Portugal Visa Appointments Cancelled: What You Need to Know and What to Do Next

If you searched “Portugal visa appointments cancelled” and landed here, you’re not alone. Thousands of people just like you had their Portugal work-seeking visa appointments suddenly cancelled, leaving everyone scrambling for answers. At Navigate Migrate, we know how stressful immigration changes can be—and we’re here to guide you through every twist and turn.

Why Were Portugal Work Visa Appointments Suddenly Cancelled?

On October 23, 2025, Portugal announced that all pending and future work-seeking visa appointments were cancelled right away. This change happened because of Law No. 61/2025, which updates Portugal’s immigration system for job seekers.

The old Portugal job seeker visa, which let you enter Portugal, look for work, and travel in the Schengen Area, is no longer available. Portugal plans to introduce a new “highly skilled work-seeking visa,” but the rules have not been set yet, so applications are not currently open.

If you’re asking, “Why was my Portugal work visa appointment cancelled?” it’s because the law changed and your appointment was automatically cancelled. You do not need to cancel it yourself.

What Has Changed with the Portugal Work-Seeking Visa?

Here’s a summary of the changes:

The old job-seeker visa was open to most foreigners with basic funds, valid for 120 days with a possible 60-day renewal, and allowed travel in the Schengen Area.
The new visa will be available only to people with “specialized technical competencies” (details will be announced soon). It will be valid only in Portugal and will have stricter rules. If you do not find work in 120 days, you must leave the country and wait a year before you can apply again.

Another important update: The “Manifestation of Interest” route, which lets you regularize your status after finding work in Portugal, will end on December 31, 2025. If you are using this option, you need to finish your application before that date.

What Should You Do Next?

If your Portugal visa appointment was cancelled, you do not need to do anything to cancel it. Watch reliable sources like the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and AIMA for updates about when the new skilled visa will be available.
If you applied before October 23, contact the Portuguese consulate where you applied to check if your application is still being reviewed or is pending. Unfortunately, visa fees are usually non-refundable, even in these situations.

What Are Your Alternatives Now?

The good news is that Portugal still offers other visa options you might qualify for:

D8 Digital Nomad Visa: If you’re a remote worker making at least €3,548/month.
D7 Passive Income Visa: For those with stable passive incomes (minimum €870/month).
D2 Entrepreneur Visa: For entrepreneurs and business owners.
D3 Highly Qualified Professionals Visa: If you already have a job offer in Portugal.
Golden Visa: For investors ready to make a significant financial commitment.

Alternatively, you may also want to consider other EU countries. Germany’s Chancenkarte lets job seekers stay and look for work for up to a year. Spain and the Netherlands also offer good options, especially for graduates and skilled professionals.

If you feel overwhelmed by the news about cancelled Portugal visa appointments, you are not alone. At Navigate Migrate, we have helped many clients adjust their immigration plans when laws change. We will listen to your goals, check your eligibility for all available visas in Portugal and the EU, and handle the paperwork so you can focus on your future.

Your European Dream Is Still Within Reach with Navigate Migrate

Let’s turn this setback into a new opportunity. Book your free consultation with Navigate Migrate today. Our highly qualified immigration professionals are here to answer your questions, offer honest advice, and help you take the next step, wherever your journey leads.

Ready to get started? Contact us now and let’s help make your European dream a reality.