Travel to Portugal for work

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This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Portugal’s immigration authorities or embassy in the UK.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Portugal to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Portugal is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.

The Portuguese authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Portugal’s immigration authorities or embassy before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Portugal. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Portugal’s immigration authorities or embassy in the UK.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

Translated to Portuguese by a Sworn Translator
‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarised and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and afterwards, by the Portuguese Consulate with jurisdiction over the document’s issuance state
originals, or if copies are acceptable
signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Portugal, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Portugal’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Portugal for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. These activities can include:

attending business and sales meetings
running or attending job interviews
buying goods for sale outside the country
attending a trade show, seminar or convention
searching for new suppliers
negotiating and signing contracts
touring a company facility
team building activities
attending court as a witness

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
health insurance that covers your entire stay
proof of accommodation for your entire stay
enough money for the duration of your trip
an invitation letter that explains your trip

Check Portugal’s exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

Portugal does not have any exemptions. However, if you have an EU intra-company transfer permit (EU ICT) from another country you can work for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You will not need a Portuguese visa or permit.

You must notify Portugal’s immigration office (AIMA) at geral@aima.gov.pt within 3 business days of arriving if you’re coming from an EU country.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show your EU ICT permit to the authorities to prove that you’re exempt.

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Portuguese immigration authorities or embassy.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Portugal’s immigration authorities or embassy.

Taking your family

Your family will not be able to apply for dependant permits for short trips. They may be able to visit you under the Schengen visa waiver.

Families will be able to join you with the longer-term residence permits listed in this guide. Find out about family reunification.

Short and long-term visas and permits

You need a temporary stay visa if you’re in Portugal because you’re:

You also need one if you’re providing any of the following services in Portugal for up to 1 year:

seasonal work
independent work
highly qualified activity
working remotely
teaching
amateur sports activity
conducting research work

You need to apply for a longer-term residence permit if you’re in Portugal for more than 1 year because you’re:

You will usually need to apply for a residence visa before travelling. This is valid for 4 months. You can apply for a longer-term residence permit once you’re in Portugal.

Temporary stay visa for short-term work

To qualify for a temporary stay visa you must:

keep your UK employment contract if you’re transferring, or have a Portuguese employment contract or offer of employment
have been employed by your UK employer for at least 1 year if you’re being transferred
be on UK or Portuguese payroll and earn at least the national minimum wage of Portugal
have relevant professional experience

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a temporary stay visa application to the Portuguese consulate.
You can travel to Portugal once your visa has been issued.
You register with Portugal’s social security and tax departments.

A temporary stay visa can take up to 30 days to get. It’s valid for the duration of your contract or assignment or for up to 1 year.

Application documents

Portugal’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed visa application form
UK passport, valid for 3 months after the date you intend to leave Portugal
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
diploma or qualification certificate
CV
work contract or service agreement for temporary work activity, if applicable
a document issued by the sports federation certifying the amateur sports activity, if working in sports
police clearance certificate (get a UK police certificate)
proof you can support yourself financially (having a salary of at least 820 euros a month)
proof of accommodation, such as an apartment or hotel booking
proof of travel itinerary or return tickets
proof of travel health insurance of up to 30,000 euros, including urgent medical assistance and repatriation costs

Transferring long term to a branch in Portugal

You need an intra-corporate transfer (ICT) residence permit if your UK-based company moves you to a Portuguese branch to work for:

up to 3 years if you’re a manager or a specialist
1 year if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

be a manager, specialist or trainee
have relevant qualifications and work experience, if you’re a manager or a specialist
have a bachelor’s level degree, if you’re a trainee
have worked for the UK company for at least 3 continuous months in the 12 months prior to the transfer date to Portugal
keep your UK employment contract
stay on UK payroll

An ICT permit can take up to 90 days to get. It’s valid for the duration of the assignment, or for up to 1 year. Managers and specialists can extend it for up to 3 years.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a residence visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
You book an appointment with VFS in Portugal.
You register with the social security and tax departments.
You submit an ICT residence permit application at AIMA in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed permit application form
UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
diploma or qualification certificate
CV
proof that Portuguese legal conditions are being met for a regulated profession
proof that the UK and Portuguese companies belong to the same group of companies
proof of employment with the UK company for a minimum of 3 months prior to transfer
signed employment contract with your UK employer stating that you’re a manager, specialist or trainee
signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
guarantee from the company in Portugal that it complies with Portuguese labour laws related to pay and working conditions
proof you can support yourself financially
proof of accommodation – for rentals you need proof that it’s been registered with the tax department
proof of health insurance
police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
permission for AIMA to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying

Working for a company in Portugal on a long-term Portuguese contract

You need one of these residence permits if you’ve been offered a contract by a company in Portugal:

You can work while you’re waiting for a decision on your residence permit.

