The EU Blue Card for Portugal is a residence and work permit designed for highly qualified non-EU professionals who have a job offer from a Portuguese company. It allows individuals with a university degree or at least five years of relevant professional experience to live and work legally in Portugal in a skilled position. This permit provides a secure legal pathway to relocate and offers valuable benefits such as family reunification, long-term residency opportunities, and potential mobility within the European Union.
EU Blue Card in Portugal
Learn all you need to do to get your EU blue card and move to Portugal.
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What is the EU Blue card for Portugal?
Who can apply?
The EU Blue Card is intended for non-EU nationals who have secured a job offer in Portugal for a highly qualified position. It’s designed to attract international talent to the Portuguese labor market and offers a simplified path to legal residence for professionals who meet the right profile. To qualify, applicants must meet several legal and professional criteria:
You must be a non-EU national
Only citizens from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland are eligible for the EU Blue Card. If you are already an EU citizen or hold long-term residency in another EU country, you would need to apply through different legal routes.
You must have a valid job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese company
Applicants must present a signed employment contract or binding job offer from a company based in Portugal. The position must be classified as a “highly qualified activity,” typically involving advanced skills, education, or experience — often in sectors like engineering, IT, healthcare, finance, or scientific research.
The contract must meet the following criteria:
Be valid for a minimum of one year
Offer a gross annual salary of at least 1.5 times the average national salary in Portugal (approximately €34,200/year (or about €2,850/month) in 2025, (or 1.2x if the role is on Portugal’s shortage occupation list) (approx. €27,360/year)
Align with your academic background or professional experience
You must have higher education or relevant professional experience
To be considered highly qualified, you must meet one of these two requirements:
Hold a recognized university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or equivalent) relevant to the job being offered
OR prove at least five years of relevant and verifiable professional experience in the same field as the role
This qualification must clearly correspond to the position for which you’ve been hired.
You must meet general immigration requirements
Alongside professional criteria, you’ll also need to provide:
A valid passport
Proof of health insurance valid in Portugal
A certificate of no criminal record from your home country and any other country where you’ve lived in the past five years
Translated and legalized copies of your academic degrees or professional certifications, as applicable
What is the process?
Applying for the EU Blue Card in Portugal involves several steps, which may vary slightly depending on whether you’re applying from abroad or are already legally residing in Portugal. In most cases, the process is initiated by the applicant, although your Portuguese employer may support you during the process. Here’s how it typically works:
Secure a Job Offer from a Portuguese Employer
The first step is to obtain a valid job offer or signed employment contract for a highly qualified position in Portugal. The job must:
Be full-time and valid for at least 12 months
Offer a gross annual salary of at least 1.5x the national average (or 1.2x for shortage occupations)
Match your academic background or professional experience
Submit the Application to SEF (Portuguese Immigration Authorities)
You or your employer will submit the application to SEF – Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, either online or in person. The required documents typically include:
The signed employment contract
University degree or proof of relevant professional experience
Valid passport
Clean criminal record certificate
Proof of valid health insurance in Portugal
Payment of government application fees
If you are already in Portugal with legal status (such as a student or visitor visa), you may be able to apply for the Blue Card without leaving the country.
Wait for a Decision
SEF will review the application and issue a response, usually within 30 to 60 days. If approved, a favorable decision allows you to move forward with the residence permit process.
Apply for a Visa at the Portuguese Consulate (if applying from abroad)
If you’re outside Portugal, you’ll need to take the approval notice to the Portuguese consulate in your country to apply for a Type D work visa. This visa allows you to enter Portugal legally and complete the residence permit process locally.
Travel to Portugal and Finalize the Permit
Once in Portugal, you’ll:
Register your local address (via Junta de Freguesia)
Attend your SEF appointment to submit biometrics
Receive your residence card (Cartão de Residência) typically within a few weeks
Family Reunification (Optional)
You may apply to bring your spouse and dependent children under family reunification provisions. Family members can live and work legally in Portugal during the validity of your Blue Card.
Processing Time Summary
Initial approval: ~1–2 months
Visa issuance (if needed): ~2–4 weeks
Residence card issuance in Portugal: ~4–6 weeks
What documents do you need?
To apply for the EU Blue Card in Portugal, you’ll need to submit documentation that supports your eligibility as a highly qualified professional and confirms that your employment meets the criteria established by Portuguese immigration authorities (SEF).
Here’s a full breakdown of what’s typically required:
Valid Job Offer or Signed Employment Contract
Must be from a registered Portuguese company
The role must be recognized as a highly qualified activity
The contract must be valid for at least 12 months
The salary must meet the minimum annual threshold, which is generally:
1.5 times Portugal’s average gross annual salary: approximately €34,200/year (or about €2,850/month)
1.2 times the average salary (approx. €27,360/year) if the role is on Portugal’s official shortage occupation list
📌 Note: These figures are based on Portugal’s average gross salary of approximately €22,800/year in 2025. Salary thresholds may vary slightly depending on official updates and regional factors.
