Work permits for Portugal are granted differently according to an expat's country of origin.

Expats who are nationals of an EU member state don't need a work permit for Portugal for their first six months in the country. After this period, they must apply for a residence permit to live in Portugal. This is more of a formality and simply makes life easier when it comes to applying for a bank account in Portugal. It also serves as proof of address.

Those moving to Portugal from outside the EU will need to have secured a job offer to apply for a work permit.

Work permits for EU nationals

Visa application

EU nationals aren't restricted from finding employment in Portugal, and are granted a 90-day period to live in the country and find work without obtaining an EU registration certificate.

Some expats may need to apply for a residence card. Although simple, this process results in long queues and delays. The residence card can only be obtained from the Portuguese immigration office.

EU citizens working for three months or less do not need a work permit or a residence card.

Useful links

Work permits for non-EU nationals

Non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, can obtain a work permit for Portugal if a formal employer offers a secure job contract. That said, as regulations encourage companies to hire members of other EU countries before looking outside the sphere, it can be difficult to secure a job offer.

If you do manage to find a job, a work permit is necessary before employment can commence. Either the employee or the employer can apply for the permit. In addition to the permit, a residence visa, also known as a long-stay visa, should be obtained. This allows you to enter the country for a year or longer stay.

The work permit is valid for as long as you remain employed in Portugal, but the residence permit remains valid for an initial two years but can be renewed for another three years. 

Useful links

*Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

What do expats say about visa processes in Portugal?

"We didn't need a work permit because we are retired. There was a lot of paperwork and documentation required. There's also a minimum income level required, but it is not excessive. I would suggest joining expat groups to learn from other people's mistakes. Requirements do change often, so you need to keep current. But mainly, you just need to take it step by step and put one foot in front of the other." 

Learn more about Bob's experiences in his expat interview about Portugal. 

"'Easy' is never a word I would use with immigration. Compared to other countries, Portugal may have a relatively easier process, but it's not without its headaches. I didn't hire anyone, but I wouldn't say I did the process exactly by myself. I found a wonderful Facebook group that had lots of resources about moving to Portugal. I also chatted with other people in that group who were moving, and we tried to figure some things out together."

Learn more about life in the country in our expat interview about Portugal with American Julia. 

Further reading

► Read Visas for Portugal for more information on the process of obtaining the correct documentation.

► Find out more about business etiquette and get tips on finding employment on Working in Portugal

Are you an expat living in Portugal?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Portugal. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.

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