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How to get a work visa in Portugal as a Turkish citizen

Complete guide to all available work permit pathways, requirements, costs, and processing times.

3
Visa pathways
4-16
Processing (weeks)
€173
Application fee
€10,440/yr
Lowest salary req.
Elena Müller
European Immigration Correspondent··8 min read

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Portugal offers Turkish workers 3 distinct visa pathways to live and work legally. Turkish citizens are valued for deep manufacturing and engineering expertise and a large, established European diaspora. Applications are made at the Portugal diplomatic mission serving Ankara.

Phù hợp nhất cho ai

  • Remote workers and freelancers (Digital Nomad and D7 visas)
  • Tech professionals hired via the Tech Visa
  • Entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • Renewable energy and tourism specialists
  • Professionals seeking an affordable EU base

Available visa pathways

Work Visa

Visto de Trabalho

Portugal's work visa is the standard pathway for non-EU nationals who have a job offer from a Portuguese employer. It covers all employment categories and has become increasingly popular as Portugal positions itself as a tech hub, with Lisbon and Porto attracting significant investment from startups and multinational companies. Web Summit's permanent relocation to Lisbon has amplified this trend, creating a growing English-speaking professional ecosystem.

Min salary
€10,440/yr
Duration
2 years
Processing
8-16 weeks
PR pathway
5 years
Family allowed

Portugal's Tech Visa is a specialized program that streamlines the work visa process for technology companies and their employees. Certified tech companies — those recognized by IAPMEI (Portugal's SME agency) as innovative or technology-focused — can sponsor foreign workers through an expedited process with reduced bureaucracy. The certification is company-level, meaning once a company is certified, it can bring in multiple tech workers more efficiently.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
2 years
Processing
4-8 weeks
PR pathway
5 years
Family allowed
Self-sponsored

The D7 visa is Portugal's residence permit for individuals with sufficient passive income to support themselves without local employment. Originally designed for retirees, it has become popular with remote workers, freelancers, and anyone with regular income from sources outside Portugal — including rental income, dividends, pensions, and freelance contracts with foreign clients. You do not need a job offer in Portugal, making it one of the most flexible residence options available.

Min salary
Not required
Duration
2 years
Processing
8-16 weeks
PR pathway
5 years
No job offer neededFamily allowed

💡 route.tipFor: Have your Ankara police clearance certificate ready, and check whether your degree and supporting documents need to be apostilled or legalised for use in Portugal.

Application timeline for Portugal

Get job offer from Portuguese employer

Secure a job offer. Your employer may need to conduct a labour market test depending on the visa type.

Varies

Apply for work visa at Portuguese consulate

Submit your visa application with the job offer, qualifications, criminal record certificate, and health insurance proof.

1 week

Processing

The consulate processes your application, consulting with SEF (immigration) and IEFP (employment) as needed.

2-4 months

Travel to Portugal

Enter Portugal on your work visa.

Varies

Apply for residence permit at AIMA

Within 4 months of arrival, apply for your residence permit at AIMA (formerly SEF). Bring all originals.

2-4 weeks

Common required documents

Documents commonly required for a Portugal work visa for Turkish citizens:

Valid passport - at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, with 2+ blank pages. Renew at the Ankara passport office first if needed.
Passport-sized photographs meeting Portugal specifications (dimensions and background colour vary by country).
Completed visa application form with the fee payment receipt.
University degree certificate - original plus a certified translation if not in English or the destination language.
Professional licences or trade certificates relevant to your occupation.
An up-to-date CV or resume in English or the destination language.
A signed employment contract or job offer letter from a Portugal employer.
The employer's registration or sponsorship licence details.
Bank statements covering 3-6 months and showing sufficient funds (in TRY).
Proof of accommodation in Portugal - a rental agreement or employer-provided housing letter.
Police clearance certificate from Ankara.
Medical examination report from an approved physician, where required.
Health insurance valid in Portugal from your arrival date.
Marriage and birth certificates if dependants are joining you.

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ItemAmountIn TRY
route.cost.visaFee€173₺6,393
route.cost.minSalary€10,440₺385,826/yr

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Apply at the Portugal diplomatic mission serving Ankara. Check the official embassy or visa application centre website for appointment booking, fees and current document requirements.

Hướng dẫn liên quan

Làm việc và sinh sống tại Portugal

Các ngành tuyển dụng chính

Portugal's growth sectors for international workers are technology and startups (Lisbon and Porto), tourism and hospitality, renewable energy, and shared-service centres run by multinationals. The Tech Visa streamlines hiring for certified companies.

Chi phí sinh hoạt và chất lượng cuộc sống

Portugal is more affordable than most of Western Europe, with Lisbon one-bedroom rents near €1,000 a month and lower costs outside the capital. The mild climate, safety, healthcare and relaxed lifestyle have made it a magnet for remote workers and retirees alike.

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Frequently asked questions

What salary is needed for a Work Visa in Portugal?

The minimum salary is €10,440 per year.

How long does it take to get a work visa in Portugal?

Processing times range from 4 to 16 weeks.

Do I need a job offer for a Portugal work visa?

Not always. D7 Passive Income Visa does not require one.

Can I bring my family on a Portugal work visa?

Yes. 3 of 3 visa types allow dependants.

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route.faq.pathToPRAnswerYes

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Other nationalities applying to Portugal