The Portugal Temporary Stay Visa (E8) allows non-EU citizens to live in Portugal for up to one year for specific short-term purposes, such as seasonal work or temporary independent contracts. It’s a flexible option for those who plan to stay in Portugal for over 90 days but under 270 days, making it an alternative to longer-term visas like the D7 Passive Income Visa or the Digital Nomad Visa.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What is Portugal's E8 Visa?
The E8 Temporary Stay Visa is designed for foreign nationals who have a valid job offer or employment contract with a Portuguese company for seasonal work. This contract must be set for a period between 90 and 270 days. The E8 is not intended for job-seeking in Portugal; applicants must already have an employment offer in place.
Targeted towards non-EU/EEA nationals, the E8 Work Visa is ideal if you want to work in sectors that experience high demand during certain times of the year, such as agriculture, tourism, or hospitality. Examples of seasonal work that qualify for the Portugal E8 Visa include:
- Agriculture, zootechnics (animal production), hunting, forestry and fishing
- Accommodation, catering/restaurants, and similar activities
- Food, beverage, and tobacco industries
- Wholesale and retail trade
- Construction industry
- Land transports
Benefits of the Seasonal Work Visa
While the E8 Visa doesn’t allow you to obtain residency or citizenship like the Portugal Golden Visa, there are several other benefits.
Short-Term Commitment: The E8 Visa allows individuals to live and work in Portugal for a short period, making it ideal for those who do not want a long-term commitment.
Easier Application Process: Compared to other long-term visas, the application process for the E8 Visa is relatively simpler and faster, with fewer documentation requirements.
Work Opportunities: The visa provides an opportunity to work in various sectors with high seasonal demand, helping individuals gain experience and earn income.
Cultural Experience: Living and working in Portugal offers a chance to immerse oneself in Portuguese culture, learn the language, and explore the country without a long-term commitment.
Potential Future Opportunities: Seasonal work can be a stepping stone for individuals considering other longer-term visa options or residency in Portugal.
Portugal's E8 Requirements
A critical requirement for the E8 Visa is having a work contract or valid work offer for seasonal work with a temporary work company or an employer established in Portuguese territory.
As part of the application criteria, you must submit a letter from the company stating the location, time, type of work, duration, salary, and paid vacation. If it is a regulated profession, then compliance with national legal requirements for that profession is mandatory.
You would also need to prove that you have accommodation or a lease agreement in Portugal. The employer can also provide this if they have staff lodging available. As with all visas for Portugal, you must also provide proof of medical insurance and whether the employer provides work accident insurance.
Portugal’s E8 Visa required documents
In addition to the proof specific to the E8 Visa, you’ll also need to hand in the following documents when applying for any of the Portugal visas:
- National Visa application filled and duly signed
- Two passport photos
- Passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return.
- Proof of regular status, if you are of a nationality other than that of the country where you are applying for a visa, valid for more than the date of expiry of the visa you are applying for
- Valid travel insurance covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation
- Criminal record certificate, issued by the competent authority of the country of the applicant’s nationality or of the country where the applicant has resided for over a year, with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalized
- Proof of financial resources
- Copy of your return flight
Some may find it daunting to provide sufficient means of subsistence to live in Portugal. However, it’s not as complex as with the Digital Nomad Visa. While certain visa applications require you to have a specific amount of money in a Portuguese bank account, the E8 only requires you to prove you have at least €820 for every month you’ll be in Portugal, or at the very least, “able to acquire such means upon arrival” – such as a work contract.
Portugal's E8 Visa Application Process
As with most visa applications, the process is relatively easy. Once you have all the required documents and proof, including a completed and signed National Visa application, you must book an appointment through VFS Global or your nearest Portuguese Consulate.
Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive a confirmation email and letter. At the Visa Application Center appointment, an agent will review your documents and take your photo and fingerprints.
Your seasonal worker visa application will be sent to Portugal for further processing and approval if everything is in order. You can track your application status online, and once it gets the green light, you’ll be able to collect your passport and visa at the Visa Application Center where you applied.
