PortugalNational visa for obtaining a residence permit (highly qualified work, teaching)

Visa for highly qualified workers in Portugal

A national residence visa for foreign nationals with an employment contract for highly qualified professional activity or teaching. It is intended for professionals whose income meets the set thresholds and allows highly qualified work to be carried out. The visa is valid for a limited period and requires a matching employment contract and evidence of means of subsistence.

Source: Portal Diplomático MNE — Vistos Nacionais, Documentação instrutória: Residência

Who can obtain this visa

The visa is intended for foreign nationals with suitable professional qualifications and a job offer.

Employed professionals

People with an employment contract for highly qualified activity for at least 6 months
Compliance with the salary requirements (1.5 times the average annual salary or 3 IAS)
Holding the required professional qualifications

Teachers and researchers

Third-country nationals invited by an educational or scientific institution
A current contract for teaching or research activity
Evidence of matching qualifications and experience

Candidates who do not qualify

People without an employment contract or an invitation from an institution
People who do not meet the salary thresholds set
Nationals of countries in the EU or the EEA (they should use the national programmes)

When the programme is not a fit

An EU or EEA national

The free movement regime in Europe

No employment contract or invitation

A job-search visa or a visa for another purpose (study, tourism)

Salary below the required threshold

The standard work visa for non-qualified activity (where applicable)

What it costs

Administrative fee for processing the visaThe charge for considering a national visa application	110 EUR
Appeal (if required)The fee for reconsideration where an application is refused (except in family reunification cases)	+75 EUR

Paid separately

Translation of documents — An official translation may be required; the cost depends on the translation agency
Criminal record certificate from a third country — Obtaining the certificate in the country of origin may carry its own charges

Documents to gather

The applicant has to prepare a set of documents evidencing their qualifications, financial position and terms of employment.

A valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended end of the stay)
Two biometric passport-format photographs
A criminal record certificate with a Hague Convention stamp
A medical insurance policy (covering emergencies and repatriation)
An employment contract or letter of invitation for highly qualified activity (at least 6 months)
Evidence of professional qualifications (for regulated professions)
Evidence of means of subsistence
A certificate of recognition of qualifications (if the profession is regulated)

How the process runs

Obtaining the visa involves preparing the documents, filing at the consulate and waiting for the decision.

1
Preparing the documents and the application
1-2 weeks
Collect every required document and complete the national visa application form. Make sure the employment contract is signed and all qualifications are properly documented.
2
Filing at the consular post
1 day
Apply to the Portuguese consulate covering your place of residence and file the full set of documents. Take the notice confirming that the application has been registered.
3
Consideration of the application
60-90 days
The consulate checks the documents and verifies the information with the employer. Further documents may be requested during this period.
4
Receiving the decision
1 day
The consulate decides to approve or refuse the application and either issues the visa or sends a refusal.
5
Arriving in Portugal and registering with AIMA
up to 30 days
Once in Portugal on the visa, register your presence at the local AIMA office (the immigration and border service). There you receive the título de residência (residence card).

Timelines and rights

Work

It permits highly qualified professional activity or teaching.

Who you can bring with you

The applicant's family members can accompany them to Portugal on the basis of family reunification.

Spouse

May accompany the applicant on production of a marriage certificate and documents evidencing that they live together

Children under 18 and children with disabilities

Minor children or adult children lacking legal capacity are included in the visa on production of a birth certificate and evidence of their dependence

Adult children in education

Adult children studying at a Portuguese institution can be included on evidence of student status, up to the maximum age of support

Dependent parents and relatives

Where there is evidence of dependence and of their economic inability to support themselves

Renewal and the grace period

The initial visa is valid for four months. On arriving in Portugal the applicant has to apply to AIMA for the título de residência (residence card), which is valid for two years. After that the permit can be renewed for successive periods of three years, provided the applicant still meets the programme's requirements (keeping the job, paying taxes, having no criminal record).

Frequently asked questions about Visa for highly qualified workers

What minimum salary is required for a highly qualified activity visa?

At least 1.5 times the average annual national salary or three times the social support index (IAS). For certain occupational categories (groups 1-2 of the international classification) the requirement is reduced to 1.2 times the average annual salary or two IAS.

How long is the national visa valid?

The national visa for highly qualified activity is valid for four months with two entries. On arriving in Portugal you have to register with AIMA for the título de residência, valid for two years, which can subsequently be renewed.

What are the requirements on means of subsistence?

Means are calculated from the guaranteed minimum monthly wage (920 euros in the current year): 100 per cent for the first adult, 50 per cent for each further adult and 30 per cent for each child under 18. For people in work the requirements may be reduced or waived if the employer provides suitable guarantees.

Can the family come with the visa holder?

Yes, family members can accompany the applicant, including a spouse, children under 18, adult children with disabilities and in some cases dependent parents. Each family member needs the matching documentation and has to meet the family reunification conditions.

Other ways to move to Portugal

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Portugal.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.