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Portugal job seeker visa: what changed

Many guides still describe Portugal's old job seeker visa. In October 2025 the law changed. The new visa is aimed at highly qualified people, so do not plan on the old route.

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Updated 6 November 2026. Figures checked on 6 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm them with the official source.

What changed

Law 61/2025 of 22 October 2025 changed Portugal's foreigners law. Article 57-A now sets a job seeker visa for highly qualified professionals. Advisers report that the general visa has been abolished and that the new one depends on further rules, including the list of qualifying professions. Reports differ on whether it can be used yet.

What the old visa looked like

Stay	120 days, possibly 60 more
Entries	One, Portugal only
If no job found	You had to leave
Reapply	Only 1 year after the previous visa expired

Consulate checklists from 2025 still show these terms, which may be why old information keeps circulating.

What to do

Ask the consulate
Ask the Portuguese consulate for your area whether the visa is open and for whom.
Look for a job first
Otherwise the route is a job offer from a Portuguese employer, then a work visa.
Ignore old promises
Be careful with anyone selling a "Portugal job seeker visa" for ordinary jobs.

Questions

Is the Portugal job seeker visa still available?

The general visa was replaced by Law 61/2025. The new visa is for highly qualified people, and you should confirm with the consulate whether it is open.

Who qualifies for the new visa?

It is aimed at highly qualified people. The detailed list of qualifying professions is set by further regulations.

What happens if I do not find a job?

Under the visa rules described in consulate checklists, you must leave Portugal when the period ends.

Official sources

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