Visas & Customs Requirements

Employment:

EU nationals may undertake employment without permission. All other foreign nationals who wish to work in Portugal must apply for work visas. A non-EU national may not engage in employment until a work visa is issued. Work visas allow their holders to engage in dependent employment, self-employment, or sporting- or entertainment-related professional activities.

In granting work visas, consideration is given to the type of work proposed, the availability of local and EU workers capable of performing the work, the level of salary and the availability of accommodation. Work visas granted to conduct dependent employment activities are valid for up to one year, and may be extended for an additional two-year period. The duration of the employment for which the visa is requested should not exceed an initial two-year period. Visas must be renewed by the visa holders’ employers in January of each year.

The application procedure for a work visa is similar to that required for a residence visa, except that the applicant must possess a signed employment contract with a Portuguese employer. However, for employees from certain non-EU states, a signed contract is not required. In all cases, the employment contract must be registered with the Ministry of Employment, and must prove that the foreign national is required by the company for a fixed period.

In addition to an application, the following documents, all of which must be translated into Portuguese, must be provided to the authorities to obtain a work visa:

• Passport copies
• Photographs
• A medical certificate
• Details of a criminal record (if applicable)
• Proof of financial means
• A signed employment contract (if applicable).

Before the work visa is issued, the employer must inform the Employment and Professional Training Institute (IEFP) of the job offer and the Labour Inspection Institute (IGT) must issue a favourable opinion.

To change jobs after a work visa has been issued a new employment contract must be registered and approved.

With the exception of certain sensitive industries, setting up a business in Portugal, either as a single proprietor or as a company is not restricted. Portuguese commercial law does not prohibit foreign residents or non-residents from serving as directors of Portuguese companies.