Portugal introduces new skilled work-seeking visa for job seekers.

Portugal’s new skilled work-seeking visa is a replacement for the previous general work-seeking visa. It is designed to attract qualified professionals with specialized skills to meet the country’s growing labour market demands. The visa focuses on applicants who hold relevant educational or professional qualifications. It aims to align Portugal’s immigration process with workforce needs and ensure that job seekers entering the country possess in-demand skills that contribute to national growth. The new visa marks a major step toward building a skilled, globally competitive workforce in Portugal.

The new Portugal skilled work visa will become available once the government finalizes and publishes the implementing regulations under the recently approved Foreigners Law (Law No. 61/2025). As of now, there is no confirmed start date. The Portuguese Ministry of State and Foreign Affairs has stated that visa services remain suspended until further notice. Applicants are advised to regularly check updates from official Portuguese consulates or authorized visa partners such as VFS Global and BLS International for new application timelines and eligibility details once the system reopens.

Portugal replaced the old work-seeking visa to create a more targeted immigration system that meets the country’s labour market needs. The earlier visa often attracted unskilled applicants, leading to challenges in filling specialized positions. The new skilled work-seeking visa ensures that only professionals with recognized qualifications or expertise can apply. This reform aligns with Portugal’s economic goals under Law No. 61/2025, published in October 2025, which focuses on attracting high-skilled workers from abroad to boost productivity, innovation, and competitiveness in key industries such as technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.

All appointments and pending applications for the old Portugal work-seeking visa have been officially cancelled as of October 23, 2025. This decision was announced by the Ministry of State and Foreign Affairs following the introduction of the new skilled work-seeking visa. Applicants who had booked appointments through Portuguese consulates or partner centres such as VFS Global, BLS International, or TLScontact will not be processed under the discontinued category. They must wait for the new regulations to be issued and fresh appointment slots to open once the skilled work visa becomes available.

Eligibility for Portugal’s new skilled work visa will depend on the criteria outlined in the forthcoming regulations under the new immigration law. However, the visa primarily targets professionals with formal education, technical qualifications, or specialized work experience in high-demand sectors. Applicants may be required to provide proof of academic credentials, professional certifications, or prior experience in relevant industries. The focus will be on skilled candidates who can contribute to Portugal’s labour market and economic development. Full details about the qualifications, documentation, and skill levels required will be announced once official guidelines are published.

The skilled work-seeking visa was introduced under Law No. 61/2025, which was published on October 22, 2025, in Portugal’s Official Gazette. This law is part of a broader reform of the country’s Foreigners Law, aimed at modernizing immigration policies and ensuring alignment with national labour needs. It prioritizes skilled professionals with relevant qualifications and work experience, replacing the earlier general work-seeking visa. The reform also simplifies administrative processes for applicants and authorities, paving the way for a more efficient and transparent visa system designed to attract global talent to Portugal’s growing job market.

Yes, all work-seeking visa services have been temporarily suspended in Portugal and at its overseas consulates. The suspension includes visa application centres managed by partners such as VFS Global, BLS International, and TLScontact. This pause will continue until the Portuguese government finalizes and releases the new regulations for the skilled work-seeking visa. Applicants are advised not to book new appointments or submit applications under the discontinued visa category. Updates regarding the reopening of services and application timelines will be published on official government and consular websites once the new system becomes operational.

Indian professionals can apply for the Portugal skilled work visa once the new system is officially launched. Applications will likely be submitted through authorized Portuguese consulates or designated visa centres such as VFS Global or BLS International in India. Applicants must prepare valid documentation, including educational certificates, proof of professional skills, and possibly evidence of financial stability. Once regulations are released, eligibility criteria, timelines, and application procedures will be published. Indian applicants are encouraged to consult certified immigration experts like Y-Axis for personalized guidance and document preparation once applications reopen.

Yes, the new Portugal skilled work visa is specifically intended for individuals with professional qualifications or specialized skills. Unlike the previous general visa, which allowed any job seeker to apply, the new system prioritizes applicants who can demonstrate educational or technical expertise in a recognized field. This includes university degrees, trade certifications, or experience in industries such as IT, engineering, healthcare, tourism, and construction. The goal is to ensure that incoming workers contribute meaningfully to Portugal’s economy and address current skill shortages. Detailed qualification requirements will be outlined in upcoming official guidelines.

Before applications reopen, the Portuguese government will issue detailed regulations outlining eligibility criteria, skill level requirements, required documentation, and visa validity terms. Once the framework is finalized, consulates and partner visa centres will reopen appointment slots for applicants. Until then, all work-seeking visa services remain suspended. Interested professionals should monitor official announcements from the Ministry of State and Foreign Affairs and prepare their credentials in advance. Immigration consultants such as Y-Axis can assist with eligibility checks, document preparation, and timely updates when the new skilled work-seeking visa becomes available.