The government of Portugal has announced a new upgrade to its job seeker visa, aimed at attracting more skilled professionals from non-EU countries, including Nigeria, from 2026. The upgraded visa offers faster processing times, a fully digital application process, and specific incentives for those with expertise in critical sectors like information technology (IT), engineering, and healthcare.
According to Portugal’s immigration authorities, non-European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Swiss nationals will be able to apply for a short-term visa that allows them to enter Portugal and look for employment for a period of 120 days. If they are unable to secure a job within that period, the visa can be extended once for another 60 days, making the total stay period six months.
One of the major changes in the new policy is the drastic reduction in application processing time. From January 2026, all job seeker visa applications will be processed within 20 working days, a significant improvement from the previously longer waiting periods that discouraged many applicants in the past. This shorter timeline will help candidates plan their travel, accommodation, and job search more effectively.
The upgraded visa system will be fully digital. From applications to extensions and status tracking, every stage will be handled online, cutting out the need for long queues and paperwork at the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), Portugal’s immigration service. This move aligns with the global trend towards digitizing migration processes and is expected to make the experience easier for applicants globally, including Africans seeking opportunities in Europe.
In an effort to prioritize local economic needs, the Portuguese government has stated that preference will be given to applicants with academic qualifications or work experience in sectors currently facing a shortage of skilled labour within Portugal. These sectors include IT, health services, and various engineering fields. This strategic focus is aimed at supporting employers in filling vacant positions more quickly and efficiently.
To be eligible for the 2026 Portugal Job Seeker Visa, applicants must meet certain criteria. First, applicants must be citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. They are required to possess either a recognized university degree or relevant work experience in professions where Portugal is currently experiencing a labour shortage.
Additionally, applicants must prove that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay. Specifically, they must demonstrate access to funds amounting to at least three times Portugal’s national minimum wage. Alternatively, applicants can provide a sponsorship letter from a legal resident of Portugal, backed by evidence of the sponsor’s financial capacity. Applicants must also present health and legal documentation, including a clean criminal record and comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and repatriation. A willingness to register with IEFP, Portugal’s official employment service, is also mandatory.
A comprehensive checklist of required documents has been provided for prospective applicants. This includes a completed visa application form, a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay, two passport-sized photographs, proof of legal residence if applying from a third country, and an apostilled or legalized criminal background check. Other required documents include proof of financial means, a return travel reservation, a written statement detailing the purpose of the visit and job search plans, and evidence of interest or registration with the IEFP.
For those intending to apply, authorities advise starting preparations by the end of 2025. Early applications between January and March 2026 are recommended for quicker processing. After gathering all required documents, applicants must book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate or VFS Global center in their home country. At the appointment, candidates will submit their documents, provide biometric data, and pay the visa fee, which is expected to be around €90, although this may vary depending on the country.
Once submitted, visa decisions are projected to be delivered within 20 working days. Successful applicants will have up to 180 days in total to find a job in Portugal. If they secure employment, they can then apply for a residence permit, which comes with an additional fee of about €170.
It is important to note that applicants may incur extra costs for document translation, apostille or legalization of official papers, and courier services. These costs will vary based on the applicant’s location and individual circumstances.
The Portuguese government’s decision to revamp the job seeker visa process is part of broader efforts to attract global talent to support its growing industries. As unemployment remains high in many African countries like Nigeria, the opportunity to access the Portuguese labour market may be welcomed by skilled professionals seeking international career prospects.
