Seasonal and Skilled Workers Now in High Demand

Portugal is rapidly changing its immigration system after officially ending the Expression of Interest process in 2024. The country is now focusing mainly on D Visas to bring seasonal and skilled workers from abroad.

For many years, foreign nationals could legally enter Portugal and later apply for residency once they found work. That option is now closed, and workers must obtain proper visas before arriving in Portugal.

Constitutional Court Previously Raised Concerns About Pending Cases

Portugal Needs More Foreign Workers

Even with stricter immigration rules, Portugal continues to face major labour shortages

Industries with urgent worker demand:

• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Hotels and restaurants
• Construction
• Transport and logistics
• Healthcare
• Technology and IT

D Visas Become Main Legal Route

After the old system closed, D Visas became the primary legal option for employment-based immigration.

Most requested visa categories:

D1 Visa

For workers with official employment contracts.

Seasonal Worker Visa

For temporary jobs in agriculture, tourism, hospitality, and the food industries.

D3 Visa

For skilled professionals such as:

• IT experts
• Engineers
• Nurses
• Technical specialists

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Seasonal Worker Recruitment Increases

Portugal now relies heavily on seasonal workers, especially during tourism and harvest seasons.

Common seasonal jobs:

• Fruit picking
• Hotel services
• Restaurant staff
• Cleaning services
• Warehouse support

Many businesses are actively recruiting workers directly from abroad.

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Skilled Workers Receive Priority

The Portuguese government is also prioritising qualified professionals.

High-demand skilled sectors:

• Information Technology
• Healthcare
• Renewable energy
• Construction management
• Industrial services

Companies are increasingly using legal recruitment channels to hire international talent.

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D Visa Applications Rise Strongly

Immigration experts report that D Visa applications increased significantly after 2024.

The closure of the Expression of Interest system pushed employers and workers toward official visa-based recruitment.

Reports suggest applications for seasonal and skilled worker visas increased by more than 30% compared to previous years.

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Why Portugal Closed the Old System

Authorities say the previous immigration model created:

• Huge processing delays
• Administrative backlogs
• Housing pressure
• Labour exploitation risks

The government now wants immigration to happen mainly through:

• Legal visas
• Employer sponsorship
• Organized recruitment systems

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Portugal Still Open for Foreign Workers

Although the rules are stricter, Portugal continues to offer opportunities for international workers

Main advantages:

• Strong labour demand
• Growing tourism economy
• Legal work opportunities
• Long-term residency pathways

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