EU Blue Card residence permit

To qualify for an EU Blue Card residence permit you must:

have an employment contract from a Portuguese company for at least 1 year
have relevant higher professional qualifications or at least 5 years experience in the occupation or sector
have a professional certificate for regulated professions in Portugal
meet minimum salary requirements – check with the authorities on the expected amount as it may change over time
be placed on Portugal’s payroll

An EU Blue Card can take up to 2 months to get. It’s valid for the duration of the employment contract, or for up to 2 years. You can extend it for up to 3 years at a time.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a residence visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
You book an appointment with VFS in Portugal.
You register with Portugal’s social security and tax departments.
You submit an EU Blue Card residence permit application at AIMA in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed EU Blue Card application form
valid UK passport
diploma or qualification certificate
signed employment contract
proof you can support yourself financially
proof of accommodation – for rentals you need proof that it’s been registered with the tax department
proof of health insurance
police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
permission for AIMA to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying
proof of registration with the tax and social security authorities

Residence permit for highly qualified activity

To qualify for a residence permit for highly qualified activity you must:

have an employment contract or a service agreement from a Portuguese company
have a professional certificate for regulated professions in Portugal, if applicable
have relevant higher professional qualifications in the occupation or sector
meet minimum salary requirements – check with the authorities on the expected amount as it may change over time

This also includes those working under the Tech Visa program.

The residence permit for highly qualified activity can take up to 90 days to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for up to 3 years at a time. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a residence visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
You book an appointment with VFS in Portugal.
You register with the social security and tax departments.
You submit a residence permit application at AIMA in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed residence permit application form
UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
diploma or qualification certificate
signed employment contract
proof you can support yourself financially
proof of accommodation – for rentals you need proof that it’s been registered with the tax department
proof of health insurance
police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
permission for AIMA to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying
proof of registration with the tax and social security authorities

Residence permit for subordinate work activity

If you do not qualify for an EU Blue Card or a residence permit for highly qualified activity, you may be able to get a residence permit for subordinate work activity.

To qualify you must have:

an employment contract with the Portuguese company
a professional certificate for regulated professions in Portugal

A residence permit for subordinated work activity can take up to 90 days to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for up to 3 years at a time.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a residence visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
You book an appointment with VFS in Portugal.
You register with Portugal’s social security and tax departments.
You go to AIMA in Portugal to apply for your residence permit.

Different Portuguese authorities may request different documents. Usually, they need to see the following:

completed residence permit application form
UK passport, valid for 3 months after the date you intend to leave Portugal
qualification certificate or diploma
signed employment contract with your UK employer
proof you can support yourself financially
proof of accommodation – for rentals you need proof that it’s been registered with the tax department
proof of health insurance
police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
permission for AIMA to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying
proof of registration with the tax and social security authorities

Self-employed work

You need a combined residence visa and residence permit for self-employed workers if your work is classified as ‘independent activity’. This includes:

freelancing
establishing a company in Portugal
start-ups

To qualify you must:

have evidence of founding a company, have a service contract with a company as an independent professional, or have registered with the tax authorities and social security as an independent worker
have a declaration confirming that you hold the necessary qualifications to perform a certain profession, if applicable
be able to support yourself financially

A residence permit for self-employed work can take up to 90 days to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for up to 3 years at a time.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a residence visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
You book an appointment with VFS in Portugal.
You register with Portugal’s social security and tax departments.
You go to AIMA in Portugal to apply for your residence permit.

Application documents

Portugal’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed residence permit application form
UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
proof you can support yourself financially
proof of accommodation – for rentals you need proof that it’s been registered with the tax department
proof of health insurance, including repatriation
police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
permission for AIMA to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
a contract or written service provider proposal for independent professions, if applicable
registration with the tax authority and social security as an independent worker, if applicable
evidence of founding a company, if applicable
proof that you intend to invest in Portugal, if applicable
IAPMEI (agency for competition and innovation) declaration certifying the signing of a contract under the Startup Portugal visa scheme, if applicable
registration with the tax authority in Portugal
proof of financial means available in Portugal
passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying

Digital nomads (remote workers)

You can work remotely in Portugal for up to 1 year on a temporary stay visa.

