On April 15, 2025, Portugal launched Via Verde, meaning “Green Lane” – a groundbreaking initiative designed to streamline the hiring of foreign workers. The programme introduces a fast-track visa system, reducing processing times and simplifying bureaucratic procedures for employers. It targets critical labour shortages in sectors such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and tourism.

The initiative comes as part of a broader effort by the Portuguese government to attract international talent and support businesses struggling to fill essential roles. With this move, Portugal positions itself as one of the more forward-thinking countries in the European Union regarding labour migration policy.

What Is Via Verde?

Via Verde is a fast-track work visa programme that enables companies to hire foreign workers more efficiently by cutting down visa processing times to just 20 working days. This marks a significant improvement over previous systems, which were often plagued by long delays and bureaucratic backlogs.

How It Works

Employer-driven Process

Unlike previous frameworks, where the burden was often on the individual, Via Verde places responsibility directly on employers. Portuguese companies must initiate the visa process on behalf of the foreign worker, streamlining communication and ensuring that job offers are legitimate and compliant.

Eligibility Requirements for Companies

To participate in the Via Verde programme, companies must meet specific criteria, including:

• Being a member of a business association with at least 30 affiliates, or having a minimum of 150 employees.
• Reporting an annual turnover between €25 million and €250 million.
• Maintaining good standing with tax authorities.
• Holding a valid digital certificate and no outstanding labour infractions.

These safeguards aim to ensure that only reputable employers can access the programme, protecting workers from exploitation and abuse.

Employer Responsibilities

Participating companies are also required to:

• Sign an employment contract with the worker prior to application.
• Provide initial job training, either in Portugal or in the worker’s country of origin.
• Ensure suitable housing is available, meeting specific government-set standards.
• Cover or facilitate the worker’s travel arrangements to Portugal.

These obligations reflect a strong commitment to structured, dignified migration procedure.

Replacing a Troubled System

Via Verde replaces the now-defunct “Expression of Interest” model, which had become bogged down with over 440,000 pending applications. That system often left migrants in legal limbo for months or even years, before their status was resolved.

By eliminating individual-based speculative applications, the new programme ensures that migration is tied directly to economic need and real employment offers. It also provides much-needed relief to government agencies overwhelmed by administrative backlogs.

Impact and Outlook

Via Verde is expected to be a game-changer for Portugal’s labour market. With quicker hiring timelines, businesses can operate more efficiently, while workers benefit from a secure, legal pathway to employment.

The programme is also likely to increase Portugal’s competitiveness in attracting global talent, particularly as other EU nations tighten their immigration rules.

However, much will depend on the implementation and oversight of the system. Key concerns include monitoring employer compliance, ensuring proper living conditions for workers, and maintaining transparency.

A Model for Sustainable Labour Migration

Portugal’s Via Verde programme marks a bold shift in immigration policy – one that embraces both economic pragmatism and human dignity. If successfully implemented, it could serve as a blueprint for other countries grappling with labour shortages and the need for ethical migration practices.

By aligning workforce demand with streamlined, rights-based immigration procedures, Via Verde offers a promising model for sustainable labour migration in the 21st century.