they can all be liable for debts covered by business assets.

A limited liability company: Known as an anomalous company, requires at least five shareholders and a minimum capital investment of EUR 50,000. Shareholders are liable for debts up to the value of their shares.

Partnership: Known as Sociedade em Nome Colectivo, a partnership requires at least two partners, and their liability extends to personal assets that can be used to cover any company debts.

Limited liability company: Known as Sociedade em Comandita, requires a minimum of two partners who manage the business and have unlimited liability, which includes personal assets, as well as sleeper partners who provide capital, and where their liability is limited to the amount they have invested.

Cooperative: Cooperatives are non-profit organizations that operate on the principles of cooperative models.

A limited liability company with one member: Known as Sociedade Unipessoal por Quotas, this is a partnership in which one person manages the business, but the debt liability is limited to the business assets. It requires a minimum capital investment of €5,000.

An individual limited liability company: Known as Estabelecimento Individual de Responsabilidade Limitada, it is similar to a single-member limited liability company. However, the capital investment of 5,000 euros must be at least two-thirds cash.

Sole proprietorship: Known as Empresario em Nome Individual, this is a form of self-employment where one person carries out trade as a business. There are no minimum capital requirements, and sole proprietors are not unlimitedly liable for business debts.

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6. Company registration. There are three ways to set up a company in Portugal: online, on-site, and traditional.

Empresa Online allows you to create and register Portuguese companies online to establish and register a Portuguese company online within 1-2 days for €360.

It is also possible to start a business in Portugal through Empresa de Hora, which operates on-site. Companies can be set up in an hour for €360 through this government scheme. All partners must be present, with all legal representatives and the necessary documentation.

Entrepreneurs can also register their Portuguese business at the Commercial Registry.

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Corporate income tax (IRC) in Portugal

Limited and general liability companies must pay Portuguese corporate tax. Self-employed private entrepreneurs and those with shares in partnerships pay income tax. Companies in Portugal must pay corporate tax in three installments: in July, September and December. Corporate tax in Portugal has a flat rate of 21% of taxable income, which is slightly lower than the European Union average of 21.9%. Small and medium-sized companies pay a reduced Portuguese corporate tax rate of 17% (lower in Madeira and the Azores) on the first 25,000 euros of taxable income.

Along with the corporate tax, you must pay an additional fee to the local municipality, which is about 1.5% of the profits, levied by the regional municipality. Other surcharges to the corporate tax bill include

• 3% state levy on profits between EUR 1.5 and 7.5 million (2.1% in Madeira, 2.4% in the Azores)
• 5% surcharge on profits from 7.5 to 35 million euros (3.5% in Madeira, 4% in the Azores)
• 9% surcharge on profits over EUR 35 million (6.3% in Madeira, 7.2% in the Azores)

Companies pay corporate tax on their net profits. When calculating the profit, expenses such as labor costs, marketing costs, tax planning costs, insurance, bills, etc. may be deducted.

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Social security (TSU) in Portugal

If you have employees, you must pay social security contributions. The Portuguese social security system is a system that also protects the fundamental rights of citizens and ensures equality of opportunity by providing support measures such as unemployment benefits, parental leave, and other financial support. The unified social contribution (USC) is 34.75% of each employee's gross salary. Of this, companies pay 23.75% and employees pay 11%. Companies are required to pay social security contributions from the 10th to the 20th day of the month following the month of payroll.

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VAT (IVA) in Portugal

Self-employed individuals and companies that produce, sell or provide services in Portugal must pay value added tax (VAT) to the tax authorities. VAT is paid by consumers when they purchase these goods and services. In essence, VAT is money that a company keeps until it is paid back to the government because it is paid by customers.

Companies with a Portuguese VAT number must file regular declarations showing their taxable sales and expenses. Companies with a turnover equal to or greater than €650,000 must file such a return on a monthly basis, and companies with a turnover less than €650,00 must file a quarterly return. Monthly VAT returns are due by the 10th business day of the second month following the reporting period, and quarterly returns are due by the 15th business day.

