Realizing this is not about the standard work permit but specifically the Job Seeker route, I wanted to share the latest official shifts.
The Update: The Portuguese government has restructured the Job Seeker Visa to be exclusively available to ‘highly qualified’ professionals. This isn’t just a policy preference; this ultimately will be the law governing all new entries.
The Constraint: Crucially, the ‘Expression of Interest’ route is closed. You must apply for this specific visa at the Portuguese consulate IN your country of residence. You cannot enter as a tourist and switch status anymore.
Just letting you know so you don’t book a flight expecting to regularize your status upon arrival.