Are you enrolled at a Portuguese higher education institution and wondering, “Can foreign students work with a Portugal TRC?” The short answer is yes, but there are important rules and procedures you need to follow. Whether you plan on working part-time in a café or pursuing a professional internship, understanding your residence card (TRC) conditions is essential. Below, you will learn which students are eligible to work, how many hours you can legally put in, and what steps to take to remain compliant with Portuguese law.
Explore student TRC basics
Your Portuguese Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is your official permit to live in Portugal for the purpose stated on your visa. When you first enter Portugal to study, you typically receive a study-specific TRC. This document entitles you to remain in the country for the duration of your academic program, but there are nuanced differences in what you can do under that student status.
What is a TRC?
A TRC, or Temporary Residence Card, is issued by the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). It identifies you as a legal resident in Portugal for a specified time period. Most student TRCs are valid for one year at a time and can be renewed annually up to the completion of your studies.
- A TRC displays your legal name, date of birth, and type of residency (in this case, student).
- You need to carry it with you as proof of legal residence.
- Certain TRCs allow part-time or full-time work, while others do not.
When you need one
You must have a valid TRC if you plan to remain in Portugal for more than three months. Even if your academic program is shorter, having a TRC is often required for official tasks, such as signing up for health insurance or opening a bank account. If you are a non-EU student, you will also need a TRC to have permission to work under specific conditions.
Know who can work
Apart from the general question “Can foreign students work with a Portugal TRC?”, the rules differ depending on your nationality, the type of education program, and the level of your studies. Secondary school students, volunteers, and unremunerated trainees typically do not have work rights under their TRC. However, university (higher education) students, especially those at the undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral level, tend to benefit from certain work allowances.
Work rules for EU students
If you are from an EU Member State, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you have virtually no restrictions on working in Portugal. You do not need a separate work permit to get a job or an internship. Your right to free movement within the European Economic Area means you can work part-time or full-time without special authorization.
- You still need to register your residence with local authorities if you stay longer than three months.
- Showing proof of enrollment at a Portuguese university is usually enough to confirm your residence status.
Work rules for non-EU students
If you are a non-EU international student, you have additional steps to follow. Your ability to work will hinge on:
- Your higher education TRC specifically mentioning the right to work.
- Your total weekly work hours not exceeding 20 hours during the academic term.
- Full-time employment only during official school breaks, such as summer or winter vacation.
For more detailed guidelines on how your TRC status influences your employment rights, check out portugal trc rules for non eu students. Staying current with these regulations helps you avoid legal pitfalls and ensures you maintain your student privileges throughout your studies.
Follow legal work conditions
Once you confirm that your Portugal TRC allows for some form of employment, you need to pay close attention to additional conditions set by Portuguese law. In most cases, if you are a non-EU student at a higher education institution, you can work part-time during your studies. However, conditions vary based on whether you are in a specialized internship, an EU mobility program, or a recognized volunteer opportunity.
The 20-hour rule
Under Portuguese regulations, the default limit for non-EU students is 20 working hours per week. This is a critical benchmark. Employers may ask to see your TRC or confirm your student status to ensure they are hiring you legally.
- If you exceed 20 hours during the academic period, you risk violating the immigration terms tied to your TRC.
- Your faculty workload may also prohibit full-time work, so be realistic about what you can handle while studying.
You can generally work:
- Up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester.
- Full-time (40 hours per week or potentially even more, depending on local labor law) during official holiday breaks.
Full-time work during breaks
Official academic holidays, including summer vacation, winter break, and spring recess, allow you to pick up more hours and potentially save money for the following semester. During these times, employers can offer you standard or even overtime shifts, because the law typically permits full-time work for student TRC holders on official breaks.
- Always check your school calendar or consult with your international student office to clarify which dates are recognized as official breaks.
- Keep all your pay slips and work contracts organized, just in case the SEF requires any proof of lawful employment during these periods.
Obtain authorization for EU mobility
Some foreign students arrive in Portugal under an EU mobility program. This can be an exchange initiative, a multilateral university agreement, or a recognized volunteer project. In such cases, certain allowances to work come with extra administrative steps.
