How long does a Portugal work visa take to process?

A decision on a Portugal work visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Portugal work visa?

The Portugal consular network lists: Completed and signed national visa application form; Valid passport covering the intended stay; Two recent passport photos; Employment contract or promise of employment (D1); Proof the contract is registered with IEFP (D1); Business plan and proof of investment or company registration (D2); Proof of accommodation in Portugal; Bank statements showing sufficient means; Criminal record certificate from the UK and recent countries of residence; Health insurance valid in Portugal. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Portugal work visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Portugal, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Portugal work visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Portugal work visa — used for taking up employment with a local employer. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Portugal consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€110

Typical decision

60 days

Appointments

Outsourced center

Where to apply for a Portugal work visa

VFS Global centre in the UK for the Consulate General of Portugal in London, under the D1 (employed work), D2 (self-employment or entrepreneur) or T1 job seeker categories.

Required documents

Completed and signed national visa application form
Valid passport covering the intended stay
Two recent passport photos
Employment contract or promise of employment (D1)
Proof the contract is registered with IEFP (D1)
Business plan and proof of investment or company registration (D2)
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Bank statements showing sufficient means
Criminal record certificate from the UK and recent countries of residence
Health insurance valid in Portugal

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

D1/D2 national work visa€110— 2025 revised national visa fee
T1 job seeker visa€90— Allows 120 days in Portugal to find work, extendable once
VFS UK service fee€33— Charged in GBP

The national visa fee rose from EUR 90 to EUR 110 per applicant in early 2025 for D-category visas, plus the VFS UK service fee.

Booking an appointment

Book the relevant national visa category on the VFS portal; each of D1, D2 and T1 has its own checklist and biometrics are taken in person.

Practical tips

The T1 job seeker visa lets you enter without a contract but you must show funds and register with IEFP during the stay; D1 needs the signed offer up front.

What is unusual about the Portugal process

The dedicated 'skilled job seeker' visa under Article 57-A of the Foreigners' Law is legislated but still not operational at consulates, so applicants use the general T1 route instead.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — VFS Global — Portugal Visa Application Centre
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Main centre for Portuguese short-stay and national visas.
Manchester — VFS Global — Portugal Visa Application Centre
Norfolk House, Brown Street, Manchester M2 1DW
Regional centre.
Edinburgh — VFS Global — Portugal Visa Application Centre
Cargill House, 7 Hill Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JZ
Serves Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Portugal consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Portugal work visa cost?: For a Portugal work visa, the consular fee is €110. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: D1/D2 national work visa — €110; T1 job seeker visa — €90; VFS UK service fee — €33. The national visa fee rose from EUR 90 to EUR 110 per applicant in early 2025 for D-category visas, plus the VFS UK service fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Portugal work visa take to process?: A decision on a Portugal work visa typically takes around 60 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Portugal work visa?: VFS Global centre in the UK for the Consulate General of Portugal in London, under the D1 (employed work), D2 (self-employment or entrepreneur) or T1 job seeker categories. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Portugal work visa?: The Portugal consular network lists: Completed and signed national visa application form; Valid passport covering the intended stay; Two recent passport photos; Employment contract or promise of employment (D1); Proof the contract is registered with IEFP (D1); Business plan and proof of investment or company registration (D2); Proof of accommodation in Portugal; Bank statements showing sufficient means; Criminal record certificate from the UK and recent countries of residence; Health insurance valid in Portugal. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Portugal work visa?: Appointment model: Outsourced center. Book the relevant national visa category on the VFS portal; each of D1, D2 and T1 has its own checklist and biometrics are taken in person.
Can I apply for a Portugal work visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 3 submission points in the UK for Portugal, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇵🇹 Portugal work visa: requirements, fee and processing time