Portugal has officially cancelled its popular Job Seeker Visa, ending a program that had made the country one of Europe’s easiest entry points for foreign job hunters. The change took effect on October 23, 2025, following the enactment of Law No. 61/2025, which overhauls Portugal’s immigration framework.
Until now, the Job Seeker Visa allowed foreigners with savings of about €2,460 to enter Portugal for up to 120 days to look for work. The visa was renewable for another 60 days and permitted travel across the Schengen Area, making it particularly attractive to job seekers aiming to settle in Europe.
That program is now defunct. The Portuguese government has voided all pending and upcoming applications and appointments, including those booked through VFS Global, BLS International, and TLScontact.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that any applications scheduled after October 23 have been automatically cancelled.
New Visa for ‘Highly Skilled’ Workers
In place of the abolished scheme, the government is introducing a new “Highly Skilled Work-Seeking Visa”, designed to attract professionals with advanced or technical expertise.
Unlike the old program, this visa will be restricted to applicants with specialised skills, reflecting the government’s push to draw high-value talent into key industries.
However, implementation is delayed. Authorities have yet to publish the regulations defining “specialised competencies” or the application procedures. As of late October, no timeline has been announced, meaning applications cannot yet be submitted.
Key Differences and Restrictions
The new visa maintains a 120-day validity, but with tighter conditions:
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Portugal-only access – Holders cannot travel within the Schengen zone.
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Qualification-based eligibility – Applicants must demonstrate “specialised technical skills.”
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Reapplication ban – Unsuccessful job seekers must leave Portugal and wait one year before reapplying.
The new rules effectively exclude lower-skilled workers who previously relied on the Job Seeker Visa to find employment in hospitality, agriculture, and construction.