Notification to SEF
If you plan to work under an EU program that includes mobility to Portugal, you must notify the SEF at least 30 days before you start your job. This applies to any professional activity you undertake while still enrolled in studies or conducting research. The notification generally involves:
- Submitting a formal request, often online or via an in-person appointment.
- Including documentation showing your admission into the EU mobility or multilateral program.
- Confirming you have paid tuition fees for the duration of your stay.
Paying the required fee
A 25 € fee typically applies when you notify the SEF of your intent to work under an EU mobility arrangement. Although the sum is modest, it is an important legal formality. Make sure you keep the receipt or the bank confirmation of your payment. You want to prove you followed the correct procedure in case any questions arise later.
Extend or renew your TRC
Your TRC for studies will expire at the end of each academic year, or once you complete your program. In many instances, you will need to complete a renewal process if you plan on continuing your studies or transitioning to work.
Post-study work permit
If you are about to complete your degree in Portugal and would like to continue working, you will need a new or modified residence permit. The standard student TRC does not automatically allow you to remain as a worker after you graduate. Instead, you must apply for a separate permit that grants you employment rights or self-employment capabilities.
- This might mean switching to a category-specific TRC, such as one for skilled professionals.
- Alternatively, you can apply for the Skilled Job Seeker Visa if you have specialized experience or technical skills.
You can learn more about the process for changing your status from student to employed by visiting how to get a portugal trc after student visa. This guide can help you understand potential timelines, required documents, and best practices for a smooth transition.
Renewal documentation
When renewing your TRC as a student who plans to continue working part-time:
- Be prepared to show proof of enrollment for the next academic term.
- Provide evidence of passing grades if the SEF or your institution requires academic progress checks.
- Collect and organize any additional documents, such as rental contracts or proof of financial means.
For a more in-depth approach to renewal procedures, you can check out the complete guide to portugal trc renewal 2025. That resource covers common renewal issues, updated legal guidelines, and key deadlines you do not want to miss.
Use these practical tips
Balancing a job with your studies can be challenging, but many international students in Portugal enjoy both an enriching academic experience and part-time work. Here are some tips to keep you on track.
Find the right job
- Look for sectors that accommodate part-time student shifts, such as hospitality, retail, language tutoring, or freelance assignments.
- Talk to your university’s career services for job fairs or on-campus opportunities.
- Networking with fellow students or professors can lead to unexpected openings.
Balance studies and work
- Aim to schedule your shifts around crucial lectures or lab sessions so you do not sacrifice academic performance.
- Consider flexible or remote work if your course load is especially heavy.
- Maintain open communication with your employer about exam weeks or study obligations.
Avoid common mistakes
- Do not exceed 20 hours a week during the semester if your permit restricts you. Overstepping can lead to complications with SEF.
- Do not forget to renew your TRC in time. If your card expires, you may not be allowed to work until you have a valid permit again. For more details, see portugal trc legal rights and responsibilities.
- Keep your employer informed about your permitted work hours. In Portugal, employers may be required to inform authorities of your employment, ensuring compliance with visa regulations.
Final thoughts and next steps
As an international student, you can likely hold a part-time job and gain valuable work experience in Portugal, provided you comply with the terms of your TRC and immigration guidelines. If you are from the EU, you face no particular barriers to working. Non-EU students in higher education generally can work up to 20 hours weekly during classes and full-time over official school breaks.
If you plan on staying in Portugal for a longer period after graduation, you will need to convert your status from student to worker or self-employed resident. Give yourself ample time to gather the required paperwork, notify the SEF, and adjust your legal status accordingly. A tailored TRC that explicitly allows you to work as an employee or entrepreneur is key to avoiding any gaps in your work rights.
Above all, follow the rules, stay organized, and stay in touch with university resources and legal authorities. With proper planning, holding a study-focused TRC does not have to prevent you from building up work experience or supplementing your income. By respecting the 20-hour limit during the semester, notifying SEF when required, and applying for renewal or post-study permits on time, you will maintain a smooth legal pathway throughout your academic journey in Portugal.
