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Want to search for employment in Portugal? The Job seeker visa is perfect for you. The Portugal Job seeker visa allows a non-EU citizen like Indians to search for employment and even carry out a subordinated work activity till the visa expires or a residence permit is issued. The visa is given for 120 days, and is even renewable! To know the Job Seeker Visa Portugal apply online process keep reading. We have covered everything from the meaning of this visa, its requirements, application processing time, fees, and more.
This Blog Includes:
- Portugal Job Seeker Visa Apply Online: The Basics
- Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa
- How to Register for the IEFP?
- Requirements to Apply for a Job Seeker Visa
- How to Apply for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa?
- Job Seeker Visa Portugal Apply Online Process Fees
- Job Seeker Visa Portugal Apply Online Processing Time
- What is the Success Rate of Job Seeker Visa in Portugal?
- Can I Renew My Portugal Job Seeker Visa?
- What Happens If You Did Not Get a Job Offer?
- How to Get a Job Offer in Portugal?
- Which Job is in Demand in Portugal?
- What is the Average Salary in Portugal?
- Portugal Job Seeker Visa Official Website
- FAQs
Portugal Job Seeker Visa Apply Online: The Basics
The Portugal Job seeker visa allows you to enter Portugal to seek employment. The visa is valid for up to 120 days. During this period, you can register as a job seeker at any of the Portuguese employment and vocational training centres run by the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP – Instituto do Emprego e Formação Professional). This is the Portuguese Public Employment Insitute. You are required to –
- Look for a job while you are in Portugal
- Attend the scheduled appointment at the employment centre – The employment centre will give details of the training and employment opportunities in Portugal.
- You can apply for a residence permit once you get a job offer.
During the visa validity period, if you are unable to secure a job offer you will have to return to your home country. The good news? You can apply again after 1 year period. The job seeker visa is also called the DP – Residence job seeking visa in India.
Want to know about work visas in Portugal? Read this blog to find out.
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa
The following are the job seeker visa Portugal apply online instructions (eligibility)-
- Intention– You only want to look for a job in Portugal
- Registration– You can express your interest in working in Portugal by registering with the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP)
- Health Insurance– You have valid health insurance in Portugal. The health insurance must be of at least EUR 30,000.
- Funds- You must have sufficient funds to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay
- Documentation– You must meet the document requirements for getting a Portugal job seeker visa. For example, submit the identity documents, proof of funds, etc.
How to Register for the IEFP?
You can register for the IEFP by following the steps below:
- Visit the official website– At the Gov.pt website you can sign up. Signing up for the Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP) is mandatory.
- Meet the eligibility criteria- That is, you must be above the age of 16, must have completed the 12th standard education (if you are under the age of 18) or any education level (if you are above the age of 18). Moreover, you must be able to and available to work.
- Check the time of application– You can sign up anytime. However, to access the unemployment benefit you need to sign up within 90 days of becoming unemployed.
- Meet the requirements– You need to submit the documents which allows you to legally reside and work in Portugal.
- Sign up for free– Access the ‘iefponline portal’ and sign up for free of cost.
Requirements to Apply for a Job Seeker Visa
The job seeker visa Portugal apply online instructions for documents is as follows:
| S.No | Documents |
| 1 | Filled in the visa application form |
| 2 | A valid passport, two passport-size photographs, and your birth certificate |
| 3 | A cover letter explaining the reasons for applying for a job seeker visa, and a CV |
| 4 | Travel insurance of at least CHF 30,000 to CHF 50,000 |
| 5 | Round-trip flight reservation |
| 6 | Police clearance certificate to prove that you have a clean record. |
| 7 | You must have financial resources of at least 3 months’ salary (the minimum wage for 1 month is EUR 820 |
| 8 | Any other additional dcoument (oif requested by the consular officer) |
You can download the Job Seeker Visa documents checklist from here
How to Apply for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa?
The job seeker visa Portugal apply online steps are as follows. Before applying for a visa ensure that you have registered for the IEFP. The visa application can be submitted through VFS Global (as it is the official partner)
| S.No | Application Process |
| 1 | Visit the offical website, and go to how to apply section. Thereafter, under the types section choose ‘job seeker visa’ |
| 2 | Download the visa application form, and fill the same |
| 3 | Schedule your visa appointment at a visa application centre |
| 4 | Gather the relevant documents and on the date of your visa appointment bring the necessary documents |
| 5 | Submit your biometric information, and pay the required visa fees |
| 6 | As a job seeker, you are required to attend a visa interview |
| 7 | Get a decision on your visa application, and collect your passport |
You can download the Portugal job seeker visa application form pdf (free)
Job Seeker Visa Portugal Apply Online Process Fees
The fees for a job seeker visa application are provided below:
| Visa | Fees |
| DP – Residence job seeking visa | EUR 90 |
Job Seeker Visa Portugal Apply Online Processing Time
The Portugal job seeker visa processing times are provided below:
| Visa | Processing Time |
| DP – Residence job seeking visa | 60 daya |
What is the Success Rate of Job Seeker Visa in Portugal?