• Mainland Portugal - regular 23%, intermediate 13%, reduced 6%.
• Madeira - regular 22%, interim 12%, reduced 5%.
• Azores - regular 16%, intermediate 9%, reduced 4%.

The regular VAT rate applies to most taxable goods and services. The intermediate VAT rate applies to goods and services related to food and beverages. The reduced VAT rate applies to essential goods such as vegetables, transportation, medicines, etc.

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The Portuguese Golden Residence Permit program (more commonly known as the Portuguese Golden Visa) is a five-year investment program for non-EU nationals that provides for the acquisition of a residence permit in Portugal. The residence permit gives the right to live, work and study in Portugal and allows free movement within the Schengen area. In addition, the program requires staying in Portugal for an average of only seven days per year during this period, which can also be counted towards citizenship after five years.

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Requirements for obtaining a golden visa to Portugal

Applicants can choose any option in any of the three categories: capital transfer, real estate purchase, business:

1. Capital transfer.

One of the following options:

• A minimum capital transfer of €1.5 million to a Portuguese bank account or approved investment
• 500,000 euros for the purchase of units in an investment fund or venture capital fund that capitalizes companies incorporated under Portuguese law, with a maturity of at least five years and with at least 60% of the investment portfolio in companies incorporated in the national territory
• 500,000 euros for research activities of public or private organizations that are part of the national scientific and technical system
• EUR 400,000 in areas with low population density*.
• 250,000 EUR to support artistic production or the restoration or maintenance of national cultural heritage
• 200,000 euros in areas with low population density*.

2. Purchase of real estate

One of the following options:

• Acquisition of real estate worth at least EUR 500,000 (residential real estate is limited to certain internal premises)
• EUR 400,000 in a low-density area*.
• EUR 350,000 for the purchase of real estate for the reconstruction of residential real estate over 30 years old or in an urban regeneration area, including the cost of renovation works (residential real estate is limited to certain internal premises)
• EUR 280,000 in a low-density area*.

3. Business.

One of the following options:

• Creation of at least ten new jobs
• Eight new jobs in a low-density area*.
• 500,000 euros for the registration or increase of the authorized capital of a company registered in Portugal, with the creation or maintenance of at least five permanent jobs within three years
• *A low-density area is defined as an area with fewer than 100 inhabitants per km² or a GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.

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Procedures and terms of obtaining a golden visa to Portugal

After obtaining a residence permit, the client will need to provide biometric data and updated original documents at each renewal. The first permit is usually issued for one year, however, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is issued for two years. After that, the permit can be extended for two subsequent periods of two years.

The Golden Residence Permit for Portugal program requires the main applicant to make two trips to Portugal during the application period:

1. Select a suitable investment, start the legal process and open a bank account
2. Provide biometric data and original documents
3. After obtaining a residence permit, the client will need to provide biometric data and updated original documents at each renewal of the residence permit.

The process of obtaining residence in Portugal through investment takes more than 18 months.

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Business visa for Portugal - types and procedure

Types of business visas to Portugal

Business visa to Portugal can be of two types:

1. category C;
2. category D.

A business visa of category C corresponds to a Schengen visa and allows you to stay in Portugal for 90 days within a 180-day period. It is suitable for business trips when it is necessary to conclude a contract with Portuguese counterparties, visit exhibitions.

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To start your own business in Portugal, you need a D2 business visa. This type of business visa to Portugal allows a foreign entrepreneur to register a company and obtain a residence permit in this country.

Features of the D2 business visa

D2 business visa to Portugal has a second name "entrepreneurial". It is intended for persons who do not have EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship but wish to start a business or startup in this country. It is not as well known as the D7 document for self-employed persons with passive income abroad or the Gold Visa.

The main requirement for obtaining a golden visa is to have sufficient funds for investment. With the D7, it is necessary to prove sufficient regular income coming into the bank account from abroad. This is usually easy to prove.

