Seasonal Work Visa Portugal: Complete Guide

The Seasonal Work Visa is Portugal's solution for the agricultural, viticulture, tourism and hospitality industries that face acute labour shortages between April and October. Common roles include fruit pickers, hotel staff, restaurant kitchen crew, agricultural machinery operators and event temps.

At a glance:

• Initial visa: 90 days (single entry)
• Residence permit on arrival: up to 9 months
• Path to D2 (entrepreneur) or D3 (highly skilled) by switching while in-country
• Workium service: €2,600 (incl. employer matching)

• ✓ Non-EU/EEA citizen, ≥18 years old
• ✓ Concrete job offer from a Portuguese employer in an eligible seasonal sector
• ✓ Job offer at least at minimum wage (€870/month in 2026)
• ✓ Clean criminal record (last 5 years)
• ✓ Health insurance valid for the visa period
• ✓ Proof of accommodation in Portugal (employer-provided usual)

Agriculture & viticulture — fruit picking (strawberries, cherries, grapes), wine harvest, olive picking, greenhouse crops, livestock care.

Tourism & hospitality — hotel housekeeping, F&B service, kitchen porters, lifeguards, animation/entertainment staff, kids-club coordinators.

Aquaculture & fisheries — fish-farm operatives, mussel-bed crew, dockside packers.

Event & catering temps — wedding crews, festival staff (Sumol Summer Fest, NOS Alive supply chain).

Roles outside these sectors normally fall under the standard Work Visa or the new CPLP Mobility Agreement (for Portuguese-speaking countries).

1. Sign a written contract or "promessa de contrato" with the Portuguese employer. Must specify role, duration, salary, accommodation and benefits.

2. Employer files an entry-permission request via the Portal de Trabalhador Sazonal to AIMA (replaces the old SEF). Resolution in 20 working days.

3. Once approved, you apply for the Seasonal Work Visa at the Portuguese consulate in your country. Fee €90. Processing 1–4 weeks.

4. Enter Portugal within the 90-day visa window.

5. Within 5 working days of arrival the employer registers you at AIMA — you collect your Authorisation to Stay for Seasonal Work (residence permit) at the appointment.

6. Open a Portuguese bank account (employer + landlord usually require IBAN for payroll/rent).

From the employer (handled remotely):

• Promessa de Contrato or signed contract
• Proof of business registration (Certidão Permanente)
• Tax & social-security clearance ("declaração de não dívida")
• Proof of accommodation provided to the worker

From you (at the consulate):

• Passport (≥3 months beyond stay)
• Application form + 2 photos
• Apostilled criminal-record certificate + sworn translation
• Health insurance certificate
• Schengen travel insurance (≥€30,000 cover)
• Visa fee €90
• Onward/return travel itinerary

Minimum salary: €870/month (2026 SMI) for full-time, pro-rated for seasonal hours Typical seasonal rate: €900–€1,300/month gross, often with accommodation deducted Hours: 40/week, paid overtime above Social Security: auto-deducted 11% employee + 23.75% employer — counts toward Portuguese SS even if you only stay 6 months Holidays: 22 working days annually pro-rated