If unable to secure employment within the Job Seeker Visa period, you may apply for an extension.
Yes, you can extend your Job Seeker Visa if you haven’t found a job within the initial allowed period. For Portugal, the Job Seeker Visa is initially granted for 120 days (approximately 4 months). If you have not secured employment within this time, you are eligible for a one-time extension of 60 days (approximately 2 months).
Key Points About the Extension:
-
Application for Extension:
- You must apply for the extension before your initial 120-day period expires. The application should be submitted to the local immigration authorities (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, SEF) in Portugal.
-
Documentation Required:
- When applying for an extension, you may need to provide updated documentation to demonstrate that you are actively searching for a job and that you continue to meet the financial requirements to support yourself during the extended period.
-
Maximum Duration:
- The maximum duration of the Job Seeker Visa, including the extension, is 180 days (approximately 6 months). After this period, if you still have not found a job, you may need to leave Portugal or explore other visa options if you are eligible.
Summary
You can extend your Job Seeker Visa in Portugal for an additional 60 days if you haven’t found a job within the initial 120-day period, giving you a total of 180 days to search for employment. It is important to apply for the extension before the initial period expires and ensure that you continue to meet all the necessary requirements.