If you’re staying for more than 1 year, you will need a residence permit for remote workers.

To qualify for a residence permit for remote workers you must:

be able to perform your duties remotely while staying in Portugal
be self-employed or employed by a company based outside Portugal
earn at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage, this can vary dependent on current minimum wage rates in Portugal

A residence permit for remote workers can take up to 90 days to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a residence visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
You book an appointment with VFS in Portugal.
You register with Portugal’s social security and tax departments.
You submit a residence permit application at AIMA in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed residence permit application form
UK passport, valid for 3 months after the date you intend to leave Portugal
2 colour passport photos (35mm x 45mm)
proof of monthly income for the last 3 months of at least 4 times the Portuguese minimum wage (3,040 euros per month, as of 2023)
proof of accommodation – for rentals you need proof that it’s been registered with the tax department
proof of travel health insurance of up to 30,000 euros, including urgent medical assistance and repatriation costs
permission for AIMA to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
employment contract, service agreement or other proof of an employment relationship with a company outside of Portugal, if you’re employed
employment contracts or service agreements with more than one employer or client, if you’re freelancing

Investing in Portugal

You need to apply for a residence permit for investment purposes under the Golden Visa scheme if you want to invest in Portugal.

You can apply via several routes, meeting minimum investment amount requirements or by creating jobs. This could be by:

creating at least 10 new jobs
investing 500,000 euros in scientific research
investing 250,000 euros in artistic production, recovery or maintenance of national cultural heritage
investing 500,000 euros in shares
investing 500,000 euros in a commercial company with a registered office in Portugal, combined with the creation of five permanent jobs

Check with the Portuguese authorities on the minimum investment amount requirements as these may change over time.

A residence permit for investors can take between 12 to 18 months to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for up to 2 years at a time.

To qualify you must:

not have a criminal record
prove that the money you’re investing is yours
prove that the money is being transferred from an international account
commit to maintaining the investment for at least 5 years

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You complete the investment.
You register on AIMA’s online site (ARI) and submit the required details and documents.
You book an appointment with AIMA, through the Platform.
You visit AIMA in Portugal and attend the appointment for collect finish your residence permit/Golden Visa application.

Application documents

Different Portuguese authorities may request different documents. Usually, they need to see the following:

completed application form
UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
proof of health insurance
police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
permission for AIMA to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
sworn statement declaring you will comply with all the necessary requirements for the investment activity
negative debt declaration issued by Portugal’s tax and customs authorities, or other evidence to show you’ve paid all your taxes
payment receipt for ARI application analysis
documents relating to the investment activity

Research work

To qualify for a residence permit for researchers you must have one of the following from a research centre or university:

a work contract
a service contract
a scientific research scholarship
a hosting agreement
an acceptance letter

A residence permit for researchers can take up to 90 days to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for up to 2 more years.

If you’re a holder of a residence permit for researchers, you can do work unrelated to the activity for which the permit was granted.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You submit a residence visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.
You book an appointment with VFS in Portugal.
You register with Portugal’s social security and tax departments.
You go to AIMA in Portugal to apply for your residence permit.

Application documents

Portugal’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

completed residence permit application form
UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
work contract, service contract, a scientific research scholarship, or a hosting agreement
proof of financial means, subsistence, research stipend or statement of responsibility signed by the research centre or university to cover admission and living costs
proof of accommodation – for rentals you need proof that it’s been registered with the tax department
proof of health insurance
police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
permission for AIMA to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying

Portuguese government guidance

Read official government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits by the:

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Portugal, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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Travel to Portugal for work

Entry requirements

Visa and permit documents

Check if you need a visa or permit

Border checks

Check Portugal’s exemptions

Show proof of exemption

Further checks

Applying for a visa or permit

Taking your family

Short and long-term visas and permits

Temporary stay visa for short-term work

How it works

Application documents

Transferring long term to a branch in Portugal

How it works

Application documents

Working for a company in Portugal on a long-term Portuguese contract

EU Blue Card residence permit

How it works

Application documents

Residence permit for highly qualified activity

How it works

Application documents

Residence permit for subordinate work activity

How it works

Self-employed work

How it works

Application documents

Digital nomads (remote workers)

How it works

Application documents

Investing in Portugal

How it works

Application documents

Research work

How it works

Application documents

Portuguese government guidance

Check for travel changes

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