Work Visa Appointments in Portugal Canceled

On 22 October 2025, the Portuguese government announced that all appointments for work-seeking visas in Portugal will be canceled as of 23 October 2025.

The move comes in tandem with the approval of Law No. 61/2025 (of 22 October 2025) — a new version of the Foreigners Law which stipulates that the old “work-seeking visa” category will be replaced by a new “skilled work-seeking visa”.

Here's a detailed breakdown of what this means for foreign nationals, employers, and people looking to work in Portugal — along with practical guidance and implications for the future.

What has changed?

• As of tomorrow (23 October 2025), consular offices and visa application centers (for example, those operated via external service providers like VFS Global, BLS International, or TLS Contact) in Portugal will no longer accept applications for the previous “work-seeking visa”.

• The previous visa category is being replaced by a new visa type: the skilled work-seeking visa (in Portuguese: visto de procura de trabalho para profissionais qualificados).

• The skilled work-seeking visa can only be submitted once the necessary regulations are in place, as outlined in the new Foreigners Law.

Why did the Portuguese government make this change?

Several reasons appear to be behind the shift:

1. Labor market alignment – The change emphasizes the need for qualified professionals in Portugal, rather than general work-seeking. This aligns visa policy more closely with labor-market needs.

2. Immigration control – Moving to a skilled-only regime allows tighter control over who can come to Portugal with a view to work, reducing potential mismatch or exploitation.

3. Legal clarity & modernization – The overhaul of the Foreigners Law (via Law No. 61/2025) presents an opportunity to modernize immigration frameworks and consolidate various visa pathways under clearer rules.

Who is affected?

• Prospective foreign workers: Anyone planning to apply for the older work-seeking visa after 23 October will be affected — their application may be refused or delayed until the new route is operational.

• Employers in Portugal: Companies that anticipate hiring foreign nationals under the old visa regime need to be aware of the new skilled visa route and what it demands.

• Visa facilitation centers / consular offices: These must adjust their processes to stop accepting the old visa applications and prepare for the rollout of the new skilled visa.

• Existing applicants: If you’ve already scheduled an appointment under the old scheme, you’ll need to check with the relevant immigration authority or visa center about your status and next steps.

What must applicants know?

• The old “work-seeking visa” category is effectively discontinued as of 23 October 2025.

• The new visa type — the skilled work-seeking visa — is not yet operational, since it awaits the full regulatory framework defined in the new law.

• Applicants must therefore pay attention to the implementation schedule and new eligibility criteria (for example, what counts as “skilled”, how long you can stay, what job offers you must secure, etc).

• It’s wise to consult either the Portuguese immigration & border service or your country’s Portuguese consulate for the latest updates, since the transition period may involve temporary uncertainty.

Key eligibility/requirement changes (expected)

While full details will emerge once regulations are finalized, here are some anticipated shifts based on the “skilled” emphasis:

• Skill threshold: The job you seek will likely need to be classified as “qualified” (e.g., requiring higher education, relevant experience, in-demand sectors).

• Proof of qualifications: You may need to show formal credentials, professional experience, etc, to demonstrate you’re “skilled”.

• Duration & conditions: The stay allowed under the work-seeking visa may be different (shorter/longer) and may attach stricter conditions for conversion into a work permit.

• Labor market test/priority to nationals/EU: There may be additional labor-market safeguarding rules to give priority to Portuguese/EU workers in some cases.

• Application timing: Since the new route isn’t yet operational, there may be a gap in calendar appointments — applicants must watch announcements.

Implications for foreign nationals and businesses

For foreign nationals

• If you were planning to move to Portugal under the old work-seeking visa, you’ll need to postpone or adjust your plan until the new scheme is live.

• It’s a good moment to evaluate your profile: Are you working in a “skilled” area? Do you have the relevant qualifications? If not, consider alternative routes (job offer-based work visas, EU Blue Card, etc.).

• Stay informed about transition rules: There may be grandfathering of existing applications or specific rules for those already in process.

For businesses in Portugal

• Employers hiring non-Portuguese/ non-EU nationals must revise their recruitment and visa-sponsorship strategies to align with the new skilled visa concept.

• HR and legal teams should update their immigration compliance frameworks: new definitions of “qualified professionals”, new documentation requirements, etc.

• For sectors with labor shortages (IT, engineering, healthcare, etc.), this change might open opportunities — but firms must be ready to comply with tougher eligibility criteria.

Transition tips & best practices

• Monitor official announcements: Visit the website of SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras and your local Portuguese consulate for the latest information.

• Don’t assume the old route still works: From 23 October, the old pathway will no longer be accepted — attempting to book an appointment under the old rules may lead to rejection or wasted effort.

• Prepare your documentation early: Even if the new, similar route opens later, having your degrees, experience letters, job offer, and Portuguese language skills (if required) ready will give you a head start.

• Consider alternative visas: If you already have a job offer in Portugal, applying directly for a work permit or team secondment might be faster than waiting for the new “skilled work-seeking” visa.

• Seek professional advice: Immigration attorneys or specialized visa consultants in Portugal will be updated on the transition and can advise on your specific case.

Conclusion

The cancellation of the standard work-seeking visa appointments in Portugal from 23 October 2025 marks a significant shift in the country’s immigration and labor-market strategy. By pivoting to a skilled work-seeking visa, Portugal underscores its focus on attracting qualified professionals whose skills align with national needs.

For job-seekers and employers alike, the change presents both a challenge (in navigating the transition) and an opportunity (to aim for higher-skilled roles under a clearer visa regime). Staying informed, preparing documentation early, and adapting recruitment or relocation plans will be key.