Portugal has canceled all work-seeking visa appointments effective immediately, following the introduction of Law No. 61/2025 on October 22, 2025. This law abolishes the previous job seeker visa and replaces it with a new “highly skilled work-seeking visa” targeting high-qualified professionals.
Key Changes:
– Eligibility: Limited to high-skilled professionals with “specialized technical competencies”
– Validity: 120 days, with no automatic right to Schengen access
– Consequences: Must depart Portugal within 120 days if no employment is secured, and wait one year before re-applying
– Regulations: Still pending, with no clear timeline for implementation
Impacted Industries:
– Tourism
– Construction
– Hospitality
The Portuguese government has not announced a specific timeline for the new visa regulations or application process. Applicants are advised to monitor official government channels for updates
