Guide: Visas in Portugal. Main differences
Legal framework and types of visas
Law no. 23/2007 of 4 July establishes the legal framework for the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreign nationals from Portuguese territory. Among other matters, it regulates visas for obtaining a residence permit. Abroad, it is possible to apply, among others, for a temporary stay visa and a visa for obtaining a residence permit (residence visa), which serve as the basis for the various residence modalities in Portugal.
The residence visa is a national long-stay visa, usually valid for two entries and for 120 days, during which the holder must apply for the corresponding residence permit with AIMA. Residence permits are divided into temporary and permanent permits, each with specific rules on duration and renewal.
Attention: Visa applications are always submitted in the country of residence, not after entering Portuguese territory.
General conditions for granting residence visas
The granting of residence visas, temporary stay visas, and short-stay visas depends on compliance with the general requirements set out in the Immigration Law. These include, in summary, the absence of entry bans, no serious criminal convictions, and proof of means of subsistence and adequate accommodation.
The law also provides for specific grounds for refusal, such as convictions for crimes punishable in Portugal by imprisonment of more than one year, or multiple convictions carrying a similar penalty.
“Base” residence visa (Article 58)
Article 58 of the Immigration Law establishes the “residence visa” as the framework category for obtaining a residence permit in Portugal. This visa is applied for at the competent Portuguese consulate/authorized service provider in the applicant’s area of residence (abroad) and is suitable for those intending to settle in Portugal for one of the specific purposes provided by law, such as employment, study, highly qualified activity, entrepreneurship, retirement, among others, with a duration longer than 12 months.
The residence visa does not, by itself, grant a definitive right to remain, but it allows entry into Portugal so that, once in national territory, the applicant may request a residence permit from AIMA, provided the specific requirements of the chosen category are met.
Residence visa for employed work (Article 59)
The residence visa for the exercise of subordinate professional activity is intended for foreign nationals who have a job offer or employment contract with an entity established in Portugal. The law links this visa to a system of previously identified and advertised job offers, allowing its issuance up to the limit of such offers, provided all other legal requirements are met.
In practical terms, this visa requires the submission of an employment contract or a promise of employment, proof of the employer’s regular legal status, and, as a rule, registration with Social Security. It is a traditional route to subsequently obtaining a residence permit as an employed worker. From the employer’s side, proof will be required that no suitably qualified professional was found within national territory for the position (protection of the internal labor market and priority for those already residing in Portugal and seeking employment).
Residence visa for self-employed activity and entrepreneurs (Article 60)
Article 60 regulates the residence visa for the exercise of self-employed professional activity or for immigrant entrepreneurs. This visa covers situations such as the provision of services as an independent worker, the incorporation of a company in Portugal, or the making of investments that demonstrate a viable economic plan and adequate resources.
Administrative practice places value on elements such as service provision contracts, contract proposals, partnership agreements, a business plan, proof of financial means, and, where relevant, inclusion in programs such as the “Startup Visa.” This option is particularly suitable for liberal professionals, international freelancers, and investors seeking to structure a business activity in Portugal.
Attention: If the professional activity is regulated by a professional body, prior recognition or licensing of the profession in Portugal will be required (e.g., lawyers, engineers, psychologists, doctors, dentists, osteopaths, etc.).
Residence visa for teaching, highly qualified, or cultural activity (Article 61)
The residence visa provided for in Article 61 is intended for those who will carry out teaching, highly qualified, or cultural activities in Portugal. It covers, for example, university professors, researchers affiliated with higher education institutions, and professionals in cultural fields with a formal contract or invitation.
The Immigration Law has been adjusted over time to transpose European directives relating to highly qualified workers, harmonizing requirements such as academic qualifications, salary level, and the nature of the activity. This route tends to offer greater predictability for academic and scientific profiles with solid institutional backing.
Attention: “HIGHLY QUALIFIED” status is linked either to a list of professions published by the Government as essential to the continued development of the economy or to salary thresholds (requirements established by law on an annual basis).
Residence visa for subordinate highly qualified activity (Article 61-A)
Article 61-A creates a specific type of residence visa for highly qualified activity carried out under an employment relationship. This category responds to the need to attract professionals with a high technical or scientific level, with qualification and remuneration criteria distinct from the general employed work regime.
In practice, this requires an employment contract consistent with highly qualified functions and proportional remuneration, as well as proof of the applicant’s qualifications and professional experience. This route is aligned with the European “Blue Card” regime and talent-attraction policies.
Other relevant residence authorization routes
In addition to typical residence visas, the Immigration Law provides for residence authorization modalities in special situations, such as the residence authorization for investment (known as ARI or the “golden visa”; no longer available through real estate acquisition), regulated in Article 90-A. This regime allows investors to obtain a residence authorization through qualified investments (such as the creation of ten jobs, among others), with specific minimum stay requirements.
There are also residence authorizations linked to situations such as family reunification, students, volunteering, and other special circumstances, which may be combined with the appropriate residence visa or with in-country regularization, depending on the legal prerequisites.
National long-stay visas: an overview
For migration strategy purposes, it is important to clearly distinguish the temporary stay visa (for stays of up to one year) from the residence visa (aimed at settling in Portugal and obtaining a subsequent residence permit; stays longer than one year). Both are national long-stay visas governed by Portuguese law, but only the residence visa is structurally designed to lead to a multi-year residence title.
Applicants should align the visa category with their life project and legal-professional profile—employed work, self-employment/entrepreneurship, highly qualified activity, teaching, or investment, among others. Proper alignment with the law and administrative practice can significantly reduce the risk of refusals and delays in the process.
