Portugal has slowly become a favourite destination in Europe among professionals and job seekers. The country has a favourable climate, low cost of living, and an ever-expanding employment sector, which means there are a lot of opportunities for the person seeking to establish or develop a career in a foreign country. The government has introduced the Portugal Job Seeker Visa to simplify the job search for foreigners in Portugal.
This visa could be a great choice, particularly if you are from Punjab and are going to work abroad. It will enable you to go to Portugal, where you can remain for an authorised period and seek employment. After getting a job, you can apply for a work visa or a resident permit.
In this blog, we will discuss the benefits, nature of the Portugal Job Seeker Visa, eligibility criteria and the methods of applying for the visa from Punjab. Read till the end to understand all you need to know about the Portugal job seeker visa.
What is the Portugal Job Seeker Visa?
The Portugal Job Seeker Visa is a temporary work visa, which the Portuguese government introduced to bring in foreign talent. It enables people to enter Portugal and seek employment.
Visa is typically issued for 120 days (4 months), which can also be extended for another 60 days if required. During this period, you are required to actively seek employment and attend interviews. Once you have secured an employment opportunity, you will be able to apply for a residence permit through which you can live and work legally in Portugal.
This visa comes in handy, especially when an individual is interested in exploring opportunities in person rather than seeking jobs online from outside Portugal.
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Why Choose Portugal for Work?
Professionals in Punjab and other regions of India prefer Portugal due to several favourable reasons. Some of the most important reasons to choose Portugal are as follows;
- Expanding Employment Potential – The IT, healthcare, tourism, engineering, and construction sectors in Portugal are on an upward growth trajectory.
- Low cost of living – The cost of living in Portugal is cheaper in comparison with other European countries. And cheap does not mean bad, as Portugal has similar living standards to other European countries.
- Path to Permanent Residency – A successful use of a job seeker visa will land you a job in Portugal. And after working and living in Portugal for several years, you will become eligible for permanent residency and eventually, citizenship.
- Cultural Warmth – Portugal is a hospitable country, and newcomers find it comparatively easy to adapt to life in Portugal.
Eligibility Requirements for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa
The requirements for the job seeker visa for candidates from Punjab include:
- Valid Passport – Candidates must have a valid passport, with at least 6 months of validity.
- Proof of Funds – You must be able to demonstrate bank statements indicating that you have sufficient finances to support yourself as you seek employment.
- Return Ticket – A confirmed return ticket (or enough money to purchase one) needs to be submitted.
- Education Qualifications – Relevant certificates, diplomas or degrees applicable for the job market in Portugal.
- Health Insurance – A valid travel health insurance for the duration of stay in Portugal.
- Clean Record – A police clearance certificate of Punjab/India indicating no criminal record.
- Visa Application Form – A duly filled and signed visa application form.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the Portugal Job Seeker Visa From Punjab
Step 1: Gather Documents
Prepare all the necessary documents, including the passport, education qualifications certificates, financial documents, and a police clearance certificate. Additional documentation may be required.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form.
Download the application form for a Portugal Job Seeker Visa from the official Portuguese consulate or embassy website and fill it out with all the necessary details.
Step 3: Book an Appointment
Contact the Portuguese Embassy, New Delhi or the VFS Global Visa Centre that provides processing of Portuguese visas. You can also get in touch with visa service providers like Superb Enterprises for a quick and hassle-free experience.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Make the necessary visa payments once your application is submitted. The fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to check the current fees regularly.
Step 5: Attend the Interview
Visit the embassy or visa centre on the prevailing date for your visa interview. Carry your original documents and prepare for questioning regarding your reasons for visiting, career objectives and other related questions.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Once all the above steps are completed, you can rest easy. The turnaround time of a Portugal Job Seeker Visa is normally 30 to 60 days, depending on the number of applications.
Step 7: Travel to Portugal
Once approved, you will be able to visit Portugal and begin your job hunt there. Always remember to bring copies of all your papers.
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Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
- Write Your CV in European Format (Europass CV) – This is a very popular format in Portugal and will help you blend in with the other applications submitted for the job.
- Learn Basic Portuguese – English is generally spoken in urban areas; however, speaking some Portuguese will be an advantage for you, as speaking the local language is always a helpful skill to have.
- Research the Job Market – Find out industries that are in demand, like IT, healthcare, hospitality and engineering, to help narrow down your search.
- Apply Online Before Travelling – Register on job portals in Portugal and establish contacts with recruiters.
- Be Financially Ready – Have enough finances to cover the accommodation cost and living expenses until you get a job.
Challenges You Might Face
- Language Barrier – Although English is widely spoken, a lot of the companies prefer individuals who can communicate in Portuguese. Being multilingual will definitely be advantageous.
- Time Constraints – The visa period (120 days) may be stressful if you fail to secure employment within a short period of time.
- Competition – You will be competing with the locals and other international job seekers, so it could be a bit challenging to secure employment instantly.
Irrespective of these hurdles, there are hundreds of individuals from Punjab and India who are making good use of this visa as the gateway to Europe.
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Conclusion
The Portugal Job seeker visa is a great opportunity for people in Punjab who would like to seek employment opportunities in Europe. This will enable you to remain in Portugal, seek employment, and subsequently apply for a work visa once you secure a job. The success of the application process can be improved with the right planning, preparation, and understanding of the process.
Portugal has a growing economy, a hospitable culture, and a low cost of living, making it an ideal destination for job seekers. This visa may be your step towards a better future if you are serious about taking your career abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the Portugal Job Seeker Visa valid?
The visa is valid for 120 days (4 months), and it can also be extended for another 60 days if needed.
- Do I need to know Portuguese to apply for this visa?
You are not required to, but being familiar with the language will give you better chances of landing a job.
- Can I apply for this visa directly from Punjab?
Yes, however, applications are processed at the Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi or authorised visa centres.
- What happens if I don’t find a job within 120 days?
You will have two options: either extend the visa for another 60 days and continue looking or come back to India.
- How much money should I show as proof of funds?
This is based on how long you will be staying, but in most instances, you should demonstrate that you have enough to sustain your trip for at least 4 – 6 months in terms of covering living costs.
- Can my family join me on this visa?
No, the Job Seeker Visa applies only to individuals. After getting a job and a residence permit, you may apply for family reunification.