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Portugal Work-Seeking Visa Appointments Cancelled: What Applicants Need to Know

Effective immediately, all work-seeking visa appointments in Portugal are cancelled following the introduction of Law No. 61/2025. This update, published in the Official Gazette on October 22, 2025, halts all pending and future appointments. Consequently, many non-EU citizens, expats, and digital nomads in Portugal now face uncertainty.

If you’re affected or need guidance on your next steps, Trenity Consultants, professional immigration experts, can help you navigate the latest updates and explore alternative options.

Why Did Portugal Cancel Work Visa Appointments?

On October 23, 2025, both the former SEF and the new AIMA confirmed the suspension of all visa appointments in Portugal. The previous job seeker visa, which allowed a 120-day stay with a possible 60-day extension, has been abolished. The government intends to introduce a highly skilled work-seeking visa for applicants with specialized technical skills. Applications for this new visa are not yet available, pending the finalization of regulations.

What Happens to My Portugal Visa Application Now?

If you had a Portugal work-seeking visa appointment with VFS Global, BLS International, or TLScontact, it has been cancelled automatically. You do not need to take any further action. The government has not provided details about refunds, and most fees are nonrefundable. However, you may be eligible for a refund if an administrative error occurred or if you withdrew your application before a specific deadline. Continue to check official sources for updates, and consult an experienced immigration advisor in the GCC if you believe you may be eligible for a refund.
You must wait for further updates from AIMA Portugal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding your Portugal visa application.

Portugal Government Visa Cancellation: Key Legal Changes

Immediate freeze on job seeker visas and appointments.
The new skilled work-seeking visa will be limited to highly qualified professionals; eligibility and regulations remain undefined. However, it is expected that the government will prioritize sectors that require technical expertise, such as IT, engineering, and health sciences. Preliminary hints suggest that applicants might need to possess advanced degrees or equivalent work experience in specialized fields. The timeline for releasing detailed qualifications is unclear, but authorities anticipate updates within the next three to six months. Meanwhile, applicants are advised to gather supporting documents that highlight their skills and qualifications.
Territorial limitation: The New visa is only valid for Portugal, not the Schengen Area.
Stricter rules: If employment isn’t secured within 120 days, applicants must leave and wait a year to reapply.
Manifestation of Interest ends: The regularization pathway for non-EU nationals, known as Manifestação de Interesse, will end on December 31, 2025. All pending residence permit applications under this scheme must be submitted by then.

Impact on Applicants and Employers

The cancellation of Portugal work visas has left a gap in the rules, stopping thousands of pending and future applications.

Immigration lawyers warn that this could lead to labor shortages in key sectors across Lisbon and Porto, including agriculture, hospitality, and construction. Employers are expressing concern because the freeze primarily affects lower-skilled jobs, while the new visa is designed for highly skilled professionals.

If you are looking for alternative options, the D2 Visa is designed for entrepreneurs and freelancers with a well-established business plan. The D1 Visa is for highly skilled professionals who already have a job offer in Portugal. Seasonal workers in fields like agriculture and tourism can apply for the D3 Visa. The D7 Passive Income Visa is designed for individuals with sufficient passive income, such as pensions or rental income. Remote workers with non-Portuguese employers can apply for the D8 Digital Nomad Visa. Ultimately, the Golden Visa is designed for individuals seeking to invest in Portugal and obtain a residence permit.

- D2 visa Portugal (Entrepreneur): For entrepreneurs and freelancers with viable business plans.
- D1 visa Portugal (Highly Qualified): For highly skilled professionals with a job offer.
- D3 visa Portugal (Seasonal): For seasonal workers in sectors like agriculture and tourism.
- D7 Passive Income Visa: For applicants with pensions, rental income, or other passive income.
- D8 Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers with non-Portuguese employers.
- Golden Visa: An investment-based residence permit.

Other EU Work Visa Alternatives

With Portugal’s policy on hold, consider alternative EU work visa options:

- Germany Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card): 12-month job search, extendable with employment.
- Spain Job Seeker Visa: For Recent University Graduates.
- Netherlands Zoekjaar (Orientation Year): For graduates of Dutch or top global universities.
- Austria Red-White-Red Card, France Talent Passport, and more: Each with specific requirements for skilled workers.

Family Reunification and Additional Restrictions

Law 61/2025 also imposes a two-year waiting period for family reunification after obtaining a residence permit (except for minor children/dependents). Applicants must demonstrate proof of adequate housing, sufficient income, and complete integration into the community.

Stay Updated and Seek Guidance

This suspension represents the most significant change to Portugal’s immigration law in many years. Continue to check AIMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for updates on work-seeking visas. To stay up to date, sign up for official newsletters or set alerts for new information. Consulting a top immigration consultant in Oman can help you understand the new rules and prepare your documents. Trenity Consultants can also help you review your options and guide you through these changes.