However, for a D2, migration officials in Portugal must assess the viability of the business plan, whether it will be successful in Portugal, whether it will benefit the Portuguese economy and society (economic, social, scientific, technological or cultural significance).

There are no restrictions on the type of business you decide to open in Portugal. From a cafe to a tech startup or an import or export business.

D2 allows anyone over 18 years old to come to start (or relocate) a business. You do not need to be able to speak Portuguese to apply for the document. However, we recommend learning it to do business with Portuguese companies.

The application for Portuguese citizenship requires only A2 language proficiency. It can be applied for after 5 years of permanent residence in the country.

It is necessary to show the availability of means of subsistence. In fact, this means an income that exceeds the minimum Portuguese wage (approximately 635 euros per month). When planning to move to Lisbon, where the largest community of startups and entrepreneurs is located, you should show an income of at least 1000 euros per month.

Most people who apply for a business visa to Portugal are classified as entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurs need:

• NIF (individual fiscal number);
• a current account in a Portuguese bank to open a limited liability company (LDA);
• accounting services.

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Obtaining a business visa to Portugal.

A business visa to Portugal is issued by the embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence. 

After obtaining a business visa, the entrepreneur moves to Portugal and is interviewed by the SEF. If the interview is successful, the entrepreneur will be granted a temporary residence permit. Temporary residence permits are usually issued for 1 year with the right to extend it for 2 years and then for another 2 years. After 5 years, it is possible to apply for permanent residence with the right to extend it every 10 years.

Those who have obtained a residence permit on a business visa can apply for a permanent residence permit for family members. It is necessary to prove the ability to support each family member.

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List of documents required for a Portuguese business visa

Documents required to apply for a business visa category D:

• Passport scan.
• Full permanent address.
• Planned date of travel.
• Receipt of payment of the consular fee.
• Application form.
• Documents confirming the level of income.
• Business plan.
• Medical insurance.

Required documents for a category C business visa:

• A completed application form.
• Two passport-size photographs (taken no later than 6 months ago) in color on a white background (3.5 cm/4.5 cm).
• The passport must be valid for at least three months after the expiration of the visa and have at least two blank pages for affixing blanks. The previous passport, if any, must also be submitted with the visa application.
• A copy of the notification of refusal of previously rejected Schengen visas, if any.
• A cover letter from the company stating the name and current profile of the applicant, the purpose of the visit, the itinerary, the name and contacts of the company in Portugal.
• Letter of invitation from the company from Portugal / Notification of attendance at the conference / seminar / workshops from the Organizers. Dates and purpose of the trip with a detailed schedule of business meetings or trainings, venue of the conference/seminar and contacts (phone and e-mail) of the persons/organizations inviting the applicant.
• Booking of travel tickets.
• Confirmation of accommodation (hotel/apartment reservation).
• Medical insurance for those traveling abroad, valid for all Schengen countries. The insurance must cover the applicant for at least 
• 30,000 euros or the equivalent amount against all risks, such as accident, illness, emergency medical evacuation.
• Proof of financial support: an original bank statement for the last three months stamped and signed by the issuing bank branch, or a copy of the last three months' payroll receipts.
• A copy of the company registration certificate (if the applicant is a business owner).

1. Learning the language: One of the first things you should do is learn the language. Knowledge of Portuguese is considered a great advantage when looking for a job in Portugal, as it will help you to interact with employers and colleagues.
2. Also, many jobs are offered on the labor exchange website.
3. Expanding professional connections: Networking and establishing professional connections is very important in Portugal. Be active in professional communities, professional events and seminars. Keep in touch with colleagues, employers, and other professionals in your field.
4. In the capital of Portugal, it is customary to sign a lease agreement for a period of 1 year. According to the law, the contract cannot be terminated within a year, which means that until the term expires, you will have to live in the apartment you rented and pay the landlord regularly. Keep in mind that some landlords may ask you to provide a guarantor, preferably a Portuguese citizen, who will have to pay for the rent for you if you refuse to pay.