Having submitted an expression of interest, you are eligible to work in Portugal, even if you haven't received your residence card yet. You can actively seek employment without any issues.
Ask A Question | Learn more about Portugal
How can I work after submitting a Manifestation of Interest in Portugal?
As a non-EU citizen, I entered Portugal legally on a visit visa and, prior to its expiry, submitted a Manifestation of Interest under Article 89.2 as a freelancer or self-employed. This included fulfilling all requirements, such as obtaining a tax number and social security. However, due to a delayed response from AIMA/SEF, it might take months before I receive any acknowledgment. In the meantime, I've started applying for jobs online as an IT professional and have received positive responses from employers. However, I'm unsure about my work eligibility. Can I work with an employer while waiting for AIMA/SEF's response? I seek clarification on whether pursuing job opportunities is a viable option or if it might be a futile exercise given my current status.
Answers
-
-
It is possible to be legally hired with the proof a Manifestação de Interesse. The employee must be informed and the continuity of the contract might depend on the regularization / approval of the residence.
-
The expression of interest (manifestação de interesse) is an exception to the general rule foreseen in the law to apply for a residency permit to work or self-employment. Under the general terms of the law, for a foreign citizen to apply for a residency permit to work in Portugal, he needs to apply for a residency visa at the Portuguese embassy of his country of origin or residency. However, if a foreign citizen travels and enters Portugal under a tourist visa or residency permit status and finds a job during his visit to the country, he may apply for a residency permit to work or self-employment through the application and deposit of expression of interest (manifestação de interesse) online to AIMA – Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum. From that expression of interest (manifestação de interesse) and until the moment that is accepted by AIMA, the applicant will not be in a complete legal situation/status, but under a “regular” situation/status, because it will be waiting for a decision from the immigration authority. In this case, he or she will be able to stay and live in Portugal, but not travel to other Schengen countries until his/her application for a residency permit is approved or not.
Call Us
+1-800-347-9390
