With its advantageous tax incentives, excellent healthcare, and more reasonable cost of living compared to its neighbors in Western Europe, Portugal offers a great destination to work and live in. Whether you are planning to work, start a business, or incorporate your company in Portugal, it is important to know which visa type you need, what documents you must prepare, and how to apply for it. Below we look at the various types of visas in Portugal.
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1. Portugal Work Visa
Work visas are categorized based on the amount of time you will be staying in Portugal as well as your profession. You will either need a temporary stay visa or a residency visa. This type of visa is applicable for non-European Union (EU) citizens.
- A temporary stay visa is required for people looking to work in Portugal for less than one year. Employment purposes include those doing independent or freelance work, amateur sports activities, seasonal work, or short-term scientific research. For the complete list of work visa types, you may visit the official site of Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This kind of visa is valid for your entire stay in Portugal, and it allows for multiple entries into the country.
- The residency visa, on the other hand, is for people who will be working in the country for more than a period of 1 year. Entrepreneurs, higher education teachers, and some professional activities are covered by this visa. It is valid for four months and allows for two entries into the country. During that time, the holder will be required to obtain a residency permit, which is a temporary permit (usually valid for one year) that allows non-EU nationals to work and live in Portugal.
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EU Blue Card
One can secure an EU Blue Card if he or she is considered a highly qualified worker from a non-EU country. It includes having higher education, a valid one-year work contract, and a gross annual salary that is at least 1 and a half times the national average in Portugal.
Work Visa Requirements
- Official visa form, which can be acquired from Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
- A valid passport
- Two passport-sized photos
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay
- Criminal records from both home country and any country you have stayed in for more than one year
- Document that permits the Portuguese Immigration and Border Services to check your criminal records
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Additional Requirements for Contracted Workers
- Contract from your employer
- A declaration issued by the Portuguese Employment and Training Institute
- A professional certificate when such a profession is regulated in Portugal (for example: In pharmaceutical work, a pharmaceutical license is required.)
- When funds needed for sustenance are obtained through work, a document such as a “Work Contract Promise” should be taken into consideration
- Proof of subsistence can be obtained through a statement of responsibility from the employers of the applicant. This is a document from your employer indicating that you will be given enough compensation to live in Portugal.
Additional Requirements for Teaching Work, Highly Qualified Work, and Cultural Work Visa
- Work contract
- Invitation from a higher education institution or training institution
- Statement of responsibility from a certified company
- Invitation from a company or institute regarding relevant cultural activity within Portuguese territory
- Invitation from a research institute
2. Portugal Business Visa
The Schengen Business Visa is a type of visa or short-term permit that is valid for no longer than 90 days. This visa allows the holder to enter Portugal and conduct business-related activities. It can be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry permit.
Business Visa Requirements
- Round trip flight bookings
- Proof of occupation – such as a business license
- Financial documents – such as an income tax return, bank statements, etc.
- Invitation letter from Portuguese company you will be conducting business with
- An introduction letter from the sending company
3. Startup Visa
Meanwhile, there is also a special Startup Visa for entrepreneurs from non-EU countries with a registered business. To qualify, the business must meet the following requirements:
- Generate at least EURO 325,000 per year for five years
- Be focused on technology
- Create new jobs in the country
4. Golden Visa Portugal
For non-EU investors, the Golden Visa offers a faster way to obtain a residence permit in Portugal and various benefits. However, it involves a significant investment in any of the following:
- Buy a property in Portugal worth at least EURO 500,000
- Start a company that would create at least 10 positions
- Invest of at least EURO 250,000 – 500,000 in scientific research, arts and culture, or small- and medium-sized businesses
How to Apply for a Portugal Visa
The application process per country would differ. As such, it is important to double-check how to apply for your visa at the Portugal embassy, consulate, or visa center in your country.
Employment
- Secure a job offer from a company in Portugal.
- If the employment is longer than three months, your employer should apply for your work permit from the Portuguese Labor Authorities before you travel to the country.
- After getting your work permit, apply for a work visa.
**Depending on the length of your employment, you may need to apply for a residence permit.
Business
As each type of business will have its specific requirements and processes, make sure you prepare all the required documents. Then, submit them to the official department or office that is in charge of processing the application.INS Global in Portugal
INS Global in Portugal
Having helped more than 600 companies from around the globe, INS Global can assist with all your international expansion needs. Whether you are looking to hire and pay staff in Portugal, or recruit top talent in the region, our experts can give you the help you need. Get in touch with us today and let us simplify doing business in in Portugal for you.
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