Volunteer in Portugal

Conditions

To be a volunteer in Portugal, you must obtain a residence visa and a residence permit for volunteers.

You must be admitted to a volunteering programme.

Procedures

Where to apply

Residence visa

You may apply for a residence visa at the embassy or consulate in the country of origin or residence.

A residence visa does not automatically grant you a right of residence but allows you to enter Portugal for the purpose of applying for a residence permit, if the requirements are met.

To obtain the visa you must:

• have a travel document, the validity of which covers the foreseen extension of the stay;
• if you are underage – authorisation from who has parental responsibility;
• Have been accepted as an unremunerated trainee in a company or in an officially recognised vocational training establishment.

Documents required

In general, you must prove that you have sufficient means of subsistence, travel insurance and a return ticket.

Refusal of visa

The residence visa will be refused if you have been the subject of an order to leave Portugal and are applying while the prohibition period is still running or if you are listed in the Schengen Information System or in the SEF's Integrated Information System.

Duration of validity of permits

The residence visa allows you to stay in Portugal for four months so that you can submit an application for a residence permit at the SEF.

As a general rule, a temporary residence permit is valid for one year, renewable for successive periods of two years.

For 2020 and 2021, by a provisional measure, a temporary residence permit is valid for two years, renewable for successive periods of three years.

Where to apply

Temporary residence permit

A temporary residence permit is an official document issued by the SEF that allows you to live in Portugal for a specific period of time. You must submit the application to the SEF.

Documents required

• Two recent, identical photographs, in colour with blank background, and easily identifiable (only for appointments at Odivelas, Aveiro or Braga SEF bureau);
• a passport or any other valid travel document;
• a valid residence visa issued under no. 8 of article 62 of Law no. 23/2007 (REPSAE);
• evidence of sufficient means of subsistence, as per the provisions of Order number 1563/2007, of 11/12;
• evidence that the applicant has adequate accommodation
• permission for SEF to check the Portuguese criminal record (except for under 16 years old);
• a contract celebrated between the hosting entity responsible for the volunteer programme of which is composed by a description of the contents and duration of the volunteer programme, schedule, supervision conditions and guarantee of covering of food and accommodation expenses, including a minimum amount of allowances or pocket money;
• evidence in which the hosting entity has subscribed an insurance on civil liability, except in case of volunteers participating in the European Volunteer Service;
• health Insurance or evidence in which is covered by the National Health Service.

Refusal

The residence permit will be refused if you have been the subject of an order to leave and you are applying while the period of prohibition to enter is still running or if you are listed in the Schengen Information System or in the SEF's Integrated Information System. It may be refused for reasons related to public order, public security or public health.

Validity of duration of Volunteering permits

The residence permit for volunteers is valid for one year, or for the duration period of the vocational training, and cannot be renewed.

Appeals

If your application for a residence permit is refused, you may challenge the decision before the administrative court. You will be notified of the refusal decision as well as the reasons for the decision, the right to appeal and the deadline for making an appeal.

The residence visa is cancelled if the application for a residence permit is refused.

Further information

More in temporary stay visas for volunteers

Rights

Employment during studies

You are allowed to work only outside school hours and with SEF’s prior authorisation provided that you have an employment contract and that you are registered with the social security office.

Secondary education students, unremunerated trainees and volunteers are not allowed to work with their residence permit.

Employment after studies

You can work as an employee or in self-employment after your studies once you apply for and obtain the necessary temporary residence permit.

Family reunification

If you hold a residence permit for study or student exchange or if you are an unremunerated trainee or volunteer, you are entitled to family reunification with:

• your spouse;
• your minor or dependent children and those of the spouse;
• your adopted minor children.

Long-term residence

The stay is taken into account, by half, in calculating the period of residence to be eligible for long-term/permanent residence.