Portugal Introduces 20-Day Fast-Track Work Visas for Foreign Talent

Starting April 1, 2025, Portugal officially launches its new fast-track immigration scheme, promising to process work visas for foreign nationals within 20 days. The decision responds to severe labor shortages across multiple sectors and is designed to help companies hire foreign workers faster and more reliably.

Key Requirements for Employers

To be eligible for the 20-day processing window, employers in Portugal must:

- Provide a valid job contract.

- Offer suitable housing for the worker.

- Ensure training, if required.

The government stresses that mandatory proof of accommodation is meant to protect the rights and dignity of foreign workers — though further clarification on what qualifies as “adequate housing” is still pending.

Employers and Workers Welcome the Initiative

While businesses have welcomed the measure, legal experts remain cautious. Rodrigo Vicente, a lawyer interviewed by Publico, commented:

“We recently had a Brazilian executive waiting over 90 days for a work visa. This new system must prove it’s not just another ineffective promise.”

Filling the Labor Gap

Portugal is currently short about 100,000 workers across industries, especially tourism, hospitality, and agriculture. The fast-track scheme is expected to prioritize sectors most in need and reduce administrative bottlenecks.

However, execution remains a challenge. Authorities must demonstrate that the promise of 20-day processing can be delivered reliably and transparently.