Portugal

Am I eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card?

To apply for an EU Blue Card, the applicant must:

• have a valid work contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment with a duration of at least 1 year;
• meet the minimum salary threshold in the Member State concerned (see below);
• for regulated professions: present documents proving that the national legal requirements are met;
• for unregulated professions: present documents proving that the relevant higher professional qualifications are met (for more information about higher professional qualifications, see the FAQ section);
• present a valid travel document, an application for a visa or a visa (if necessary), and a valid residence permit or a national long-term visa (if appropriate);
• present a proof of sickness insurance (or a proof of having applied for it).

In addition, the applicant must not pose a threat to public policy in the view of the Member State. S/he may also be required to provide his/her address in that Member State.

How much do I have to earn to qualify for an EU Blue Card?

The gross annual salary resulting from the monthly or annual salary specified in the work contract or binding job offer must be equal to or higher than the relevant salary threshold defined by the Member State (at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in the Member State concerned).

For 2023, Portugal set the minimum salary threshold at: 760,00 EUR (Decree-Law n.º 85-A/2022, December 22).

Are there exceptions to the minimum salary requirement?

In the cases referred to in Article 61-A (2), it shall correspond to at least 1,2 times the national average gross annual salary (professions belonging to groups 1 and 2 of the International Standard Classification (CITP), indicated by resolution of the Council of Ministers, upon the prior opinion of the Standing Committee on Social Concertation, as professions particularly deprived of Third Countries Nationals.

In the case of professions belonging to major groups 1 and 2 of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO), indicated by Resolution of the Council of Ministers, as professions in particular need of third country nationals, the salary threshold must be 1.2 times the country`s average gross salary.

Will EU citizens' applications be prioritised over mine?

Some Member States apply a Labour Market Test (LMT). This is a mechanism that aims to ensure that migrant workers are only admitted after employers have unsuccessfully searched for national workers, EU citizens (in EU Member States, this also means EEA workers) or legally residing third-country nationals with access to the labour market according to national legislation (for more information see the FAQ section).

Portugal does not apply a labour market test.

How long will my EU Blue Card be valid?

The standard period of validity in Portugal is: one year.

Specific rules: in Portugal, the EU Blue Card is initially issued for a period of two years. It can be renewed for three years at a time.

How much will it cost?

Initial EU Blue Card fee:

1. Issuance of Residence authorisation for holders of "EU Blue Cards" in another Member State

   Application: 121,16 EUR.

   Issuance of the permit: 254,32 EUR.

   Renewal: 144,85 EUR. Replacement: 50% of issuance fees (first duplicate), 100% (others).

   Data change: 25% of the issuing fee.



2. Issuance of Residence authorisation for holders of ‘EU Blue Cards’ in Portugal

   Application:  116,69 EUR.

   Issuance of the permit: 110,68 EUR.

   For each temporary ‘EU Blue Card’ residence permit: 244,49 EUR.

   Renewal:  110,68 EUR. Replacement: 50% of issuance fees (first duplicate), 100% (others). 

   Data change: 25% of the issuing fee.

   Fee for express issuance: N/A.

How long will it take to get my EU Blue Card?

National law foresees that the maximum processing time for issuing an EU Blue Card in Portugal is 60 days.

Portuguese Institute of Employment and Professional Training

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