Job-seeker visa
General information only; not legal advice. Rules change.
Last updated 2026-06-21
What happens next. General information only; not legal advice. Rules change.
The Qualified Job-Seeker Visa (T1) is for highly qualified professionals wishing to enter Portugal to look for specialist employment. Following the Law 61/2025 reform, the category was substantially restricted: only professionals with a higher academic degree and a minimum of 5 years' professional experience in their specialisation, in Government-defined technical fields, are eligible.
The visa is valid for 120 days, extendable by a further 60 days (maximum 180 days). The financial requirement is at least €2,760/month (3× the 2026 minimum wage). Important: the T1 visa is restricted to Portuguese territory — it does not grant Schengen travel rights. Consulate processing takes approximately 20 working days.
If qualified employment is found within the visa's validity, the process converts to a D1 or D3 residence authorisation application with AIMA. If no employment is found, the holder must return and cannot reapply for 1 year.
This category changed significantly in 2025. Always verify your eligibility before proceeding.
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