From São Paulo to Lisbon: Navigating the Job Seeker Visa and Rent Realities

Our Decision to Move to Lisbon

Hi! We’re Mariana (32) and Lucas (34), a Brazilian couple who decided to leave São Paulo for Lisbon. We were drawn by the promise of a laid-back lifestyle, cultural similarities, and the chance to explore Europe. Both of us work in tech, so we chose the Job Seeker visa, which seemed like a straightforward path to getting our foot in the door.

The Visa Process

Applying for the Job Seeker visa was surprisingly smooth. We gathered all the necessary documents, including proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. It took about 3 months to receive approval. We’ve heard of others facing delays, but our process was relatively quick, possibly because we were thorough in our application.

Tip 1: Double-Check Your Documents

Make sure every document is in order before submission. We were told that incomplete applications often lead to delays, so we triple-checked everything.

The Lisbon Rental Market Shock

Once we landed in Lisbon, we were excited but quickly hit a major roadblock — the rental market. We were not prepared for the high rents and fierce competition. In São Paulo, we had a spacious apartment for a reasonable price, but here, we struggled to find something within our budget.

We were surprised to learn that many landlords require a Portuguese guarantor, which we didn’t have. Additionally, some listings were scams, with fake photos and non-existent addresses. We almost fell for one but realized it was too good to be true when asked for a deposit without seeing the place.

Tip 2: Beware of Rental Scams

Always visit the apartment in person before paying anything. Use reputable real estate websites and consider hiring a local real estate agent to help you navigate the market.

Settling In and Finding Work

Despite the initial housing challenges, we eventually found a small but cozy apartment in the Alcântara neighborhood, thanks to a tip from a local friend. As for jobs, Lucas found work relatively quickly due to his experience in software development, but it took me a bit longer. Networking was key, and we attended multiple meetups and tech events.

Tip 3: Leverage Local Networking

Join expat groups and local meetups in your industry. Personal connections can make all the difference in securing a job.

Reflecting on Our Journey

Looking back, we wish we had better understood Lisbon’s rental market before moving. Despite the challenges, we’re now settled and enjoying the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. Our advice to anyone considering a move to Lisbon on a Job Seeker visa is to prepare financially and be patient. The transition can be tough, but with perseverance, it’s definitely worth it.