Portugal limits skilled job seeker visa to 120 days under new law

Portugal’s skilled job seeker visa stays on hold

Portugal has replaced its general job seeker visa with the Visto para procura de trabalho qualificado, a route limited to highly qualified professionals under Law No. 61/2025. The law took effect on Oct. 23, 2025 and it ended the old appointment queue the same day, with prior job seeker visa bookings canceled.

The new visa sits under Article 57-A of Portugal’s immigration law, but consulates still can’t accept applications because the government hasn't yet issued the ministerial order that defines which technical skills qualify. Until that happens, the program exists on paper, not at the counter.

Who gets shut out and who still has options

The tighter rules cut off job seekers who wanted to enter Portugal first and look for any work later. They also close the old regularization path tied to "manifestation of interest," and they change the route for CPLP citizens, who now need residence visas from their home countries.

Tourists can still visit for short stays of up to 90 days and digital nomads can still use Portugal’s D8 route if they meet its remote-income rules. The skilled job seeker visa is valid only in Portugal, not across Schengen.

What applicants need to watch next

Applicants will need proof of specialized skills once the portaria is published, plus the usual visa paperwork, including funds for the stay, health insurance, a clean criminal record and a return ticket. The visa is expected to allow 120 days in Portugal, with a possible extension if the holder finds qualifying work.

If no job comes through before the visa expires, the person must leave Portugal and wait one year before trying again. For now, anyone planning a move should check consulate notices closely and watch for the missing skills list, since that step is what will finally open applications. Read our full Portugal guide for the complete picture and our visa updates for the latest policy changes.