Working Holiday Visa in Portugal

About this visa

8 Simple Steps to Apply for the Working Holiday Visa in Portugal

Young travelers of the participating countries can apply for this Working Holiday visa which allows them to work and travel in Portugal for up to one year. 

COVID-19 UPDATE:

EU countries are starting to reopen their borders to international travelers. However, before heading off to Europe be sure to double check with the country's Embassy or Consulate in your home country as the EU countries are not legally bound to follow this new EU recommendation.

---

Participating countries

Portugal has made Working Holiday visa agreements with the following 9 participating countries:

• Argentina
• Australia
• Canada
• Chile
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Peru
• South Korea
• USA

If you are a Citizen of Portugal and are considering a Working Holiday experience in one of the participating countries above, contact the Embassy of the country in question for more information.

---

With this visa you can

This visa allows you to:

• Live in Portugal for up to one year
• Work on a short term basis (Max. 6 months)
• Study for up to four months
• Travel to other countries within the Schengen area without a visitor visa

---

Things to note

 

• There are only 200 working holiday visas places each year for young Australians

---

Conditions

1. You hold a valid passport for one of the participating countries
2. are at least 18 years of age but not yet 31;
3. You will not be accompanied by dependent children at any time during your stay.
4. You intend primarily to holiday in Portugal for a period of up to twelve months;
5. You possess sufficient financial resources to support travel and the duration of their stay, including proof of return ticket or proof of means of subsistence;
6. Hold a travel insurance and health insurance valid for the duration of the stay covering hospital costs and medical repatriation
7. Have no criminal record and allow criminal record verification
8. Hold tertiary qualifications or have successfully completed at least 2 years of undergraduate university study.

For Australians the must also provide the following:

• Proof of having a level of proficiency of Portuguese which is assessed as at least functional;
• A letter from the relevant ministry and a signed solemn statement.

For Canadians you must also provide the following:

• Additional documentation may be provided, such as: work offer; or registration in a high education or post-secondary institution; or declaration certifying intention to travel and work incidentally.

For South Koreans you must also provide the following:

• Statement certifying the intention to travel and work only for the purposes of consolidating financial resources.

For Americans you must also provide the following:

• Sign a Declaration stating that the visa application is done under the Memorandum of Understanding.

Note: The visa conditions outlined above are subject to change without notice.

---

How to apply

1. You will need to collect all required visa documents. You can find the list below;

• A completed application form (link pdf Vistos Schengen Eng) with 1 passport size photo
• A valid Passport (validity must extend until at least 3 months after the end of planned journey);
• Copy of your medical and travel insurance covering comprehensive medical, hospitalisation and repatriation expenses for the duration of the stay;
• Available contact details for the place of accommodation in Portugal (address, phone numbers and email) Here you can just write in a hostel/hotel’s address if you have booked a stay here. 
• Police certificate issued by the authorities of any country the applicant has resided for over one year;
• Authorisation for the Portuguese authorities to consult police records within the Schengen area (link autorização registo criminal); (link authorization criminal record)
• Letter explaining the reasons for applying for this Visa (You wish to work and explore this country)
• Declaration as attached signed (link declaração compromisso de honra) (link Declaration under Rules of Engagement) and with signature certified by a Justice of the Peace;
• Evidence of sufficient funds: certified copy of a bank statement 
• Evidence of relevant educational qualifications;
• Self-addressed envelop for the returning of the passport.

2. Pay the visa application fee. You can find out how to pay here

3. Lodge your visa application together with visa documentation and receipt of your visa application fee payment.

4. Wait until you here back from the Embassy or the Consulate

If you have any further queries, you can contact the Embassy or Consulate.

 

The immigration authority in Portugal for processing Working Holiday visa's is Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal .

Go to: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal

---

Need more help?

If you are seeking advice about Working Holiday visa's drop a comment below and we will be happy to answer any Working Holiday & Youth Mobility visa question you have! We are travellers too! 🙂

Ask a question below