O. R. SalahudeenHere we analyse to you comprehensively living and working in Portugal to enable a would-be non-EU immigrant to make a choice before settling down in Europe.
Unlike the current happening in some countries in Europe such as Austria and Hungary where the authorities are adopting anti-immigrant policy and openly displaying racist attitudes towards non-EU citizens, Portuguese authorities are showing great compassion towards the issue of migrants arriving in Europe from Africa and the Middle East. That’s why we find it worthwhile writing about this great country. Also to intensify our efforts in letting you know about living and working in Portugal, especially for non-EU citizens.
After her ugly experience from the global economic downturn in recent years, Portugal is gradually moving up and experiencing steady economic growth after exiting an international bailout program this country is now experiencing booming in exports and unemployment is going down rapidly.
For any immigrants from a non-EU country interested in living and working in Portugal, there is a need for the person to exercise caution and do a lot of research before heading to the Iberian peninsula to get the best of Portugal and stay legally.
LIVING AND WORKING IN PORTUGAL
DIFFERENT OPTIONS OR APPROACHES
The interesting aspect of processing or taking a decision in living and working in Portugal is that you have various ways of approaching the issue of relocation.
1. The Work visa approach
2. The visiting visa approach
3. Asylum or refugee approach
4. The investment approach
5. Study to stay approach
1. THE WORK VISA APPROACH
Please bear in mind that there is no best approach for any immigrant planning to live and working in Portugal straight away, however, process a work visa right from the country you’re coming from is the most common practice because to obtain a work permit there must be a work visa which is the better process from your country of residence.
LIVING AND WORKING IN PORTUGAL – HOW TO PROCESS A WORK VISA
SEARCH FOR JOB:
You cannot process a work visa without a job offer from a company in Portugal, therefore the foremost thing to do is to start a serious job search.
This is how to do it:
1. Search through the internet, get down to business by checking various websites specialising in job searching and recruitment in Portugal.
2. Get professional job recruiters to assist you in getting a job offer. Because they are experts in that line, they will be able to secure jobs that marched your qualification, provided you furnished them with your detailed curriculum vitae.
3. If you have a reliable relative or friends currently residing legally in Portugal or an adjacent country because they understand the current situation in Portugal and know the actual area where job vacancies are available, it may not be difficult to process a job offer for you.
Even though getting a good job is increasingly difficult, currently, more and more companies are having vacancies in Information technology, medical /health care, agriculture etcetera.
Furthermore, if you didn’t find a job of your choice and you have the means, it’s possible to start your own business in Portugal.
For further information about Visa for Portugal and living and working in Portugal, you may contact the Portuguese official website: Immigration and Borders Service.
APPLYING FOR A WORK VISA
If you’re able to secure a job offer, the next step is to apply for a work visa from the Portuguese Embassy in your country of residence.
HOW TO APPLY FOR PORTUGAL WORK VISA
After scaling the hurdle of obtaining a job offer from Portugal which is a prerequisite for getting a work visa, this is the next step to follow
1. Obtain an online Portugal work visa application form or simply approach a Portuguese Embassy in your country of residence.
2. Carefully complete the form and append your signature.
3. Attach the following documents:
1. Original letter of a job offer from a company in Portugal.
2. Your International passport with at least 12 months validity.
3. Photocopy of the data page of your international passport.
4. Photocopies of all the documents used in processing the job applied for.
5. Two recently taken photograph sized photographs with white background.
6. Proof of accommodation arranged by you or your employer.
7. Evidence of return ticket.
8. Evidence of basic travelling allowance.
9. Health insurance certificate from a reputable insurance company.
SUBMISSION AT THE EMBASSY
After the collation of all the above-mentioned documents, you should submit them personally at the Portuguese embassy.
At the point of submission
1. Pay the visa application processing fee
2. Do the biometric fingerprint scans
3. Enquire about the possible date of the interview.
4. Allow at least 8 weeks for processing because it’s a long-term visa.
2. THE VISITING VISA APPROACH
In your quest in living and working in Portugal, the next viable option is the visiting visa approach. Due to the fact that a work visa is increasingly difficult to obtain, you can decide to travel with a visiting visa purposely to secure employment.
Take a short-term Schengen visa to Portugal, armed with your CV, start searching or approach a professional job recruiter.
This approach becomes necessary because most companies and job recruiters do not want to interact or employ an unseen applicant. Furthermore, some jobs required physical interviews, being present is an advantage because seeing is believing.
It may be expensive but the end justifies the means.
If you’re lucky before the expiration of your short term visa, you may secure a job thereby you can apply for a work permit that allows you to stay longer and be able to realise your dream of living and working in Portugal.
