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Portugal Ends Job Seeker Visa, Introduces New Skilled Worker Pathway

October 30, 2025 7:02 am

Portugal Ends Job Seeker Visa, Introduces New Skilled Worker Pathway

Portugal is reshaping its immigration landscape by discontinuing the job seeker visa. This significant change leaves many applicants in uncertainty as the country transitions to a new “highly skilled work-seeking visa.” However, applications for this new visa are currently on hold until the government finalizes eligibility criteria and procedures.

The Job Seeker Visa: A Thing of the Past

Portugal’s job seeker visa once offered a lifeline for individuals seeking employment. Applicants with savings of around €2,460 could enter Portugal for up to 120 days to search for work. This visa was renewable for an additional 60 days and allowed travel throughout the Schengen Area. However, as of October 23, 2025, this visa no longer exists.

The Portuguese government has cancelled all pending and future appointments related to the job seeker visa. This includes cancellations for appointments booked through:

VFS Global
BLS International
TLScontact

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that any applications scheduled after October 23 are automatically void.

Introducing the Highly Skilled Work-Seeking Visa

In place of the job seeker visa, Portugal is launching a new “Highly Skilled Work-Seeking Visa.” This visa aims to attract professionals with specialized skills and technical expertise. The goal is to draw qualified workers rather than general job seekers.

However, there is a crucial caveat: the visa cannot be issued until detailed regulations are published. The government must define what constitutes “specialized competencies” and outline the application process. As of late October, no timeline exists for when these regulations will be ready.

Key Changes for Job Seekers

The new visa retains the 120-day validity but introduces stricter conditions:

Portugal-only Validity: Holders cannot travel within the Schengen zone.
Qualification Requirement: Only candidates with specialized technical skills are eligible.
Stricter Reapplication Rule: If applicants fail to secure a job within 120 days, they must leave Portugal and wait one year before reapplying.

These changes effectively exclude lower-skilled workers, who previously relied on the job seeker visa for employment in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, and construction.

The Impact on the Labor Market

This decision has sparked frustration among employers facing labor shortages. Portugal currently has around 58,000 job openings, particularly in tourism and construction. Industry leaders warn that restricting entry to highly skilled workers could exacerbate existing labor gaps.

Next Steps for Applicants

If you had an appointment for the job seeker visa, it was automatically cancelled, and no action is needed on your part. Stay informed by checking official sources, such as the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or AIMA, for updates on when applications for the new skilled work visa will open.

Refunds for cancelled appointments are unlikely, as visa fees in Portugal are generally non-refundable, even in cases of government cancellations.

Conclusion

Portugal’s shift in immigration policy marks a clear focus on attracting high-skilled migrants. While the new visa has the potential to streamline entry for qualified professionals, the absence of regulations has left many in limbo. For now, prospective applicants must wait, and Portugal’s labor market may soon feel the effects of this transition.