How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in Portugal (2025)

Portugal’s top talent and magnetic business climate make it a dream destination for global teams and ambitious companies. From world-class digital infrastructure to innovative tech hubs, access to Portuguese markets and skilled professionals unlocks real strategic advantages—if you can get your people on the ground.

Yet, visa paperwork, sponsorship headaches, and shifting compliance rules trip up even seasoned teams. Employer registration, salary thresholds, family permits, and SEF timelines can slow hiring to a crawl, risking missed launch dates and stalled projects.

These barriers drain resources and create compliance landmines for HR and mobility leads. One misstep—an expired permit or missing payroll record—can lead to fines or costly delays. But what if there were a way to avoid uncertainty and keep every hire moving safely forward?

That’s where Deel Immigration steps in. By automating sponsorship, tracking every milestone, and handling both permit and dependent requests in-app, Deel eliminates friction from Portugal’s process. The result? Confident launches, happier teams, and borderless growth—without a single compliance surprise.

How easy is it to get a work visa in Portugal?

Obtaining a work permit in Portugal is moderately challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on factors such as meeting the minimum salary requirements, the applicant’s skills and education level, and whether there is high local demand for the applicant’s potential job title and scope.

See also: Moving to Portugal: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads

Different types of entry visas and work permits in Portugal

Portugal offers various visa options, including the Portugal job seeker visa, Portugal Schengen visa, and special permits for remote workers. Below is an overview of the entry visas and work permits supported by Deel in Portugal.

• D1 Work Visa (Temporary Work Permit): The D1 Work Visa suits mid-level professionals with a concrete job offer from a Portuguese employer. Applicants must present a valid passport, a formal work contract, proof of academic or vocational qualifications, and evidence of meeting the minimum salary threshold. This permit allows an initial stay of up to 1 year and is renewable for subsequent 2-year periods, leading to permanent residency after 5 years. It requires no labor-market test for most skilled roles and comes with full access to Portuguese social security

• D3 Work Visa (Highly Qualified Worker Visa): The D3 Visa targets executives, researchers, and specialized professionals earning at least twice the national minimum wage. Candidates must hold a university degree or equivalent professional experience and show a signed employment contract reflecting the elevated salary requirement. The permit is valid for up to 1 year initially, with 2-year renewals possible and a clear path to permanent residency. It benefits from a fast-track SEF procedure and exempts applicants from labor-market testing

• Dependent Visa: The Dependent Visa allows spouses, minor children, and other eligible family members of permit holders to join them in Portugal. Applicants must prove the family relationship via marriage or birth certificates, show financial support capability, and maintain health insurance coverage. Dependents can stay for the duration of the principal permit and must renew their visa in parallel

• Digital Nomad Visa: The Digital Nomad Visa permits remote workers and self-employed professionals to reside in Portugal for up to 1 year, renewable thereafter. Applicants need proof of stable remote employment or freelance contracts and a monthly income of 4 times the minimum wage. This visa enables access to local coworking communities and the Portuguese banking system. It also provides a clear pathway to traditional work permits if the nomad transitions to local employment

See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List

Portugal visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates

Applicants must meet basic legal and financial criteria to qualify for a Portuguese work or nomad visa.

Portugal visa comparison table

Get a fast, expert eligibility assessment with a detailed cost breakdown delivered within 48 hours via Deel Immigration.

See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes

Portugal visa and work-permit sponsorship criteria for employers

Portuguese law requires that visa or work permit applications be sponsored by a legal employer registered in Portugal or a foreign company with a local branch. Employers must demonstrate financial solvency, the ability to pay wages in full and timely social security contributions, and proof of a valid employment contract. This includes providing the SEF with company registration documents, tax compliance certificates, and pay-slip guarantees.