3. ASYLUM OR REFUGEE APPROACH
Using the Asylum approach in living and working in Portugal is what we considered an unpopular option but worth considering if you’re qualified. In today’s world where all kinds of conflicts, wars and political upheavals keep ravaging the world unnecessarily, which is making educated and able body men and women ran far away from their comfort zone and seek refuge in another land.
When some less endowed and prosperous countries in Europe are rejecting Asylum seekers, it is heartwarming to know that Portugal is currently providing a safe corridor for these unfortunate people, therefore if you know how to get to Portugal, nothing is stopping you from seeking asylum in today’s Portugal especially if your country is experiencing certain conflicts such as communal or intra tribal war, present papers or video to back up your claims. Presentation of facts pertaining to the conflicts will assist you in your quest on living and working in Portugal.
4. THE INVESTMENT APPROACH
The investment approach is an interesting aspect of living and working in Portugal, specially designed for any non-EU citizen who is willing to invest in Portugal. This is a straightforward system called The Golden Visa Programme. It is a system that allows a non-EU citizen to invest a certain amount in property or establish a business that automatically qualifies the person to obtain a fully valid residence permit in Portugal.
The Golden Residence Permit Programme became law on October 8, 2012.
The Advantages of the Golden Visa Programme:
The system automatically allows the holders and their dependants freedom to living and working in Portugal.
Furthermore, they have unrestricted access to public compulsory education and other public amenities. They also enjoy free movement all over the Schengen area.
The beauty of the program is that with an investment of €350,000 (reduced option) in Portugal and follow the few guidelines and procedures you are qualified for a residency permit including all the listing family and dependent children.
Part of the rule is that you should be able to spend at least 2 weeks in Portugal every two years.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
With the current happening in the world whereby countries are struggling with the rampaging coronavirus pandemic and investors and people that love movement to other lands are feeling very reluctant in moving to other countries, anyone that shows serious desire in making the move to Portugal currently with definitely receives a positive result.
5. STUDY TO STAY APPROACH
This is the last alternative in the living and working in Portugal approach.
An immigrant willing to relocate to Portugal can take the education route to achieve his or her dream in the long term. All you need are funds to see you through your academic programme.
As a member of the EU, Portugal allows non-EU citizens who studied in Portugal to stay after graduation provided such a student have proof of offer of appointment to extend their residence permit. Or change it to an appropriate work permit.
EMBARK ON FURTHER STUDIES IN PORTUGAL
This is how to go about it:
Search for an accredited higher institution in Portugal.
Be sure the University or College is of international standard.
Be sure the course of study you selected met the current employment needs of Portugal. Courses in the IT or health sector are in great demand currently and you can’t be wrong if you invest in any.
Be sure you choose a degree course that can meet your needs anywhere.
Process a letter of acceptance
HOW TO APPLY FOR A PORTUGAL STUDENT VISA
1. Get an online student visa application form.
2. Carefully fill in your details and take a trip to the Portuguese Embassy or visa application centre in your country of residence.
3. Attach the following documents:
1. Original copy of the letter of student admission or letter of acceptance from the University.
2. Your International passport with at least 12 months validity.
3. Photocopies of the data page of your passport.
4. Two recently taken photograph sized photographs with white background.
5. Evidence of financial capabilities from you or your sponsor for the duration of your studies.
6. Proof of accommodation arranged by the University or you.
7. Evidence of payment of school fees – Bank transfer.
8. Evidence of travel medical insurance.
9. Proof of flight booking.
10. Photocopies of all documents used to process the admission.
11. Police character certificate duly stamped by your country Ministry of Foreign Affairs and authenticated by the Portuguese embassy consular section.
SUBMISSION AT THE EMBASSY
After the compilation of the required documents, you’re to submit them personally at the Portuguese embassy in your country of residence.
Please note the following at the point of submission:
1. Be sure to pay the student visa application processing fees
2. Submit yourself for biometric fingerprint scans.
3. Because you’re applying for a long-term visa, enquire about a visa interview.
4. Apply well ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
If you’re able to secure a student visa you’re on your way to realising your dream of living and working in Portugal.
CONCLUSION ON LIVING AND WORKING IN PORTUGAL
Whichever way you choose, remember that Portugal is regarded as an advanced economy, well planned and fantastic place to be, to get there you must make a concerted effort. Furthermore, we want you to know that things are changing quickly for the better in Portugal. Investing your resources and time may be worth it in the end. Therefore, go for it.
All in all, currently getting a Portuguese Visa from Nigeria may be easier than you think. Please note that the current situation in the world concerning the coronavirus pandemic ravaging Europe but, the majority of the citizens of western and central Africa are not badly affected. Life is going on normally, it connotes an advantage for any of the Africans who desire relocation to Portugal currently.
That’s all for now on living and working in Portugal 2023
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