Jobs in Portugal for Pakistani Citizens: 2026 Guide

Finding jobs in Portugal for Pakistani citizens has become a popular goal in 2026. Portugal remains one of the most open countries in the European Union for foreign workers, offering specific visa paths like the Job Seeker Visa. However, while the doors are open, the wait times at VFS Global centers in Islamabad and Karachi can be long. If you want to start working sooner, looking at seasonal work through platforms like MEUSEPF (Mediterranean Europe Seasonal Employment Platform for Foreigners) can often provide a faster, more direct route into the European labor market.

In this guide, we break down the current visa rules, expected salaries, and how you can use seasonal employment to build a stable future in Europe.

Visa Rules for Pakistani Citizens in 2026

To work in Portugal, Pakistani applicants generally look at three main visa categories. Each has different requirements and processing times.

• Job Seeker Visa (Visto de Procura de Trabalho): This visa allows you to enter Portugal for 120 days (extendable by another 60 days) specifically to look for work. You must show proof of financial means—roughly €2,610 (three times the 2026 estimated minimum wage)—and a clean criminal record. Source: Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Seasonal Work Visa (Short Stay or Temporary Stay): This is for jobs in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. These visas are often processed faster because they meet immediate labor needs. Source: VFS Global Pakistan.
• D2/D3 Visas: These are for entrepreneurs or highly skilled workers. They require a pre-existing job offer or a solid business plan.

Success Indicator: As of early 2026, the approval rate for Job Seeker visas remains steady, but the "difficulty" lies in the appointment backlog. Many Pakistani applicants wait 6 to 10 months just for an interview. This is why many are shifting their focus to Seasonal Work Europe, where employers often help speed up the process to ensure workers arrive before the harvest or tourist season starts.

Salary and Living Costs in Portugal

Understanding the pay scale is vital before you move. Portugal has a national minimum wage that is updated annually. For 2026, the estimated minimum wage is approximately €870 per month (based on the 2024 rate of €820 and planned government increases). Source: Pordata Portugal.

While these salaries are lower than in Germany or the UK, the cost of living in Portugal is also more affordable. However, in cities like Lisbon, rent can take up 60% of a minimum wage salary. This is why Seasonal Jobs Hiring: 2026 Guide to Fast Visa Sponsorship often highlights roles that include shared accommodation, which is common in farm and resort work.

The Challenges for Pakistani Applicants

While Portugal is welcoming, Pakistani workers face specific hurdles:

1. Appointment Scarcity: Getting a slot at the Portuguese embassy or VFS in Pakistan is the biggest challenge.
2. Document Verification: Attesting documents from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and IBCC in Pakistan can take several weeks.
3. Language Barrier: While many people in Lisbon speak English, basic Portuguese is often required for unskilled or service-sector jobs.

Because of these delays, many workers are turning to MEUSEPF to find roles in other Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, or Greece, where the seasonal visa systems are sometimes more streamlined for specific nationalities.

Why MEUSEPF is a Faster Path

MEUSEPF specializes in connecting Foreign Workers with seasonal roles across Mediterranean Europe. Instead of waiting for a general job seeker visa that may never result in a job, our platform focuses on Visa Sponsorship through direct employer contracts.

By choosing a seasonal path, you get:

• Direct Sponsorship: The employer applies for your work authorization in Europe first, which makes your visa application at the embassy much stronger.
• Defined Timelines: Seasonal work starts on a specific date. This creates urgency that helps move your application through the system faster than a general residency request.
• Experience: Working a season in Portugal or Spain proves you can follow EU rules, making it much easier to get a long-term job later.

Check out our Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Europe: Your Seasonal Work Path for a list of current openings that accept Pakistani applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Portugal work visa cost for Pakistanis?

The visa fee is approximately €75 to €90, but you must also pay VFS Global service charges. Total costs, including document attestation and medical insurance, usually range between PKR 60,000 and PKR 100,000.

Do I need to speak Portuguese to get a job?

For high-end office jobs, English is often enough. For farm work or hospitality, basic Portuguese is very helpful. Most seasonal employers provide basic training, but knowing simple phrases will help your application.

Is accommodation provided for Pakistani workers?

In the seasonal sector (agriculture and tourism), many employers provide shared housing or a housing allowance. In general urban jobs, you are usually responsible for finding your own room.

How long can I stay on a seasonal visa?

Most seasonal visas allow you to stay for 7 to 9 months. After this, you must return to Pakistan, but having a successful season makes you a priority hire for the following year.