Many businesses simplify this by engaging an Employer of Record (EOR). An EOR, like Deel, becomes the legal employer of your global hires, handling all sponsorship duties on your behalf. The EOR prepares and submits all sponsorship documents, manages payroll, pays social contributions, secures work permits, and ensures ongoing compliance, freeing your team to focus on growth.

As a G2-leader in Employer of Record services across 150+ countries with 200+ visa and permit categories in 40 nations, Deel Immigration accelerates Portugal work-permit sponsorship at scale. You’ll benefit from automated compliance monitoring, real-time application tracking via the in-app visa tracker, partner discounts on relocation services, and dedicated spouse and child visa support.

See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets

Portugal’s work-permit application process

Follow this five-step roadmap to secure your Portuguese work or nomad permit:

Step one: Document preparation

Prepare all necessary documents, including a valid passport, job offer, and proof of qualifications. Applicants gather originals and certified translations, while sponsors prepare corporate registration and financial statements.

Tip: Deel’s platform automates document collection by prompting both parties and storing uploads securely.

Step two: Visa application submission

Submit the Portugal visa online application at the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy. Applicants complete the online form, pay the fee, and schedule an appointment. Sponsors provide letters of support and employment contracts.

Tip: Deel’s immigration experts guide you through application forms, and the platform reminds you of crucial deadlines.

Step three: Visa approval waiting period

Waiting for visa approval typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the visa type and consulate workload. During this period, SEF reviews eligibility, employer solvency, and background checks.

Tip: Deel’s visa tracker sends real-time tracking alerts so you always know your application status.

Step four: Residence permit application

Upon arrival in Portugal, the applicant must apply for the Portugal residence permit at Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF). They’ll book an appointment, present originals, pay the permit fee, and complete biometrics.

Tip: Leverage Deel’s relocation partners and exclusive discounts for assistance with travel logistics.

Step five: Permit collection and compliance

The candidate will receive the residence permit and comply with any additional registration or reporting requirements. They’ll collect your residence card in person and register with the local municipality for tax and health registrations.

Tip: Deel automates visa and permit renewals and notifies you 60 days before expiry to avoid lapses.

See also: Application Guide for Enterprise Employee Visas

What is the cost of a visa and work permit in Portugal?

Government fees vary by visa class, applicant nationality, and number of dependents. Key drivers include the base visa application, SEF residence-permit filing, and premium services like expedited processing.

Deel provides transparent, flat pricing on all immigration and sponsorship services, with no hidden fees. Clients receive a detailed, upfront breakdown, so budgeting for talent mobility in Portugal is easy and predictable.

Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in Portugal?

Absolutely. Deel Immigration stands out as the premier solution for navigating Portugal’s complex visa and work-permit landscape with ease and confidence. From personalized support to cutting-edge automation, Deel ensures your hires comply fully and onboard swiftly.

• End-to-end immigration management covering all Portuguese visa categories, including Digital Nomad and Highly Qualified Worker Visas
• Fast, free visa eligibility assessments delivered with detailed cost breakdowns within 48 hours
• Personalized expert support guiding employers and candidates through each step of the Portuguese application process
• Real-time application tracking and automated renewal reminders via Deel’s intuitive platform
• Dependent visa assistance and exclusive relocation discounts to support employee families and transitions

With Deel Immigration, your Portugal hiring journey is seamless, compliant, and transparent—let’s explore how to hire faster and smarter.

Hire employees in Portugal faster with Deel Immigration

Accelerate your recruitment and onboarding with Deel’s comprehensive immigration services tailored for Portugal. Our end-to-end immigration management means you won’t miss a single document or deadline, while our real-time application tracking keeps you informed at every stage. From submitting applications at consulates to securing residence permits with SEF, Deel handles it all efficiently.

Book a free consultation today to unlock fast, free visa assessments and personalized expert guidance designed to minimize delays and maximize compliance. Plus, enjoy the benefit of automated renewal reminders so your employees never face permit lapses. Let Deel take the complexity out of hiring in Portugal so you can focus on growing your business.