PortugalA programme for simplified hiring of highly qualified foreign nationals

Certification for technology companies in Portugal

The Tech Visa is a certification programme for technology and innovation companies, allowing visas and residence permits to be issued to highly qualified foreign nationals who will work at the certified organisations. The programme is designed to simplify access for qualified specialists from outside the European Union to jobs at Portuguese companies operating in the global market. It is not a separate type of visa but a certification programme for employer companies, whose staff file documents through the standard channel for the visa for highly qualified activity. The process is run jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the IAPMEI institute.

Threshold

The consular fee for a national visa is 110 euros.

Processing time

The consulate decides on a residence visa within 60 days.

Source: Portal Diplomático MNE — Tech Visa

Who the Tech Visa programme suits

The Tech Visa is intended for highly qualified foreign nationals hired by certified technology companies, and for the companies themselves that want to attract qualified talent from abroad.

For visa applicants

Highly qualified third-country nationals (from outside the EU)
Specialists with professional skills in the technology field
People who have received an offer letter from a certified company with a salary of at least 1.5 times the national average or three times the social support index

For employer companies

Technology and innovation companies operating in the global market
Organisations wishing to obtain IAPMEI certification under the Tech Visa programme
Companies that hire highly qualified specialists from third countries and are looking for a simplified hiring process

For family members

The applicant's spouse or registered partner
Minor or economically dependent children
Family members who need confirmation of financial support from the main applicant

When the programme is not a fit

The company is not a technology or innovation company

Apply for a standard employment residence visa without certification

The applicant is a national of the EU or of a Portuguese-speaking country

Use free movement rights or the other regimes provided for

The applicant's salary is below the set minimum for high qualification

Consider other types of residence visa (student, family reunification, entrepreneur)

The company has not obtained, and does not plan to obtain, IAPMEI certification

Apply through the ordinary hiring process for a national residence visa

Documents to gather

The documents are filed through the channel for the visa for highly qualified employed activity (atividade altamente qualificada exercida por trabalhador subordinado). The full pack of general documents, plus documents on the job and qualifications.

A completed visa application form (Requerimento em modelo próprio), signed by the applicant
Two passport-format photographs (35×45 mm)
A valid passport (valid for at least three months beyond the expiry of the visa)
A medical insurance policy covering the cost of care and emergency hospitalisation
A criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin, with a Hague Convention apostille
An employment contract or a job offer letter for at least six months from a Portuguese company
Evidence of an annual income of at least 1.5 times the national average gross income or 3 × the social support index (IAS); for occupations in CITP groups 1 and 2 — 1.2 × the average income or 2 × IAS
Documents evidencing high professional qualifications in accordance with Law no. 9/2009 (for regulated professions — recognition of qualifications)
Evidence of sufficient means to live in Portugal

How the process runs

The process involves preparing the documents, checking the employer company's certification, filing at the consulate and receiving the visa to enter Portugal.

1
The company obtains IAPMEI certification under the Tech Visa programme
The timelines are set by IAPMEI and are not stated on the consular visa website
The employer files documents with IAPMEI on the technological and innovative character of the company and its work in the global market. Once approved, the company obtains the status of a participant in the Tech Visa programme.
2
The applicant and the employer prepare the documents
2-4 weeks
All the required documents are collected: passport, employment contract, evidence of income, criminal record certificate, evidence of qualifications. The employer prepares the offer letter stating the salary and the terms of employment.
3
Filing the application at the consulate
One working day
The applicant files the full pack of documents at the Portuguese consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence. The consular fee of 110 euros is paid. The consulate registers the application and assigns a case number.
4
Consideration of the application by the consulate
60 days
The consulate checks that the documents are complete and genuine, that the income and qualification requirements are met, and the status of the company's certification. The consul may request further certificates or clarifications.
5
Receiving the decision and the visa
1-3 days after the decision
If the decision is positive the consul issues the national residence visa. The visa is valid for two entries to Portugal and for four months.
6
Entering Portugal and applying to AIMA
Within four months of entry
The applicant enters Portugal on the visa issued and, within the four-month period, applies to AIMA (the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) for a residence permit. Once the application has been considered, the title recording residence is issued.

Who you can bring with you

Family members of the main applicant can accompany them on the same residence visa if they evidence financial support and prepare the required documents.

Spouse or registered partner

Has to provide a marriage certificate or registration of the partnership. No separate employment contract is required, as they rely on financial support from the main applicant.

Minor or economically dependent children (including adopted children)

Under 18, or older with evidence of economic dependence (a student, a disabled person). A birth certificate and a guardianship document are required.

Adult unmarried children studying in Portugal and dependent on the main applicant

Confirmation of enrolment at a Portuguese educational institution and documents on financial dependence on the main applicant are required.

The partner's children (including from previous relationships)

Minor or dependent children of a de facto partner can be included where there are guardianship documents and evidence of financial support.

Renewal and the grace period

The residence visa is valid for two entries over four months. Within that period the applicant has to apply to AIMA for a residence permit. The residence permit issued by AIMA has its own period of validity and renewal procedure, which are set by Portuguese law and administered by AIMA, not by the consulate.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to citizenship

From 19 May 2026 naturalisation is applied for after 10 years of lawful residence, and after 7 years for nationals of the EU and of Portuguese-speaking countries.

Frequently asked questions about Certification for technology companies

What is the Tech Visa, and how does it differ from other visas?

The Tech Visa is a certification programme for technology and innovation companies, not a separate type of visa. That means the employer company obtains a special status through IAPMEI, while the applicant files documents through the standard channel for the visa for highly qualified employed activity (atividade altamente qualificada). The advantage is that a certified company can more easily attract qualified specialists from outside the EU.

How long can I stay in Portugal on the residence visa?

The residence visa is valid for two entries to Portugal and for four months. Within that four-month period you have to apply to AIMA for a residence permit. Once approved, the residence permit is issued for a longer period, set by law and by the type of your residence.

How long does the consulate take to consider the visa application?

The consulate decides on a residence visa application within 60 days of filing, unless the law provides otherwise. That period does not include the time taken to remedy shortcomings in the documents or to request further information.

What is the minimum salary for high qualification under the Tech Visa programme?

The minimum annual salary has to be at least 1.5 times Portugal's national average gross income, or the equivalent of three times the social support index (IAS). For certain occupations (groups 1 and 2 of the International Standard Classification of Occupations, CITP) a lower threshold applies: 1.2 times the national average salary or 2 times the IAS.

What fee is charged for the national residence visa?

The consular fee for a national residence visa is 110 euros. It is a fixed fee and is not refunded even if the consulate rejects the application. Some categories, such as senior researchers, may be exempt from the fee, but as a rule it applies to all applicants for a residence visa.

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.