Engineers, technology professionals, management staff, data science specialists, doctors — Portugal is welcoming ever more highly qualified professionals from all over the world. The visa specific to this category offers a privileged route of entry.
Who this visa is for
The Highly Qualified Activity Visa is intended for nationals of third countries who come to work for a Portuguese company under a qualified employment contract — that is, one with a salary and qualifications above certain thresholds.
It is the right route for anyone who already has a job offer in Portugal or is in the process of negotiating with a Portuguese company.
Fundamental requirements
The three pillars of this visa are:
Employment contract
You must present an employment contract or a promise of a contract with a minimum duration of six months. In some cases, the promise of a contract is already sufficient to begin the application.
Minimum remuneration
The salary must be at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary — or, alternatively, three times the value of the Social Support Index (IAS). The exact figure should be checked at the time of the application, as the indices are updated annually.
Suitable qualifications
- For regulated professions (doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.): high professional qualification recognised by the relevant Portuguese professional body is required;
- For unregulated professions: proof of high qualifications suited to the activity is required (a degree, master’s, or demonstrable equivalent professional experience).
How the process works
- A Portuguese company issues a proposed employment contract;
- The candidate gathers documentation (qualifications, contract, passport);
- Visa application at the competent Portuguese consulate in the country of origin;
- Following approval, entry into Portugal and application for a residence permit with AIMA.
Family
As with the other residence visas, the holder may exercise the right to family reunification after obtaining the residence permit in Portugal.
Why companies prefer this route
For Portuguese companies, this scheme makes international recruitment easier without the more complex procedures associated with other types of visa. For the professional, it offers clear legal stability: the status is directly linked to the employment contract with an established entity.
This scheme is also the main route for professionals wishing to come to Portugal as part of intra-company transfers or the expansion projects of multinational companies.
This publication is of a general informative nature. For analysis of a specific case, we recommend specialist legal advice.