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Job Seeker Visa (T1) – Overview

The Job Seeker Visa (T1) is designed for third-country nationals who wish to enter and stay in Portugal to search for employment. It allows applicants to actively look for work and engage in limited work activities until either employment is secured and a residence permit is obtained, or the visa expires.

Processing Time

Visa processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the consulate handling the request. Decisions are typically made within 30 days, but additional time may be required in certain cases.

Important Notes

  • The visa is valid for 120 days, with the possibility of a 60-day extension.
  • Applicants must register as a job seeker with IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) upon arrival.
  • If an applicant secures employment within the visa validity, they must apply for a Residence Permit with AIMA in Portugal.
  • If an applicant does not secure employment, they must leave Portugal and can only reapply after 12 months.
  • Visa processing may take up to 30 days, with additional time if further review is needed.
  • Failure to submit required documents may result in visa rejection.
  • Submitting all documents does not guarantee visa approval.
  • Visa fees are non-refundable if the application is denied.

Your Visa, Our Priority

With our express appointment scheduling and expert guidance, your visa process is handled with ease.

Job Seeker Visa (T1) – Documents Required

General Documentation

  1. Visa Application Form – Fully completed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, the legal guardian must sign the form.
  2. Passport – Must be valid for at least three months beyond the visa duration (minimum validity of 120 days). A photocopy of the biographic page is required.
  3. UK Residency: Immigration/E-Visa Status and Share Code
  4. Personal Statement – A signed letter explaining:
    • The purpose of seeking employment in Portugal.
    • The planned duration of stay.
    • The address of stay in Portugal.
  5. Travel Insurance – Valid for six months, covering medical expenses, emergency healthcare, and repatriation. British nationals may submit the S1 Form as proof of valid travel insurance.
  6. Criminal Record Certificate – Issued within the last four months from the applicant’s country of nationality or country of residence (if residing for more than a year). UK applicants must provide an ACRO Certificate(apostille not required).

Proof of Accommodation

Applicants must provide one of the following:

  • Property ownership deed in Portugal (in the applicant’s name).
  • Long-term rental agreement for accommodation in Portugal.
  • Host Sponsorship (Term of Responsibility) – A notarized letter from a Portuguese host, with:
    • Copy of the host’s passport or ID.
    • Rental agreement or property deed in the host’s name.
    • Authorization from the landlord (if applicable).

Proof of Financial Resources

Applicants must submit:

  • Last three months’ bank statements showing at least €2460 available.
  • OR a Term of Responsibility signed by a Portuguese citizen or resident, guaranteeing food and accommodation for the applicant, along with:
    • Copy of the sponsor’s passport or residence permit.
    • Sponsor’s last three months’ bank statements (showing at least €2460 available).
    • A notarized declaration from the sponsor.

Specific Documents

  • Proof of Registration with IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional) – Declaration of interest in job searching, submitted online via the IEFP website: IEFP Declaration.
  • Declaration of Intended Stay – A signed document explaining planned activities during the visa period.

Additional Documents for Minors

  1. Birth Certificate – Must indicate biological parents’ names. If not in English or Portuguese, a certified translation is required.
  2. Parental Identification – Original passports of both parents or certified copies of the biodata page.
  3. Parental Consent Letter – If one or both parents are not traveling with the minor:
    • A notarized consent letter from the non-accompanying parent(s).
    • A court order granting permission for the minor to travel (if applicable).
    • If sole custody applies, submit:
      • A birth certificate listing only one parent.
      • A death certificate of the absent parent (if applicable).
      • A court ruling granting sole custody (if applicable).

CPLP Mobility Agreement (For Eligible Countries)

Citizens of Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, East Timor, and Equatorial Guinea are exempt from providing:

  • Travel insurance.
  • Proof of means of subsistence.
  • Return transport ticket.
  • Specific supporting documents.

To qualify for this exemption, the applicant must provide one of the following:

  1. A signed Term of Responsibility from a host in Portugal (company or individual).
  2. A signed Term of Responsibility from a Portuguese citizen or legal resident, guaranteeing food, accommodation, and covering potential removal costs in case of irregular stay. This must be accompanied by:
    • A notarized declaration.
    • A copy of the sponsor’s passport or residence permit.
    • Sponsor’s last three months’ bank statements.

Photo Specifications

Your visa application must include two recent colour photographs that meet the following criteria:

  • Taken against a light background (white or off-white).
  • Clear quality, full face, non-smiling, no sunglasses or headwear (unless for religious reasons).
  • Printed on standard photographic paper (no digital copies accepted).
  • Glued onto the Visa Application Form (no staples).

Important: If your photos do not meet the official guidelines, your application will be delayed.

Processing Time & Additional Considerations

  • Standard Processing Time: Minimum 30 days.
  • Extended Processing Time: Certain applications may require additional verification, extending processing beyond 30 days.
  • Busy Travel Seasons: Applications submitted during high-demand periods may take longer.

Visa Solutions, Designed for You – With our deep expertise, securing an appointment and navigating the process has never been easier.

Need Assistance?

  • +44 7700 172153
  • sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
  • +44 2038832960

Job Seeker Visa (T1) – Downloads & Useful Links

Understanding National Visas for Portugal

A National Visa is required for individuals planning to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days. Depending on the duration and purpose of stay, the visa is categorized into:

  • Temporary Stay Visa – Allows a stay of more than 90 days, up to one year, with multiple entries permitted.
  • Residence Visa – Intended for stays of more than one year. Initially, applicants receive a 120-day visa with two entries, after which they must schedule an appointment with AIMA in Portugal to apply for a Residence Permit that grants long-term stay and multiple re-entries.

Application Form – The National Visa application must be completed online, printed, and signed. Download PDF ↓ Download PDF ↓

Identity & Immigration Status Verification

Non-UK passport holders applying for a Portugal visa must verify their immigration status. Use the links below for official UK government services:

Ensure you have a valid digital share code ready for submission during your application.

Additional Resources

For a full list of visa categories, requirements, and application procedures, visit:

This page is regularly updated to include the latest visa forms, legal requirements, and verification links. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our expert team for personalized visa guidance.

Visa Solutions, Designed for You – With our deep expertise, securing an appointment and navigating the process has never been easier.

Need Assistance?

  • +44 7700 172153
  • sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
  • +44 2038832960

Job Seeker Visa (T1) – Visa Charges

Below is the fee structure for our visa services.

Standard Visa Processing Fees

Package Processing Time Fee Includes
Silver Package Appointments within 6 weeks ÂŁ550 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling
Bronze Package Appointments within 4 weeks ÂŁ750 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling
Gold Package Appointments within 2 weeks £1250 + visa charges Appointment, guidance, document pre-check, official visa form filling, priority submission

Visa service charges are separate from official visa fees charged by the consulate.

It is highly recommended that applicants book their visa appointments early and ensure all documents meet the consulate’s requirements.
Apply early! Book your visa appointment as soon as your travel dates are confirmed.

Need Assistance?

  • +44 7700 172153
  • sales@portugalvisaonline.co.uk
  • +44 2038832960
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