Can my family accompany me to Portugal while I’m on a Job Seeker Visa?

Job Seeker Visas in Portugal are typically for individuals seeking employment, not for accompanying family members.

No, your family cannot typically accompany you to Portugal while you are on a Job Seeker Visa. The Job Seeker Visa is designed specifically for individuals who are looking for employment, and it does not automatically grant family members the right to join you during your job search period.

Key Points:

  1. Visa Purpose:

    • The Job Seeker Visa is intended solely for the individual applicant to enter Portugal and search for a job. It does not include provisions for dependents or family members to accompany the visa holder.
  2. Family Reunion Process:

    • Once you find employment in Portugal and transition from a Job Seeker Visa to a residence permit, you can then apply for a family reunification visa. This process allows your spouse, children, and other eligible family members to join you in Portugal. The application for family reunification is typically submitted after you have secured a job and obtained a residence permit.
  3. Alternative Options:

    • If your family wishes to visit you in Portugal while you are on a Job Seeker Visa, they may apply for a short-term Schengen visa, such as a tourist visa. However, this visa will only allow them to stay in Portugal for a limited period (typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period) and does not grant them the right to stay with you long-term​.

Summary

Your family cannot accompany you to Portugal under a Job Seeker Visa. This visa is intended only for the individual applicant to search for employment. After securing a job and obtaining a residence permit, you can then apply for family reunification, which would allow your family to join you in Portugal. Alternatively, they may visit you on a short-term Schengen visa.