The information provided on this page is aimed at Canadians citizens who want to travel and/or work in Portugal.
Portuguese citizens who intend to travel to Canada under this program should visit the International Experience Canada page for more information.
YOUTH MOBILITY AGREEMENT CANADA -> PORTUGAL
In order to promote youth mobility, Portugal has been signing Memorandums of Understanding with several countries, thus creating more favorable conditions for the movement of young people.
All signed instruments allow the possibility to work, as an accessory, or attend training or study programs, and none of these activities should be contrary to the spirit of the Memorandum.
Signed on May 3, 2018, the Portugal – Canada Youth Mobility Agreement establishes the possibility for young Canadians, between the ages of 18 and 35, to travel and work temporarily in Portugal.
The maximum yearly limit established is six hundred (600) visas / entry authorizations granted to Canadian citizens for temporary stays of twelve (12) months.
What programs are available through the agreement?
1) Working Holiday: For those who intend to travel in Portugal and who wish to find temporary paid employment to help pay for their trip;
2) Young Professionals: For post-secondary graduates who wish to further their careers by gaining professional experience in Portugal;
3) International Co-op: For students enrolled at a post-secondary institution that wish to complete a work placement or internship in Portugal to fulfill part of their academic curriculum;
I have dual nationality (Canadian and Portuguese). Can I apply to these programs?
An individual with Portuguese nationality must never apply for a visa to enter Portugal. As a Portuguese national, you have the right to enter / reside in Portugal without an “authorization” request.
Is there a submission period?
No, you can submit your application year round, as long as there are available slots.
I live in Canada but I do not have Canadian citizenship. Can I apply to these programs?
No. The agreement does not cover third-country nationals living in Canada.
Do I need to translate documents in foreign languages?
French and English documents are commonly accepted but consular authentication of these documents (or apostille) is required.
How and where can I submit my application?
Applications must be made by mail or in person at the Consulates General of Portugal in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver or at the Portuguese Embassy in Ottawa.
How many times can I participate in any mobility program?
You can participate up to two times in alternate years.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
Be a Canadian citizen;
Have a Canadian passport valid for an additional 3 months after the authorization to stay in Portugal has expired;
Be between the ages of 18 and 35 (inclusive), at the time of the application;
Pay the application fees;
Have, before departure, a round-trip ticket or demonstrate that you’ll have the financial resources to purchase a return ticket at the end of your authorized stay;
Have sufficient financial resources to cover the expenses incurred at the beginning of the stay;
Have, before departure, adequate health insurance for the duration of your authorized stay, that includes hospitalization and repatriation;
Not be accompanied by dependents.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE WORKING HOLIDAY CATEGORY:
Prove that work is incidental to the holiday, to subsidize the stay;
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CATEGORY:
Have a signed letter of offer or contract of employment in Portugal that contributes to your professional development;
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CO-OP CATEGORY:
Be registered as a student at a Canadian post-secondary institution;
Have a previously arranged work placement contract in Portugal in your field of expertise, that meets the requirements of your academic curriculum;
GENERAL DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:
Application form;
Canadian passport valid for an additional 3 months beyond the expected length of stay (+ 1 copy);
Two identical passport-type photographs;
Round-trip ticket or proof that you have the financial resources to purchase a return ticket;
Valid health insurance policy, issued on behalf of the applicant, to cover the necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation;
Form consenting to a criminal record check by the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF);
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the country where the applicant has been residing for more than one year (minors under 16 are exempt from presenting documents relating to criminal records);
Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence (Example: bank account statement);
Motivation letter (recommended).
The embassy or consular post in your area of residence may request candidates to submit other documents, in addition to those listed, such as:
SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION FOR THE WORKING HOLIDAY CATEGORY:
Declaration signed by the candidate stating that work is incidental to the holiday.
SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION FOR THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CATEGORY:
Documentation showing that you have previously obtained a job offer in the host country in support of your professional development (for example: Employer’s letter with job offer);
SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CO-OP CATEGORY:
Documentation proving registration in a post-secondary educational institution and job placement for academic purposes (for example: certificate issued by the institution showing that the candidate is registered or statement signed by the program or internship director that the job placement is for academic purposes);
Document issued by a company or an officially recognized professional training body attesting the admission to the internship and respective program, and if necessary, training contract and program schedule;
Proof of sponsorship by the internship’s host organization, as proof of the candidate’s means of subsistence.
Contacts:
Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto: consulado.toronto@mne.pt (416)217-0966
Consulate General of Portugal in Montreal: consulado.montreal@mne.pt (514)499-0359
Consulate General of Portugal in Vancouver: consulado.vancouver@mne.pt (604)688-6514
Embassy of Portugal in Canada: sconsular.ottawa@mne.pt (613)729-2270
Useful links
https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/pt/vistos-nacionais/informacao-geral/mobilidade-jovem#canad%C3%A1
https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/pt/vistos-nacionais/documentacao-instrutoria/mobilidade-jovem#canad%C3%A1
https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/formulario_visto_nacional_en.pdf
https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/schengen/formularios/aut_consulta_rc.pdf