The success rate of a job seeker visa in Portugal is provided below:
| Visa | Success Rate | Rejection Rate |
| DP – Residence job seeking visa | 84.9% | 15.1% |
As per the above data, the success rate of a job seeker visa application is high. This means that as long as you meet the visa requirements your application will be approved.
Can I Renew My Portugal Job Seeker Visa?
Yes. You can renew your job seeker visa. Renewal is permitted for a limited period. The renewal duration is provided below:
| Visa | Renewal |
| DP – Residence job seeking visa | 60 days |
What Happens If You Did Not Get a Job Offer?
After Job Seeker Visa Portugal apply online process you will get the visa for 120 days. During this period, you can look for a job. However, if you fail to get a job offer you are required to return to your home country. The good thing is, after staying in your country for 1 year you can reapply. At that time, your profile is verified just like any other new applicant.
How to Get a Job Offer in Portugal?
The job seeker visa Portugal apply online process will only start if you get a job offer. To get a job offer in Portugal you can follow the steps below:
- Sign Up at the Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP): You need to register your account at the Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP). It is an employment professional training institution. You will receive all job-related information after registration.
- Apply for a Job Seeker Visa– You need to apply for a DP – Residence job seeking visa. This visa will give you the right to enter Portugal for employment.
- Attend the Scheduled Appointment- You can schedule your appointment at the employment institute. You need to attend these appointments as job-related, and job training information is provided.
- Apply for Jobs– Based on the information provided you can apply for jobs. Ensure you have tailored your resume as per the Portugal standards, and that you are qualified for the position.
- Get a job offer letter- You can apply for jobs, and even attend interview. If you clear the job selection process you will get a job offer letter.
Which Job is in Demand in Portugal?
Several jobs are in demand in Portugal. Some of these jobs are provided below:
| Sector | Language instructors, and English teachers. |
| IT & Software Development | AI, cybersecurity experts, cloud computing |
| Healthcare Professionals | Doctors, medical technicians, and nurses |
| Digital Marketing sector | PPC, SEO, and content strategists |
| Hospitality & Tourism | Hotel managers, tour guides, chefs, etc |
| Construction & Engineering | Infrastructure projects require skilled workers |
| Renewable Energy Specialists | Wind and solar energy experts |
| Education | Language instructors,and English teachers. |
What is the Average Salary in Portugal?
The average salary earned by people in Portugal depends on several factors. For example, experience, general, industry, and the employment type. For example, men earn 4% more than women, and full-time workers earn more than part-time workers. The basic minimum salary earned by people is around EUR 870.
| Particulars | Salary Per Month |
| Average salary in Portugal | EUR 1540 |
| Minimum salary in Portugal | EUR 870 |
The salary variations in terms of industry is provided below:
| Industry | Average Salary Per Year |
| Services | EUR 1,332.34, |
| Water, energy, and construction | EUR 1,213.17 |
| Health care and social services | EUR 26,697 |
| Hospitality and travel | EUR 48,986 per year |
| Retail, and customer service | EUR 24,387 per year |
| Food services | EUR 25,500 per year |
Learn about the Cost of Living in Portugal: Expense, Rent and Fees
Portugal Job Seeker Visa Official Website
The Portugal job seeker visa application can be submitted at the embassy. The visa application can also be submitted through VFS Global (their offical partner).
| Embassy | Webiste | Telephone |
| Embassy of Portugal in India | novadeli.embaixadaportugal.mne.gov.pt | (91) 11 4607 1001 |
FAQs
Germany, Portugal, Ireland, and UAE are some of the best countries that offer job seeker visas. Portugal offers one of the easiest job-seeker visas to Indians.
Qualified individuals can easily get a work visa in Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, and even Ireland. The UAE and Netherlands also offer work visas to qualified people from India.
You can get the Portugal job seeker visa appointment through VFS Global. After you have completed the visa application page, go to the Book your Appointments page, and register your account. When you register you will get the option to book your visa appointment.
We hope you now understand the job seeker visa portugal apply online process. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!
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