I am looking to obtain a job seeker visa in Portugal. 10 years ago, I was convicted in England for possession of a bladed article in a public place. It was not violent, I was just carrying a knife home after I bought it. I received no prison sentence for it. Would this get my application rejected? Is there a waiver I can apply for to make sure this doesn’t affect my chances?
According to Portuguese immigration law, a third-country national who has been convicted of an offense punishable by a custodial sentence of one year or more shall be refused a residence or temporary stay visa, even in the cases that the sentence has not been served or has been suspended.
The job seeker visa entitles its holder to enter and remain only in Portugal for the purpose of looking for a job; authorizes him/her to carry out a subordinated work activity, until the visa expires or until the residence permit is granted. This visa is granted for a period of 120 days, renewable for another 60 days and allows only one entry into Portugal. In accordance to Portuguese Law, a necessary requirement to obtain a job seeker visa is not having been convicted for a crime punished in Portugal with prison for more than one year. Prohibited weapon possession is a crime punishable in Portugal with imprisonment of up to four years. However, there is the possibility to request local authorities for the removal of the criminal information from the record due to the time passed since the criminal event.
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