Portugal is facing labor shortages, which present opportunities for foreigners looking to relocate and work in the country. Foreigners with skills in high-demand fields in Portugal may have a better chance of securing a work visa.

The 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses has revealed that Portugal has reported a shortage of workers in more than 30 occupations.

Occupations facing shortages in Portugal are primarily in sectors such as agriculture, food and hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare, and IT.

Based on the latest report from EURES published by the European Labour Authority, some of the occupations in Portugal facing a shortage of workers include:

·        Crop farm, garden, and horticultural labourers

·        Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers

·        Metal working machine tool setters and operators

·        Welders and flame cutters

·        Plumbers and pipe fitters

·        Bricklayers and related workers

·        Bartenders

·        Waiters

·        Cooks & kitchen helpers

·        Hotel receptionists

·        Applications programmers

·        Software developers

·        Nursing professionals

·        Specialist medical practitioners

·        Electrical engineers

Eligibility Requirement to Work in Portugal

Non-EU nationals who want to work in Portugal will have to apply for a Portugal Work Visa. To be eligible for a Portuguese work visa:

·        You must have a job offer from an employer in Portugal. The job opening must have been posted for at least one month, so the relevant authorities can ensure that a Portuguese or EU citizen could not have filled the position instead.

·        Your employer must apply for a Work Permit on your behalf. They submit the application to the Portuguese Labor Authorities.

Portugal Work Visa Requirement

The documents you need when you apply for a Portugal work visa are:

·        Your Valid Passport.

·        Passport-size pictures, following Portugal visa picture guideline.

·        Proof of sufficient funds to sustain yourself.

·        Your criminal records from your country of residence. If you have lived in another country for more than one year, you have to get criminal records from there as well.

·        A document giving permission to the SEF to check your Portuguese criminal records.

·        Proof of health insurance coverage as a foreign worker.

·        Proof of accomodation

·        Your employment contract.

·        If you are already in Portugal: Proof of legal entry into Portuguese territory, such as a visa.

·        If you are applying from a country other than that of your origin: Proof of legal stay, such as a residence permit or a visa.

Document guidelines:

·        All the documents you submit have to be in English or Portuguese. If they are not, you must have them translated by a certified translator and then notarized.

·        Certain documents, such as diplomas or civil documents, may have to be legalized. You can legalize documents through an Apostille Stamp or through the Portuguese Embassy in your country.

How to Apply for a Portugal Visa

Once you have secured a job offer, the application for the Portuguese work visa is divided into three parts:

1.    Your employer applies for the Work Permit. They must do this after they have offered the job to you but before you travel to Portugal.

2.    You apply for a Work Visa at the Portuguese Embassy. Once you have a Work Permit, you must apply for a work visa at the Portugal Embassy, which you will use to enter the country.

3.    You apply for a Portugal Residence Permit. Once you have arrived in Portugal, you must apply for your residence for Work at the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). This is what allows you to live in Portugal long-term.

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