I got a job, what next?

I got a job in Portugal while here on a Job Seeker Visa, what do I do next? Who do I contact in the government to process the necessary documentation? Most information I see online talks about SEF, however this government department was entirely closed recently so this information is out of date. So assuming I have the offer letter, what do I do to be compliant and get the residence card/residency visa? Thanks in advance for any answers!

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Hi David!

Since you are here on a job seeker visa, your AIMA (the new SEF) appointment should be scheduled approximately 4 months after the date you informed your visa application office about your arrival.

With D-level visas, this date is issued in the visa attached to the passport. You must visit the office and present all your Portuguese documents, including your NIF and NISS (if requested by your employer), your Portuguese bank account, your health insurance or SNS number, your rental contract, your job contract, and if you have been working for more than a month, your payslips. This process will result in the conversion of your visa into a worker residence permit.

If, by the end of the 4 months, you are unable to secure a position (which is not the case for you), you must still attend the AIMA appointed date and request a 2-month extension. Once these 2 months have elapsed, bringing your total stay to 6 months, you must depart from the country, as your visa will no longer be valid. If you also don’t attend the 4-month appointment to request an extension, your visa will lose its validity as well.

I hope this helps you! Please don’t hesitate in getting in touch.

Good luck!