Portugal•EuropeTemporary Stay Visa - Work
At a Glance
Processing Time
30-90 days
Application Fee
110 EUR
Stay Duration
Up to 1 year
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Long-stay visa for employment up to one year. For workers with job contracts or job promises in Portugal.
The Portugal Temporary Stay Visa for Work is established under the legal framework of Law n.º 23/2007 to facilitate short-term professional activities for foreign nationals. It is specifically designed for stays exceeding three months but not exceeding one year, filling the gap between short-stay Schengen visas and long-term residency visas. The visa serves two primary professional tracks: subordinated work (E2) for those with fixed-term employment contracts and independent work or service provision (E6) for freelancers and consultants.
This visa is ideal for seasonal professionals, project-based consultants, and technical experts required for specific short-term assignments that do not necessitate permanent relocation. It is also frequently utilized by digital nomads and independent service providers who intend to operate within Portugal for a defined period without seeking long-term residency status.
A key distinguishing feature of this category is that it grants a stay rather than residency. Unlike the D-type Residency Visas, holders of a Temporary Stay Visa are not required to apply for a Residence Permit (Título de Residência) upon arrival. This significantly reduces the administrative interaction with AIMA (formerly SEF), as the visa itself serves as the legal authorization for the entire duration of the stay.
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick assessment to see how well you match this visa and get personalized tips
Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
10,440 EUR
per year
Minimum Savings
10,440 EUR
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DK, EE, FI, FR, DE, GR, HU, IE, IT, LV, LT, LU, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SK, SI, ES, SE, CH, IS, LI, NO
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Valid for duration of stay plus 3 months
Employment contract
Valid for minimum 6 months
Criminal record certificate
From country of origin
Health insurance
Valid in Portugal
Accommodation proof
Lease or rental agreement
Proof of funds
Proof of subsistence means
Track your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Streamlined administrative process compared to residency-track visa categories
- Exemption from the mandatory AIMA appointment for a Residence Permit
- Multiple entry privileges within the Schengen Area for the duration of the visa
- Lower financial threshold requirements compared to long-term investment visas
- Faster processing times for short-term professional deployments
- Reduced documentation requirements regarding long-term accommodation proof
Considerations
- Strict one-year maximum duration limit per stay
- Time spent under this visa does not count toward the five-year residency requirement for citizenship
- Limited flexibility for transitioning to other visa types without departing the country
- Ineligibility for the 'Manifestation of Interest' regularization pathway
Application Process
Secure job offer
Obtain employment contract from Portuguese employer
Prepare documents
Gather all required documentation
Apply at consulate
Submit at Portuguese consulate in home country
Pay fee
EUR 110
Await decision
Usually 30-90 days
Register in Portugal
Complete residence permit application upon arrival
Application Forms
National Visa Application Form
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa