Portugal: Post-Study Job Seeker Residence Permit 2026

12-month residence permit for graduates of Portuguese universities to seek employment. Requires proof of subsistence (~EUR 13,000/year, 1.5x IAS). Full work rights. Fee EUR 93. Processing 30-60 days. Must apply from within Portugal after graduation.

Best For

International students who completed degrees at Portuguese universities and want to stay to find employment. Particularly useful for tech graduates in and Porto job markets.

Not Ideal For

Graduates of non-Portuguese institutions. Anyone who already has a job offer (should apply for D1/D3 instead).

At a Glance

Visa Type
Post-Study Work Visa
Region
Europe
Visa Duration
1 year
Processing Time
1–2 months
Min Income (annual)
Min Investment
Application Fee
€110
Path to PR / Citizenship
PR · 6y to citizenship
Difficulty
3/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Education RequiredBachelors
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsor RequiredNo
Remote Income AllowedYes
Family Accompaniment AllowedYes
Language Requirement

Application Process

  1. 1
    Confirm eligibility
    Verify you meet the age, education, and financial requirements above. Use our free eligibility quiz to score your fit against Portugal's Post-Study Job Seeker Residence Permit.
  2. 2
    Gather documents
    Passport, recent photos, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, financial statements, health insurance, and any sponsor or employer letter.
  3. 3
    Submit application
    File the application with the relevant Portugal immigration authority — usually online or at the consulate in your home country.
  4. 4
    Pay fees & attend appointment
    Pay the application fee (€110). Some applicants are required to attend a biometrics or interview appointment.
  5. 5
    Wait for decision
    Typical processing: 1–2 months. Decision is communicated by email or via the official portal.

Cost & Financial Requirements

Financial Requirements
ItemAmount
Minimum Annual Salary
Minimum Monthly Income€1,083
Minimum Investment
Application Fee€110

Family & Long-term Rights

Family & Rights
RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
RenewableNo
Path to PRYes
Path to CitizenshipYes
Years to Citizenship6
Dual Citizenship AllowedYes
Spouse Work RightsRestricted

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Post-Study Job Seeker Residence Permit?

12-month residence permit for graduates of Portuguese universities to seek employment. Requires proof of subsistence (~EUR 13,000/year, 1.5x IAS). Full work rights. Fee EUR 93. Processing 30-60 days. Must apply from within Portugal after graduation.

Who is the Post-Study Job Seeker Residence Permit best for?

International students who completed degrees at Portuguese universities and want to stay to find employment. Particularly useful for tech graduates in and Porto job markets.

How long does the Post-Study Job Seeker Residence Permit take to process?

Processing typically takes 1–2 months. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

What does the Post-Study Job Seeker Residence Permit cost?

The application fee is €110. Total relocation cost depends on living costs, insurance, and document attestation.

Does the Post-Study Job Seeker Residence Permit lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway has a path to PR.

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Official source: https://aima.gov.pt

Last verified: 2026-03-05

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