Portugal Grants Nearly 6,000 Work Visas Under New Protocol

Portugal has issued 5,883 work visas to foreign nationals under a regulated migration protocol that allows workers to obtain permits from their home countries. This initiative, highlighted by Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro during a parliamentary hearing on 27 May 2026, aims to address labor shortages in the agriculture and construction sectors.

Approximately 3,000 visas were granted to agriculture workers, while 1,179 went to construction workers. The protocol has seen a total of 8,435 visa requests since its introduction, with corporate uptake increasing from 20% to 30% of monthly requests.

The Migration Action Plan, which is 75% complete, has also resulted in the issuance of half a million residence cards. Amaro emphasized the importance of orderly immigration and the dignity that comes with granting residence documentation, while also acknowledging the need for effective integration of newcomers into Portuguese society.