Portugal’s Green Immigration: A New Alternative to Expression of Interest

The Green Route for immigration, which comes into force from 1 April 2025, represents a significant milestone in Portugal’s approach to hiring foreign workers.

Portugal’s Green Route: A Faster, Fairer Path to Immigration

Portugal has launched a new immigration protocol known as the “Via Verde” (Green Route), designed to replace the previous “expression of interest” system. This new approach aims to streamline the hiring of foreign workers while ensuring that immigration remains structured, dignified, and aligned with the country’s labour needs.

Why Portugal Introduced the Green Route

Portugal has long relied on immigration to support its economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture, construction, tourism, services, and industry. But with a growing shortage of skilled workers, a clearer, more organized process was needed.

The former “expression of interest” model allowed immigrants to enter without a defined hiring framework. In contrast, the new Green Route offers a structured system that prioritizes both economic efficiency and immigrant rights.

What Is the ‘Via Verde’?

The Green Route is a protocol coordinated by several key institutions:

The General Directorate of Consular Affairs and Portuguese Communities (DGACCP)
The Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA)
The Borders and Foreigners Coordination Unit (UCFE/SSI)
The Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP)
Portuguese business confederations

Together, these bodies aim to speed up the hiring of foreign workers, ensuring a process that is both efficient and respectful of human dignity.

Key Benefits of the Green Route

The standout benefit is speed. Under this protocol, foreign workers can receive a work visa within 20 days, provided they meet the criteria. The system is built to ensure:

Fast-track visa processing
Dignified integration into the workforce
Support for long-term professional development

How the Green Route Works: 5 Clear Steps

Initial Submission: The employer sends the necessary documentation to DGACCP to initiate the visa scheduling.
Consular Forwarding: DGACCP forwards the documentation to the respective consulate.
Consular Appointment: The applicant presents original documents at the consulate for verification.
Analysis & Approvals: AIMA and UCFE review the case and issue their decisions.
Visa Decision: The consulate delivers the final decision, ideally within 20 days of submission.

Requirements for Companies

Only companies meeting specific conditions can participate in the Green Route:

150+ employees directly contracted
Minimum turnover of €25 million per year
No outstanding debts with Social Security or the Tax Authority
Valid permanent certificate code

Employer confederations must represent at least 30 member companies with a combined turnover of over €250 million.

Obligations Towards Workers

Employers must also guarantee the following:

A valid employment contract (fixed-term, indefinite, part-time, etc.)
Training and language courses to support integration
Adequate housing, compliant with national standards

Housing: A Grey Area

Housing was a contentious point during negotiations. Although companies must provide housing, the definition of “adequate” remains vague. To address this, employers are now required to submit a housing plan that ensures their recruitment does not place undue strain on local housing markets.

Controversies and Pending Adjustments

Several concerns have emerged with the Green Route’s implementation:

No minimum stay requirement: Some employers pushed for a rule to prevent workers from quickly moving to other EU countries, but this was not included in the final agreement.
Tax incentives for housing: A proposed tax exemption for company-provided housing is under consideration for 2025, though not yet active.

A Step Toward Smarter Immigration

Portugal’s Green Route marks a significant evolution in its approach to labour migration. By combining speed with structure and aligning migration with market needs, the country is building a more inclusive and sustainable system.

Still, there’s room for refinement. Defining housing standards and clarifying worker retention strategies will be key to long-term success. With these improvements, the Green Route could become a model of fair and efficient immigration, not just for Portugal, but for Europe as a whole.