How to Work and Immigrate to Portugal as a Doctor? Medical License Exam

Portugal, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery, attracts professionals seeking career advancement and a high standard of living. Thus, doctors considering emigration to Portugal have a favorable environment for professional and personal growth. This blog tackles “How can foreign-trained doctors become a doctor in Portugal?”, opportunities, and the easiest method to immigrate to Portugal as a doctor.

How to Immigrate to Portugal as a Doctor?

How to work as a doctor in Portugal? You can adhere to the general steps listed below to start working as a doctor in Portugal:

1. Check Eligibility
2. Recognize Your Qualifications
3. Find Employment
4. Obtain a Visa
5. Work Permit
6. Register with Ordem dos Médicos to Get a Portuguese Medical License
7. Residence Permit
8. Settle in Portugal

Step 1. Check Eligibility

To become a doctor in Portugal, first ensure that you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A valid medical degree from a recognized university is required. You should meet the standards set by the Portuguese government for medical professionals. Aside from that, show proof of experience, professional licensing, and specialization or residency.
• It’s important to know Portuguese. For proof of your language skills, you may have to take a test, like the Portuguese Language Test for Health Professionals (Provas de Comunicação Médica).
• Being a medical practitioner means being ethical and professional. Your eligibility may be affected by disciplinary actions or malpractice claims.
• If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need the appropriate visa and work permit.
• Demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing. There’s a chance you’ll have to prove you’re continuing your education.
• Portugal requires adequate medical malpractice insurance. Various health insurance plans are available through private companies like Medis, Multicare, and AdvanceCare.

Step 2. Recognize Your Qualifications

To immigrate to Portugal as a doctor, your medical degree must be recognized. If you earned your medical degree outside the EU or EEA, follow these steps usually:

1. Contact the Ordem dos Médicos (Portuguese Medical Association). They can advise on submission requirements and documentation.
2. You may need to submit medical school transcripts, diplomas, and other documents. Make sure these documents are translated.
3. If Portuguese authorities don’t recognize your medical school, contact your school for official documents to prove its accreditation.
4. The Ordem dos Médicos will assess your documents and qualifications for Portuguese compliance. Be patient.
5. Submit the recognition application and pay any fees. For current fees, consult the Ordem dos Médicos.
6. If your qualifications fall short of Portuguese Medical Association standards, you may need additional courses.
7. After qualifying, the Ordem dos Médicos will issue a certificate. This certificate is essential for a Portuguese medical license and practice.

Step 3. Find Employment

To immigrate to Portugal as a doctor, find a job offer. It will simplify the process of getting a visa. Use Sapo Emprego, Expresso Emprego, or LinkedIn to find healthcare jobs in Portugal. Explore hospital, clinic, and healthcare jobs. Check the contract for details on your role, working hours, salary, benefits, and other expectations before accepting a job. You must understand your employment terms and conditions before accepting the job.

Step 4. Obtain a Visa

Foreign doctors in Portugal must go through these steps to get a doctor’s work visa in Portugal:

1. Doctors usually apply for work or residence visas for skilled professionals. Ask the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country for advice.
2. Collect your passport, job offer and contract, proof of accommodation in Portugal, and proof of financial support.
3. Fill out the visa application. Your country’s Portuguese embassy or consulate website usually has this form.
4. Visa application fees vary by type. Check the current fee with the embassy or consulate.
5. Send your visa application and documents to the Portuguese embassy in your country. Include a self-addressed, prepaid envelope for document return.
6. You may need to provide biometric fingerprints and photos and attend an embassy or consulate interview. Prepare to discuss your qualifications, work plans, and Portugal goals.
7. It’s important to apply for a visa early because processing times vary.
8. If your visa is approved and issued, the embassy will notify you. They’ll attach a visa sticker to your passport.

Step 5. Work Permit

To immigrate to Portugal as a doctor, you need a work permit. Work permits in Portugal require several steps:

1. Your employer must request work authorization from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. Your employment contract and other documents are needed to support your application.
2. Provide a copy of your passport, visa, and professional qualifications.
3. You may need biometric fingerprints and a photo at a local SEF office.
4. Application processing by the SEF can take weeks. Apply early for your desired start date.
5. Your employer will be notified after work permit approval.
6. SEF will notify you and your employer when the work permit is ready.
7. Work permits can be obtained from the SEF by you or your employer.
8. You can legally work in Portugal with a work permit.

Step 6. Register with Ordem dos Médicos to Get a Portuguese Medical License

How do I register as a doctor in Portugal? In Portugal, you must register with the Ordem dos Médicos (Portuguese Medical Association) for getting a medical license in Portugal.

1. Ask the Ordem dos Médicos about registration. They will advise and document.
2. Fill out the Ordem dos Médicos registration form.
3. The Ordem dos Médicos may require a copy of your medical degree, proof of professional licensing, identification, and other documents.
4. Send your completed application and documents to the Ordem dos Médicos.
5. The Ordem dos Médicos will review your application and documents to ensure compliance.
6. Register and pay any fees.
7. The Ordem dos Médicos will notify you of your registration approval.
8. After approval, you will join the Ordem dos Médicos and receive a Portuguese medical license.

Step 7. Residence Permit

Temporary visa holders must apply for a residence permit within the first few months after they immigrate to Portugal as a doctor. Follow these steps to get a Portuguese residence permit:

1. You must enter Portugal within your temporary visa’s validity.
2. Visit the nearest Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) office within a few months of arrival. If needed, make an appointment.
3. Apply for a residence permit at SEF offices.
4. Prepare a passport, visa, proof of housing, evidence of financial support, and a certificate of no criminal record from your home country.
5. You may need to provide fingerprints and a photo at the SEF office.
6. Payment of the residence permit processing fee varies by type.
7. Application processing by the SEF can take weeks.
8. If your residence permit is approved, the SEF will notify you.
9. You or your legal representative can get the residence permit from SEF.
10. Know your residence permit expiration date and renew early if needed.

Step 8. Settle in Portugal

You can immigrate to Portugal as a doctor with a visa, work permit, and professional credentials. When you’re a doctor in Portugal, you’ve got to:

• Find a place to live.
• Ensure you’re registered with your local health system or have private coverage.
• Get an account at a local bank.
• Make sure you have a Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).
• Make sure you have the right visa, residence permit, and credentials.
• Understand local customs and improve your Portuguese.
• Make connections on a professional and social level.
• School enrollment is important for your children.
• Ensure that essential utilities are set up.
• If necessary, obtain a driver’s license and learn about local transportation options.
• A healthcare facility, a bank, or a supermarket can be found nearby.
• Legal and immigration advice should be sought from an expert.