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PortugalWork permitsLast checked October 16, 2026

Residence visa and residence permit for highly qualified activity (art. 61/61-A and art. 90) and EU Blue Card

art. 121-A

Portugal issues a residence visa (often called D3) for highly qualified activity, followed by a residence permit from AIMA. Applicants for highly qualified employed work need a contract or promise of at least six months with pay of at least 1.5 times the national average gross salary (or 3 times the IAS), or a lower 1.2 times threshold for listed shortage occupations. The EU Blue Card is a separate AIMA permit with similar salary rules.

See requirements ↓

Life in Portugal

Money

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

65

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

12.5–48%

Income tax (national)

VAT 23%

Nine brackets from 12.5% up to EUR 8,342 to 48% above EUR 86,634 (Lei 73-A/2025).

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.0

#67 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Non-EU professionals with high qualifications who have a work contract or promise, an invitation from a higher education or research institution, or a statement from a certified company in Portugal.

Eligibility

  • Contract or host documentArt. 61 highly qualified activity

    Show one of three documents for highly qualified, teaching or cultural activity.

    • Work contract, work promise or service contract
    • Invitation from a higher education, training or research institution
    • Statement of responsibility from a certified company
    Official wording

    For highly qualified, teaching or cultural activity: a work contract, work promise or service contract; or an invitation from a higher education, training or research institution; or a statement of responsibility from a certified company.

  • Salary threshold for highly qualified employed workArt. 61-A subordinate highly qualified activity

    You need a contract or promise of at least six months with pay above a set threshold.

    Minimum pay for highly qualified employed work

    Monthly pay (AIMA)per month, 2023 values
    EUR 2,157.00
    Option 1
    1.5 times national average gross annual salary
    Option 2social support index
    3 times the IAS
    Official wording

    A contract or promise of at least six months with pay of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary, or three times the IAS (social support index). AIMA states this as EUR 2,157.00 per month using 2023 reference values.

  • Lower threshold for shortage occupationsArt. 61-A / Blue Card shortage occupations

    For listed shortage occupations, a lower pay threshold applies.

    Lower minimum pay for shortage occupations

    1.2 times average salaryper month per AIMA
    EUR 1,725.60
    2 times the IASper month
    EUR 1,018.52
    • Applies to ISCO major groups 1 and 2 listed as particularly needed
    Official wording

    For ISCO major groups 1 and 2 listed as particularly needed, the threshold is 1.2 times the average gross salary (EUR 1,725.60 per month per AIMA) or two times the IAS (EUR 1,018.52 per month).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementProfessional qualification
  • Document checklistNational visa application form and 2 passport photos
  • FeesNational visa processing fee

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  • 14 documents
  • 2 fees
  • 8 steps
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