Work and Reside in Portugal with the EU Blue Card
Introduction
Portugal has become an increasingly attractive destination for highly qualified professionals from outside the European Union. With its high quality of life, political stability, competitive cost of living, and growing demand for skilled workers, the country offers excellent conditions for both professional and personal development.
One of the main legal pathways for non-EU nationals with higher qualifications to live and work in Portugal is the EU Blue Card. This residence permit is designed to attract highly skilled professionals and facilitate their integration into the Portuguese and European labour markets.
What Is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a work residence permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals. It is regulated at European level and implemented by individual EU Member States, including Portugal.
The main objective of the EU Blue Card is to:
Address labour shortages in highly qualified sectors
Attract talent from outside the EU
Promote legal migration and professional mobility within the EU
Who Can Apply for the EU Blue Card in Portugal?
To be eligible for an EU Blue Card in Portugal, the applicant must meet specific legal and professional requirements.
1. Nationality & Family Ties
The applicant must be a non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss national.
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The applicant must not be a family member of an EU citizen, in accordance with Law no. 37/2006 of 9 August.
2. Higher Professional Qualifications
The applicant must have:
A higher education degree (usually at least three years in duration), or
If applicable, proven high-level professional experience, depending on the sector and assessment by the authorities
Academic degrees obtained abroad may need to be recognised or validated in Portugal.
3. Employment Contract or Binding Job Offer
A valid employment contract or binding job offer is required, with:
A minimum duration of six months
A role classified as highly qualified
4. Salary Threshold
The offered salary must meet the minimum legal threshold, which is typically:
At least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Portugal, corresponding to EUR 1,775 in 2026.
Application Process
The application process for the EU Blue Card can take place either from abroad or, in certain situations, from within Portugal.
Step 1: Job Offer and Documentation
The process begins with securing a qualifying job offer. The applicant must gather key documents, including:
Valid passport
Employment contract or job offer
Proof of qualifications
Criminal record certificate
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Health insurance
Step 2: Visa Application (If Applying from Abroad)
If the applicant is outside Portugal, they must apply for a residence visa for highly qualified activity at the Portuguese consulate in their country of residence.
Once the visa is granted, the applicant may enter Portugal and complete the residence permit process.
Key Figures and Timeframes
Decision timeframe: 30 working days
Validity: 120 days, allowing two entries in the country
Administrative Costs
Application fee: EUR 90.00 (appx.)
Step 3: Residence Permit Application in Portugal
After arrival, the applicant must submit the EU Blue Card application to the Portuguese immigration authorities (AIMA). This includes biometric data collection and final document verification.
Key Figures and Timeframes
Decision timeframe: up to 60 working days
Validity: Up to 2 years, with the possibility of renewal for a further 3 years
Minimum salary requirement: 1.5 × the Portuguese national minimum wage (currently EUR 1,775)
Administrative Costs
Temporary EU Blue Card: EUR 241,90 (with residence visa) or EUR 384,10 (without prior residence visa)
Renewal: EUR 241,90
Rights and Benefits of the EU Blue Card
Holding an EU Blue Card in Portugal provides several important advantages.
Work, Healthcare, Education Rights & Social Security Protection
Access health, education, social security and public services
Legal employment in a highly qualified role
Protection under Portuguese labour law
Possibility to change employers after a certain period, subject to notification or approval
Family Reunification
EU Blue Card holders benefit from simplified family reunification, allowing close family members to join them in Portugal with the right to work and study from the moment of entry into the country.
Mobility Within the European Union
EU Blue Card holders may:
Travel freely within the Schengen area without a visa
Move to another EU Member State under facilitated conditions
Accumulate residence periods across different countries for long-term EU residence
Pathway to Permanent Residence and Citizenship
Time spent in Portugal under the EU Blue Card counts toward:
Permanent residence
Portuguese nationality
Conclusion
The EU Blue Card is a powerful and strategic option for highly qualified professionals seeking to live and work in Portugal. It combines access to the Portuguese labour market with long-term stability, family rights, and mobility within the European Union.
For individuals and companies alike, the EU Blue Card represents an effective pathway to attract and retain international talent while building a future in Portugal.
This Informative Note is intended for general distribution to clients and the information contained herein is provided as a general and abstract overview. The contents of this Informative Note may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express consent of the author. If you should require further information on this topic, please contact us at info@reispintolaw.com.
