Last updated 2026-06-11
Job seeker visa to Portugal for Canadian citizens
Work search visa
Visa overview
Intended only to look for a job. Granted for a period of 120 days and allows the applicant, after the formalization of the employment contract, the right to apply for a residence permit. Once the maximum validity limit of the visa for looking for work has expired, without an employment relationship, the visa holder must leave the country.
Eligible individuals
Worker, employee, jobseeker
Time frames and cost
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 4 months
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Valid for a period of 4 months. If the visa holder does not secure employment or initiate the residence permit application process before the visa expires, they must leave the country.
4 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Allows a stay in Portugal for up to 4 months. During this period, the visa holder must apply for a residence permit with the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF).
2 months
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Renewable for another 60 days. The applicant can only re-apply for a new visa for this purpose, 1 year after the expiry of the previous visa's validity.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
Allows only 1 entry into Portugal.
from 2 months to 3 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time for such a visa application is usually about 2 months. In rarer cases, the consulate may take a decision on the application during 3 months. Also, if necessary, consular officers may require the applicant to provide other documents or additional materials in accordance with specific circumstances or invite the applicant for an in-person interview, which may significantly increase the processing time.
€90 (~$105)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The fees for processing a national visa application is €90. The following categories are exempt from paying any visa fee: - descendants of citizens holding a residency permit, under family reunification clauses; - foreign nationals with a study scholarship granted by Portugal; - highly qualified research activity purposes (residency and temporary stay); - patients and accompanying persons travelling under Cooperation Agreements in the Field of Health with Portugal.
Documents
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
Mandatory
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible.
Visa application form
National visa application form, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Travel medical insurance
Valid insurance, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
Supporting
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Applicant's statment
Declaration with indication of the conditions for the estimated stay and proof of presentation of a declaration of expression of interest for enrollment in the IEFP.
Additional
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Criminal record certificate
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Request for criminal record
Request for criminal record enquiry by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF) (Not applicable to minors under the age of sixteen).
Medical certificate
A medical certificate shows that the applicant does not suffer from a disease capable of posing a risk to public health in accordance with the international data of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the EU legislation.
Proof of financial means
For the purposes of proving means of subsistence, means arising from a contract or promise of an employment contract, proposal or contract for the provision of services or scientific research grants must be taken into account.
Proof of accommodation
Lease agreement signed, or letter from the inviting institution, or declaration from family member residing in Portugal. Hotel/Airbnb reservations may be admitted, but they will have to be a long stay. Minimum of 6 months).
Personal statement
Statement signed by the applicant specifying the reason for settling in Portugal, intended area of residency, and type of accommodations (rental, purchase of private property, or family home).
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Requirements
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Visa Information
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
English international
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
National visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Job seeker visa
Sources
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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