How to Move to Portugal
Portugal is friendly, affordable and especially welcoming to Portuguese-speaking Africans (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé). It is one of the few countries with a true Job-Seeker visa — you can legally come to look for work. There is also a popular Digital Nomad (D8) visa. Immigration is handled by AIMA.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Portugal embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Apply at the Portuguese consulate or VFS centre in your country. Portugal has embassies across lusophone Africa (Luanda, Maputo, Praia, Bissau, São Tomé) and others (Abuja, Pretoria, Rabat, Dakar, Nairobi). Use the locator.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
1090 Eliud Mathu Street, off Runda Road, Runda, Nairobi
+254 207 651 103 Open in Google Maps599 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0002
+27 12 341 2340 Open in Google MapsBlock 26B, Room 1, Site B, Community 3, Tema, Accra (honorary consulate)
+233 303 215 114 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Portugal has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
A few weeks to a couple of months.
Visa fee roughly €90 + proof of funds.
120 days, extendable by 60 days, to find work.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Proof you can support yourself during the search (around 3 months' minimum wage).
- A return ticket and accommodation plan.
- A clean criminal record.
What to do, step by step
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1
Show your funds
Prove you have enough money to support yourself while job hunting.
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2
Apply at the consulate
Apply for the Job-Seeker visa at the Portuguese consulate (or VFS) in your country.
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3
Travel & search
Enter Portugal, register with the job centre, and look for work.
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4
Get a job & switch
Once hired, apply for a residence permit for work.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- This is a rare, legal "come and look for work" visa — use it instead of risky agents.
- Portuguese-speaking Africans have a big advantage in the job market.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your VFS Global appointment (visa) + AIMA account (residence permit) first
You first book an appointment and submit documents through VFS Global (Portugal's visa outsourcing partner in most African countries) to get your entry visa. After arriving in Portugal, you then register with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) to convert it into your residence permit.
Create accountStart your Job-Seeker visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks to a couple of months.
Visa + permit fees roughly €90–€170.
Renewable; leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer or work contract from a Portuguese employer.
- Qualifications/experience for the role.
- A clean criminal record.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
Secure a contract or promise of employment from a Portuguese company.
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2
Apply for the work visa
Apply at the Portuguese consulate with your contract.
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3
Travel to Portugal
Enter with your visa.
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4
Get your residence permit
Attend your AIMA appointment to receive your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- After 5 years you can apply for permanent residence or citizenship.
- Keep proof of social security contributions for renewals.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your VFS Global appointment (visa) + AIMA account (residence permit) first
You first book an appointment and submit documents through VFS Global (Portugal's visa outsourcing partner in most African countries) to get your entry visa. After arriving in Portugal, you then register with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) to convert it into your residence permit.
Create accountStart your Work visa (D1) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks.
Visa fee roughly €90 + tuition + proof of funds.
Course length; can switch to work afterwards.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance at a Portuguese institution.
- Proof of funds and accommodation.
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive an acceptance letter from a Portuguese school.
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2
Show funds & insurance
Prove you can pay and have health cover.
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3
Apply for the student visa
Apply at the Portuguese consulate.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Portugal and get your residence permit through AIMA.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Tuition is affordable, and lusophone students often get support.
- Students can work part-time during studies.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your VFS Global appointment (visa) + AIMA account (residence permit) first
You first book an appointment and submit documents through VFS Global (Portugal's visa outsourcing partner in most African countries) to get your entry visa. After arriving in Portugal, you then register with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) to convert it into your residence permit.
Create accountStart your Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few months.
Visa/permit fees roughly €90–€170.
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your relative holds a valid Portuguese residence permit.
- Evidence of the family relationship.
- Adequate income and housing.
What to do, step by step
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1
Sponsor starts the request
Your relative begins the family reunification request with AIMA.
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2
Apply for the visa
Apply at the Portuguese consulate with your documents.
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3
Travel & register
Enter Portugal and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Portugal's family rules are relatively generous compared with other EU states.
- Reunited family can usually work and study.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your VFS Global appointment (visa) + AIMA account (residence permit) first
You first book an appointment and submit documents through VFS Global (Portugal's visa outsourcing partner in most African countries) to get your entry visa. After arriving in Portugal, you then register with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) to convert it into your residence permit.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Portugal work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Portugal — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Portugal visas
How much does the Portugal Job-Seeker visa cost?
The Portugal Job-Seeker visa costs: Visa fee roughly €90 + proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Portugal Job-Seeker visa take?
Processing for the Portugal Job-Seeker visa takes a few weeks to a couple of months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Portugal Job-Seeker visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Portugal Job-Seeker visa is valid for 120 days, extendable by 60 days, to find work. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Portugal Work visa (D1) cost?
The Portugal Work visa (D1) costs: Visa + permit fees roughly €90–€170. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Portugal Work visa (D1) take?
Processing for the Portugal Work visa (D1) takes a few weeks to a couple of months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Portugal Work visa (D1) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Portugal Work visa (D1) is valid for renewable; leads to permanent residence after 5 years. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Portugal Student visa cost?
The Portugal Student visa costs: Visa fee roughly €90 + tuition + proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Portugal Student visa take?
Processing for the Portugal Student visa takes a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Portugal Student visa valid for?
The Portugal Student visa is valid for course length; can switch to work afterwards. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Portugal Family reunification cost?
The Portugal Family reunification costs: Visa/permit fees roughly €90–€170. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Portugal Family reunification take?
Processing for the Portugal Family reunification takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Portugal Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Portugal Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.