Can You Work in Portugal with a Residence Visa? What Articles 58, 61-B, 83, and 97 Say

Portugal’s immigration framework, governed by Law no. 23/2007, of July 4, outlines the rights and responsibilities of residence visa holders. Among the most asked questions is whether a person holding a residence visa—regardless of its type—is allowed to work in Portugal. The short answer is yes. Once a residence permit is granted, visa holders can work legally in Portugal, whether they entered under a general residence visa (Article 58) or the newer remote work visa (Article 61-B).

Article 58 allows individuals to enter Portugal for the purpose of applying for residence and includes the issuance of temporary tax, healthcare, and social security numbers. After receiving the permit, the individual gains full employment rights.

1 — The residence visa is intended to allow its holder to enter Portuguese territory in order to apply for a residence permit.
2 — The residence visa is valid for two entries into Portuguese territory and allows its holder to remain for a period of four months.
3 — Without prejudice to the application of specific conditions, the assessment of the residence visa application shall take into account, in particular, the intended purpose of the residence.
4 — Without prejudice to shorter deadlines provided by law, the deadline for deciding on a residence visa application is 60 days.
5 — The residence visa also serves the purpose of allowing the accompanying family members of the applicant, as defined in Article 99(1), and their applications may be submitted simultaneously.
6 — Upon granting the residence visa, a pre-authorization of residence is issued, containing information on obtaining a residence permit and provisional assignment of tax identification, social security, and national health service numbers.

Article 61-B, introduced by Law no. 18/2022, applies to remote workers with contracts or service agreements with companies based outside Portugal. While the article emphasizes remote work, when interpreted alongside Article 83 and Article 97, it becomes evident that holders of this visa also acquire the legal right to work within Portugal after residency is granted.

A residence visa is granted to subordinate workers and independent professionals for the exercise of a professional activity performed remotely for individuals or legal entities domiciled or headquartered outside Portuguese territory, provided that the employment relationship or service provision is demonstrated, as applicable.

Article 83 confirms that residence permit holders have equal access to subordinate and independent employment, training, and education.

1 — Without prejudice to the application of specific provisions and other rights provided by law or international agreements to which Portugal is a party, the holder of a residence permit has the right, without the need for special authorization due to their foreigner status, namely to:
a) Access education, teaching, and vocational training, including allowances and scholarships under applicable legislation;
b) Engage in a subordinate professional activity;
c) Engage in an independent professional activity;
d) Access guidance, training, professional development, and retraining;
e) Access healthcare;
f) Access justice and the courts.

2 — Equal treatment for foreign citizens is guaranteed, particularly regarding social security, tax benefits, union membership, recognition of academic and professional qualifications, or access to public goods and services, along with any provisions granting them special rights.

Article 97 reinforces this by stating that residence permit holders may perform other activities beyond the one that initially justified the visa.

1 — Holders of a residence permit granted under this section may exercise a professional activity, either subordinate or independent, in addition to the activity that gave rise to the visa.

In practice, this means that whether you begin your stay under Article 58 or 61-B, once your residence permit is granted under Law no. 23/2007, you have the right to work in Portugal—locally, remotely, or both. This flexibility is essential for individuals planning to expand their opportunities or transition from remote work to local employment after arrival.

Portugal’s legal framework ensures that once you are a residence permit holder, you are legally integrated into the national workforce, regardless of your original visa route.