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Portugal Working Holiday Visa Application Process

Updated: Apr 16

Redaccion de Volare | April 14

The youth mobility program, technically known as the Temporary Stay Visa under youth mobility agreements, allows citizens of various nationalities to reside in Portugal for a period of up to 12 months for the purpose of vacationing and working complementarily to cover the costs of the stay.


Available Quotas, Calendar, and Age Range

The following is a breakdown of information by nationality, based on the official treaties published by the government, integrating annual quotas, opening calendars, and permitted age ranges:


  • Argentina: Age permitted: 18 to 30 years old (inclusive). 100 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • Australia: Age permitted: 18 to 30 years old (inclusive). 500 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • Canada: Age permitted: 18 to 35 years old (inclusive). 600 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • Chile: Age permitted: 18 to 30 years old (inclusive). 200 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • South Korea: Age permitted: 18 to 34 years old (inclusive). 200 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • United States: No official explicit age limit. 400 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • Japan: Age permitted: 18 to 30 years old (inclusive). Unlimited quotas. Application open continuously throughout the year. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • New Zealand: Age permitted: 18 to 30 years old (inclusive). 50 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • Peru: Age permitted: 18 to 31 years old (inclusive). 400 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.

  • Uruguay: Age permitted: 18 to 35 years old (inclusive). 200 annual quotas. Annual opening based on embassy availability. Requires presentation of a return ticket.


In the event that quotas are exhausted for a specific period, the visa status will be considered "En Pausa: Indefinida o con fecha de reanudacion" (On Hold: Indefinite or with a resumption date), represented symbolically in yellow. If no prior agreement exists, the nationality is classified as "Sin convenio" (No agreement), represented in white.


General Application Requirements

For the application to be successfully processed, the applicant must mandatory comply with the following points established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:


  1. Valid Passport: Must have a validity of more than 12 months at the time of application.

  2. Medical Insurance: Minimum coverage of 30,000 euros including hospitalization and repatriation for the entire duration of the stay.

  3. Criminal Records: Certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin, duly apostilled by the Hague.

  4. Return Ticket: It is strictly necessary to present a return ticket to the country of origin or, failing that, demonstrate possession of sufficient additional funds to purchase one at the end of the stay.


Step-by-Step Application Process

For citizens of the aforementioned nationalities, the process is defined under the following technical guidelines:


1. Mandatory Online Registration

The process must begin digitally through the official E-Visa Portal of Portugal or, depending on the jurisdiction, through the VFS Global platform. At this stage, the youth mobility category is selected and the application form is completed.

2. Document Upload and File Submission

Scanned documents must be uploaded to the portal in PDF format, including proof of sufficient funds for maintenance, proof of medical insurance, and the mention or reservation of the return ticket.

3. In-Person Appointment and Biometrics

Once the online registration is finalized, the applicant must schedule and attend an in-person appointment at the corresponding embassy, consulate, or VFS service center. During this session, the physical file is submitted and biometric data (fingerprints and photography) is captured.

4. Fee Payment and Interview

During the in-person appointment, the consular fee (approximately 110 euros) is paid. Depending on the location and nationality, a brief informative interview about travel plans, accommodation, or interest in the local academic offer may be required.

5. Resolution and Stamping

The average processing time ranges between 30 and 60 days. Upon approval, the applicant will be notified to collect their passport with the corresponding temporary stay visa stamp.


For additional detailed information and advice on this mobility program, you can consult the specialized section on the Working Holiday Visa Portugal by Volare, where you will find complementary resources to plan your stay.

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