Portugal is an emerging hub for global professionals who are seeking reputable work, better pay, and a balanced lifestyle. For an Indian professional seeking jobs, this country proffers a captivating blend of opportunities and charm. 

To get a job in Portugal from India, candidates must align their skills with Portugal’s labor market demands, particularly in sectors such as technology, tourism, and healthcare. They should craft a CV in the Europass format, apply through trusted portals like EURES or LinkedIn Portugal, and consider the Portugal Job Seeker Visa to enhance their chances through in-country networking. 

Step-by-Step Process to Get a Job in Portugal

  1. Research the Job Market

Start by identifying sectors with active job vacancies in Portugal. Occupations such as tech startups, multinational corporations, and healthcare institutions are particularly open to hiring international talent. Use platforms like:

  • Net-Empregos

  • Indeed Portugal

  • LinkedIn (for direct applications and networking)

  • Company career pages and recruitment agencies

  • Look for roles that match your skills and experience, and note the language requirements: most jobs are open to English speakers, but it will help you to learn basic Portuguese.

  1. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

As Portuguese employers will typically employ Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), your résumé needs to be:

  • Clear and concise

  • Optimized with keywords

  • Following an international format

  • Tailored for each job application

Your cover letter should discuss your motivation to work in Portugal, adaptability, and knowledge of the local work culture. Emphasize any international experiences and certifications that would lend you credibility.

  1. Interview Preparation

Interviews in Portugal are more formal but still often friendly: 

Questions will cover your technical skills and past projects, your ability to handle cross-cultural work environments, your language proficiency, and your willingness to adapt. 

Tip: Practice your interviews with mock sessions and check out frequently asked questions for your industry. If you are applying for a Portugal Job for a startup, expect informal chats and a focus on culture fit.

  1. Consult with Trusted Immigration Services 

For a smooth journey of getting a job in Portugal from India, it’s essential to consult with trusted immigration experts, such as Go-Global Immigration Services. They provide guidance on visa applications, documentation, and job placement, helping Indian professionals navigate the process efficiently and avoid common mistakes.

There are tremendous reasons for choosing Go-Global Immigration Immigration Services: 

  • RCIC Certified (RCIC No. R706955)

  • The visa success rate is prominent

  • They offer free Counseling

  • Do profile Evaluation

  • Help with documents 

  • After everything, they serve post-landing Services

  1. Secure a Work Visa and Permit

Once you receive a job offer, your employer will initiate the work permit process through the Portuguese Labour Authority. You will then apply for a work visa via the Portuguese embassy or consulate in India. 

Upon arrival, you must register with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to obtain a residence permit. The process is streamlined for skilled professionals, especially in high-demand sectors.

Eligibility Criteria for Indian Applicants

Requirement

Details

Job Offer

Must secure a confirmed job offer from a Portuguese employer before applying.

Work Permit

Employer applies for a Portuguese work permit through AIMA (formerly SEF). Permit is tied to job, employer, and sector.

Visa (D-Type National Visa – Work)

After permit approval, the applicant applies for a Work Visa (D-type) at the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate or via VFS in India.

Health & Travel Insurance

Mandatory travel medical insurance covering at least €30,000, valid for the entire stay.

Medical & Criminal Clearances

Medical tests and a police clearance certificate are typically required.

Application Fees & Processing Time

Work visa fee €90–100 (₹8,000–₹9,000). Residence permit: €83 (application) + €72 (issuance). Processing time: 60–120 days on average.

Financial Means

Proof of sufficient funds for accommodation and return travel.

Post-Arrival Requirement

Must apply for a Residence Permit within 90 days of arrival at the AIMA/SEF offices in Portugal.

Special Cases

Portugal also offers a Job Seeker Visa (valid 120 days, extendable to 60 days) for applicants seeking work after arrival.

Documents Required for Portugal Visa (for Indians)

  • Valid Passport – with at least 2 blank pages and long enough validity.

  • Completed & Signed Visa Application Form (D-type).

  • Recent Passport-size Photos (as per Polish visa specs).

  • Original Work Permit issued by the Polish Voivodeship office.

  • Job Contract / Offer Letter from the Polish employer.

  • Travel Medical Insurance – minimum coverage of €30,000.

  • Proof of Accommodation in Poland (rental, hotel booking, or company-provided).

  • Proof of Financial Means (bank statements or sponsor documents).

  • Police Clearance Certificate (to show no criminal record).

  • Educational Certificates / CV (to support qualifications for the job).

Average Salary in Portugal 

  • The average salary in Portugal is approximately 21,600 euros per year, which may fluctuate depending on the industry, nature of work, and years of experience. 

  • For Indian professionals, salaries generally align with those of their Portuguese counterparts, with above-average payouts being particularly prevalent in the IT, finance, and engineering sectors. 

Average Total Visa Cost Estimate (for Indian Applicants)

Item

Approximate Cost

Work visa/residence permit fee

€90–100 (visa) + €83 (permit application) + €72 (permit issuance) → approx. €245 (~₹22,400)

VFS service fee

₹2,850 approximately (includes taxes)

Estimated Total

₹25,250 (approx)

Processing Time for Portugal Work/Job Seeker Visas (from India)

  • Work Permit (SEF/AIMA stage): ~30–60 days

  • Visa Application at Consulate/VFS (after permit): ~15–45 days

  • Residence Permit Initial Processing (after arrival): ~30–60 days

  • Overall Estimated Duration: 2–4 months (60–120 days) from start to final permit issuance

  • Job Seeker Visa: Typically processed in 60 days on average

The average processing time to get a job permit in Portugal from India ranges between 2 and 4 months, depending on visa type, document accuracy, consular workload, and potential delays during each stage.

Benefits of Working In Portugal

For Indian professionals, the appeal lies in:

  • Competitive salaries compared to other Southern European nations

  • A welcoming environment for English speakers

  • Strong demand for skilled workers in tech, finance, and healthcare

  • A relatively straightforward visa process for qualified candidates

Obtaining a job in Portugal is more than a career move; it’s a lifestyle change. With a job vacancy rate for high-paying jobs in Portugal at just 1.3%, competition is tight, making a tailored application strategy and a clear understanding of visa procedures essential to secure lucrative opportunities.