Work Visa — Residence Permit
For citizens of third countries (not EU/EEA/CPLP) with an employment contract or a promise of employment in Portugal. The process starts at the consulate, with the residence visa for employed work, and ends at AIMA with the residence permit.
Documents and steps
Without a contract or a promise of employment there is no work visa. Since Law 61/2025, the visa to come and look for work is only for qualified work.
Employment contract or promise of employment
Employer in Portugal
Signed by the employer, stating the job, salary and duration. The salary cannot be below the minimum wage (€920/month in 2026).
Qualifications and credentialsoptional
Diplomas and certificates relevant to the job. Regulated professions (health, engineering, law…) need recognition from the relevant Portuguese professional body (Ordem).
You apply for the residence visa for employed work at the Portuguese Consulate (or its external provider, such as VFS) in the country where you live.
Valid passport + copies
Valid for 3 months longer than the visa requested.
2 passport-style photos
Criminal record certificate
Max. 3 months old
From your country of nationality and any country where you lived for more than 1 year. With a Hague Apostille and a translation if needed.
Travel insurance
Covering medical expenses until you have access to the SNS.
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Visa fee
Cost: €110
National visa fee. Not refunded if the visa is refused.
The residence visa is valid for 4 months — your AIMA application must be made within that period.
NISSoptional
Cost: Free
Since July 2026, AIMA generates the NISS automatically during the residence permit process.
Portuguese bank accountoptional
To receive your salary. You need your NIF + passport.
Passport with the residence visa + copies
Employment contract
Proof of address, NIF, criminal record, photos
AIMA fees
Cost: ≈ €133 (application) + €114.30 (card)
AIMA fee table in force since 1/03/2026. Amounts may change — check aima.gov.pt before paying.
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Important notes
- •Information checked in September 2026 against the official sources listed at the end. Immigration rules changed a lot in 2025–2026 — always confirm with the consulate or AIMA before you go ahead.
- •You cannot enter as a tourist and then apply for a residence permit to work in Portugal — the 'expression of interest' (manifestação de interesse) route ended in 2024.
- •The first permit is valid for 2 years and is then renewed for 3-year periods.
- •To keep your residence permit you cannot be outside Portugal for more than 6 consecutive months, or 8 months in total, while the permit is valid (unless for justified reasons).
- •After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for Permanent Residence.
- •Portuguese nationality: since Organic Law 1/2026 (in force from 19/05/2026) you need 10 years of legal residence, counted from the date the first residence permit was issued.
- •Highly qualified professionals may have their own routes (e.g. EU Blue Card, Tech Visa). An immigration lawyer can help you choose the best one.
Other visas and permits
Still have a question about this visa?
Ask the community — other immigrants have been through the same, and you will get an email when someone replies. Most answers are in Portuguese.
This information is based on the official AIMA and MNE requirements (2026). The Portuguese version and the official portals prevail — always check them before you act.