The E8 Visa processing time is at least 21 days, however, it can take longer if your nationality is on the extended processing time list. Some nationalities on the list include Iran, Russia, Somalia, Egypt, and Belarus.
E8 Visa Cost
The fees associated with the E8 vary depending on where you apply from and your nationality. The application fee is around €75, and if you go through VFS Global, the agency charges a $42 service fee in the US.
Seasonal Worker Visa vs Other Portugal Visas
The primary focus of the E8 is on short-term employment, with no direct pathway to permanent residency or citizenship, and typically granted for stays of up to nine months. Once the employment period ends, you are expected to leave Portugal, making it an option best suited for workers seeking temporary stays without a long-term commitment.
In contrast, the Portugal D7 Visa targets retirees and individuals with passive income who wish to relocate to Portugal for an extended period. Unlike the Seasonal Worker Visa, the D7 is for people who can support themselves financially without relying on Portuguese employment.
This visa grants initial residency for one year, with the possibility of renewal and ultimately transitioning to permanent residency and citizenship after five years.
The D8 Visa, often called the Digital Nomad Visa, caters to remote workers and freelancers who wish to live in Portugal while working for companies or clients outside the country. Like the D7, the D8 Visa provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship, with similar requirements regarding the length of stay and integration. It allows digital nomads to reside in Portugal while maintaining their location-independent employment. It differs from the Seasonal Worker Visa, which mandates work tied to the Portuguese labor market.
The Golden Visa program stands apart from the other visas, as it is designed to attract investors rather than workers or retirees. It grants residency to individuals who make qualifying investments in Portugal, such as contributions to certain development projects.
It allows for a more flexible residency requirement, as holders only need to spend a minimum number of days in Portugal each year. After five years of holding a Golden Visa, applicants can pursue permanent residency or citizenship, provided they meet other requirements.
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal's E8 Visa
What is the difference between an E8 and a D8 Visa?
The Seasonal Worker Visa and the Digital Nomad Visa (D8) in Portugal cater to different types of work and have distinct purposes. The Seasonal Worker Visa is intended for temporary work in sectors that have specific seasonal demands, such as agriculture, tourism, or events. The D8 visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads who want to reside in Portugal while working remotely for companies or clients outside of Portugal.
What is the Portugal Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Portugal Seasonal Worker Visa allows non-EU citizens to enter the country for temporary work in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, or similar seasonal activities. It is designed for jobs that have a specific seasonality component and are time-limited.
Who is eligible to apply for the Seasonal Worker Visa?
Applicants must be non-EU nationals with a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer for seasonal work. The work should be limited to a maximum period defined by Portuguese law, typically up to 9 months.
What are the requirements for applying for this visa?
To apply, candidates need a valid job offer or employment contract for seasonal work in Portugal. They must also demonstrate that they have arranged accommodation and sufficient financial means for their stay.
What is the validity period of the Seasonal Worker Visa?
The Seasonal Worker Visa is typically issued for up to 9 months. The duration corresponds with the length of the employment contract but cannot exceed the legal limit for seasonal work.
Can the Seasonal Worker Visa be extended?
Sometimes, the visa can be renewed if the total stay does not exceed 9 months. If the initial employment contract is shorter, extending the visa within the same season might be possible, but it is subject to strict regulations.
What happens after the E8 Visa expires?
Once the seasonal worker visa expires, the individual must leave Portugal. This visa does not directly lead to permanent residency or citizenship. Seasonal workers may, however, apply for other types of visas if they meet the criteria for those permits.
Are family members allowed to join the seasonal worker?
The Seasonal Worker Visa does not include provisions for family reunification. It is meant solely for the individual undertaking seasonal work.
Do seasonal workers have access to health insurance in Portugal?
Seasonal workers are required to have health insurance coverage during their stay. This can be through a private health insurance policy that covers their needs or, if applicable, contributions to the Portuguese social security system if they have a long-term employment contract.
