Portugal Work Visa: An Overview

Europe has been booming with employment opportunities, especially for non-EU citizens who are enthusiastic regarding their work and wish to live a life in one of the most marvellous and emerging places in Europe, namely Portugal. Portugal is now opening up borders, allowing non-EU citizens to step into the country and showcase their skills, and expertise to make a significant contribution through the Portugal work visa which will further provide other benefits for eligible citizens as its work visa is increasingly gaining popularity. This article will further delve into the details of the Portugal work visa from Pakistan and its price, processing, eligibility, criteria, benefits, and types.

Types of Portugal Work Visa

There is a variation in the types of work visa for Portugal, which mainly depend on your work experience and the area of the job you are applying for.

Portugal Skilled Worker Visa

The D3 Visa, also known as the skilled worker visa, allows highly qualified workers and individuals to embark on an employment journey to Portugal. This is the standard work visa which allows you to have a contract for one year.

Highly-Qualified Worker Visa

The authorities designed this particular visa for those with highly specialised skills and qualifications such as scientists, researchers, medical professionals, and engineers.. The key requirements for this visa include having a 1-year contract with the company that they are working for, a 3-year degree from a recognised university or 5 years of professional experience within the field.

Tech Visa

This visa is for those with technical skills with a job offer or contract from a recognised company in Portugal in the field of technology and innovation. The visa has a few requirements that include a contract, a relevant degree in the field or 5 years of work experience in the relevant field as well.

European Blue Card Visa

The European Blue Card Visa is specifically designed for highly skilled workers from non-EU countries. The main requirements include a higher education degree, a work contract of at least 1 year, and a gross salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross.

These are some of the main types of Portugal work visas that are offered to non-EU citizens and they also have different criteria or different requirements that would allow a smooth visa process.

How to apply for Portugal work visa from Pakistan?

Several individuals are looking for opportunities abroad as they continue their employment ventures in Europe and take hold of Portugal. The Portugal work visa is now becoming more desirable, especially for Pakistani citizens. Pakistani nationals who wish to apply for a Portugal work visa need to show proof of a job offer from Portugal to acquire a Portugal work visa from Pakistan. Portugal is becoming a popular destination for expats and Pakistanis alike. There are two options for people to apply for a Portugal work visa from Pakistan:

The first is a Schengen visa, which applies to those who hold citizenship or Dual Citizenship in a European Union state or Switzerland. Pakistan does allow dual citizenship and so if an individual holds this with an EU country, they may be able to apply for a Schengen visa and work in Portugal under one.

The second option, and more prevalent, is a Portuguese National Long-Term Visa. These visas allow either residence in Portugal or temporary stays. If an individual wishes to hold employment or start a business in Portugal under this visa type, they must first obtain a Portuguese work visa. A work visa must be applied for by an employer on behalf of an employee.

Requirements for Portugal Work Visa for Pakistani Nationals

Two passport-sized photos which should be recent.
A copy of the applicant’s passport. The expiry date on the passport must be set at least three months after the date of the applicant’s intended return.
Proof of the applicant’s current financial resources – to demonstrate that they can support themselves while in Portugal.
A copy of the applicant’s return ticket to leave Portugal.

A fully completed and signed application form from the Portuguese embassy.
If the applicant lives in a county other than that of their nationality then they are required to provide formal proof of the applicant’s current living/working situation.
A criminal record certificate detailing no criminal history.
Original documentation of valid travel insurance.

Additional Documentation for Portugal work visa from Pakistan

When the work visa is applied for, the employer will also have to submit additional documents that will define their role or the field for which they have applied in Portugal through the Portugal work visa. Depending on the type of visa they have chosen, they will be asked to submit the appropriate documentation such as CV, resume, experience letters, diploma certificates, degree certificates and so on. A contract with the company that they will be working for in Portugal will also be required.

Where the visa is being applied for independent work purposes, the applicant must supply:

a contract or a promise of a service contract
a statement issued by the competent institution.

Where the visa is being applied for subordinate work, the applicant must supply a work contract, work promise or demonstration of interest as well as a professional certificate (for the regulated profession). All documents submitted must be translated into Portuguese or English, with the translations authorised by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Portugal Work Visa Fees

With the help of a professional consultant or legal agency, you can find out more about accurate pricing. RH Capital is renowned for providing individuals with comprehensive and extensive guidelines when it comes to immigration services for Portugal. For citizens who wish to apply for the Portugal work visa from Pakistan, they will only have to fulfil the costs of the National Long Term visa for Portugal.

This will allow them to live and work in Portugal. The work visa cost will be covered by the company or employer who is responsible for the employment of the applicant.

For each visa application, a fee is payable by the applicant. This amount covers the administrative processing of the application and does not imply that the application will be successful. The fee must be paid for the visa application to be processed.

As of September 2023, the current costs of applying for a Portuguese National Long-Term Visa are:

Residence visa (for stays over one year) – €90 (PKR 27,810)
Temporary stay visa (for stays up to one year) – €75 (PKR 23,175).

Applicants must also note that this fee is non-refundable if the visa application is unsuccessful. If an applicant will be working in Portugal for scientific research or in another role that counts as a ‘highly qualified activity’, they may be able to have their visa fee waived.

Application Process for Portugal Work Visa from Pakistan

Citizens or nationals who wish to apply for a Portugal work visa from Pakistan are required to provide proof of hiring from the country’s respective companies. The letter of employment or work visa provided by the Portuguese company will further serve as proof and document which will make the visa application process smoother and faster. All Portuguese visa applications in Pakistan are handled and conducted by the Portuguese Embassy in Islamabad. The Pakistani citizen must email the service provider at sconsular.islamabad@mne.pt including their full name (as shown on their Pakistani passport), address and telephone number and will be further informed when an appointment is available, the applicant will be contacted to schedule one.

Process After the Appointment

The applicant must attend the Visa Application Centre on the date of the appointment. All documents and copies, as required, must be submitted in person at the Visa Application Centre during the appointment (if any further document requests are made, instructions on how to submit these will be made then) along with which the application must be paid. The application process can be tracked online through the official website by entering the tracking number or application number that has been provided to you. If successful, the applicant can collect their passport and visa documentation from the Visa Application Office. If unsuccessful, the applicant can collect their passport from the Visa Application Office and instructions will be issued on any ‘next steps’ to take.

A Trusted Immigration Partner: RH Capital

The Portugal work visa application process generally takes up to sixty days. The Portugal work visa from Pakistan is easier to apply for and generally has the same requirements as any other visa which is why individuals from Pakistan are highly encouraged to avail this opportunity and apply for the Portugal work visa. RH Capital is an expert agency that also provides accurate guidance for all potential employees who wish to take up their work ventures in Portugal. The expert team at RH Capital can guide individuals regarding the Portugal work visa from Pakistan thoroughly while staying up to date with the ever-changing rules and regulations in Pakistan.