Portugal issues nearly 6,000 work visas in months, double the previous year's total

The government has launched a new regulated migration protocol, with results exceeding expectations. Applications are growing by 20–30 per cent monthly. In total, 8,435 applications have been submitted, with 5,883 visas approved through 40 consulates worldwide.

The majority of visas are for agriculture (3,000) and construction (1,179). These sectors have struggled to find workers for years. The process has now accelerated, with decisions on applications delivered within 21 days.

What has changed: the government closed a loophole whereby people could arrive without a visa and subsequently obtain residency. A work visa is now the only legal pathway. In return, employers are now obliged to provide housing and Portuguese-language training.

The figures speak for themselves: work visas have increased from 20,000 to 50,000 annually. Family reunification has risen from 20,000 approved cases to 35,000 already this year.

Source: Portugal News