Proof of Academic Qualifications or Professional Experience
University degree(s) or academic certificates (must be translated and legalized if issued outside the EU)
OR proof of at least five years of relevant professional experience (such as letters from employers, contracts, or certifications)
Valid Passport
Full copy of all pages
The passport must be valid throughout the period covered by your work contract
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
A clear and professional CV outlining your academic background and work experience
May be requested in Portuguese or English, depending on the SEF office
Criminal Record Certificate
Issued by your country of origin and any country where you’ve lived for more than one year in the past five years
Must be translated into Portuguese and either legalized or apostilled
Proof of Health Insurance
Private or public health insurance coverage valid in Portugal
Required if you are not yet registered in the Portuguese national health system
Proof of Payment of Government Fees
Payment receipt for the administrative application fee, which varies depending on the type of process and where you apply
Employer’s Supporting Documents (usually provided by the company)
Company’s tax identification number (NIF) and registration proof
Detailed job description
Employer declaration confirming compliance with Portuguese labor and social security obligations
In some cases, a declaration confirming no criminal background for the company
📌 Important Notes:
All documents not originally in Portuguese must be officially translated by a certified translator
Documents issued abroad may require legalization or an apostille, depending on your country of origin
SEF may request additional documents based on your specific case or the regional office’s criteria
What is the cost of living in Portugal?
Portugal remains an affordable destination for non-EU professionals compared to most Western European countries. Here’s a breakdown of the average monthly expenses, with USD equivalents for reference:
Housing
Lisbon: €1,200–€2,000 / $1,300–$2,160
Porto: €900–€1,500 / $970–$1,620
Smaller cities (Braga, Coimbra, Faro): €600–€1,000 / $650–$1,080
Food and Groceries
Monthly groceries (per person): €200–€350 / $215–$380
Restaurant meal (mid-range): €10–€20 / $11–$22
Coffee: €1–€1.50 / $1.10–$1.60
Beer or wine (bar): €2–€3.50 / $2.15–$3.75
Transportation
Public transport pass: €40–€60 / $43–$65
Fuel: ~€1.70–€2.00/liter / $6.40–$7.55/gallon
Ride-sharing apps (e.g. Uber, Bolt): Available and affordable compared to local taxis
Utilities and Internet
Electricity, water, gas, waste: €90–€150 / $97–$162
High-speed internet (fiber): €30–€40 / $32–$43
Other Monthly Expenses
Mobile phone plan: €10–€25 / $11–$27
Gym membership: €30–€60 / $32–$65
Private health insurance: €40–€100 / $43–$108 (optional but recommended)
Estimated Total Monthly Budget (Single Professional)
Lisbon: €1,500–€2,300 / $1,620–$2,490
Porto: €1,200–€1,800 / $1,300–$1,950
Smaller cities: €1,000–€1,500 / $1,080–$1,620
What taxes will you pay?
If you’re thinking about moving to Portugal with an EU Blue Card, understanding the tax system is essential. Once you live in Portugal for more than 183 days in a year, you become a tax resident, meaning you’ll need to report and potentially pay taxes on your worldwide income, not just income earned in Portugal.
Here’s a breakdown of the key taxes you should be aware of:
1. Income Tax in Portugal
As a tax resident, Portugal taxes your global income, including salaries, pensions, rental income, dividends, and freelance earnings.
Portugal’s income tax rates for 2025 are:
- Income up to €7,479 – 14.5%
- €7,480 to €11,284 – 23%
- €11,285 to €15,992 – 26.5%
- €15,993 to €20,700 – 28.5%
- €20,701 to €26,355 – 35%
- €26,356 to €38,632 – 37%
- €38,633 to €50,483 – 43.5%
- €50,484 to €78,834 – 45%
- Over €78,835 – 48%
2. Taxes on Income (like Pensions or Investments)
Even if your income comes from the U.S. or your country of origin, Portugal requires you to report it if you are a tax resident. However, the U.S., UK, Canada or Australia have tax treaty with Portugal that helps avoid double taxation, meaning if you have already paid taxes on your main country income, you can offset that against your Portuguese tax bill.
3. Special Tax Programs (NHR is No Longer Available)
Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime ended in 2024, meaning new residents are now taxed under the standard Portuguese tax system. There are no longer flat tax benefits for retirees or foreign-sourced income, making tax planning even more important before moving.
4. Property Tax
If you buy property in Portugal, you’ll pay several property-related taxes:
- IMT (Property Transfer Tax) – One-time tax when buying a home, ranging from 0% to 8% depending on the value of the property.
- IMI (Annual Property Tax) – 0.3% to 0.8% of the property value, depending on location.
- Stamp Duty – A 0.8% tax applied when purchasing property.
5. Capital Gains Tax
If you sell property in Portugal, you’ll pay a 28% capital gains tax on any profit (unless reinvesting in another primary residence in Portugal). If you sell stocks or investments, capital gains tax may also apply, depending on your residency status.
6. Social Security Contributions
If you work in Portugal, whether for a Portuguese company or as a freelancer, you’ll need to pay into Portugal’s social security system (Segurança Social). Contributions are 21% to 25% of earnings for employees and 25% to 30% for self-employed individuals. This does not apply to passive income like pensions or rental income.
7. VAT (Sales Tax)
When you buy goods and services in Portugal, VAT (value-added tax) is included in the price.
- Standard VAT: 23% (applies to most goods and services).
- Reduced VAT: 13% (for food, restaurants, and some utilities).
- Super-reduced VAT: 6% (for essential goods like bread, medicine, and books).
8. Inheritance Tax
Portugal does not have an inheritance tax for direct family members (spouses, children, or parents). However, if you leave assets to non-family members, a 10% stamp duty tax applies.
9. U.S. Tax Obligations (Don’t Forget!)
Even after you move to Portugal, you must still file a U.S. tax return every year. However, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit can help you avoid or reduce double taxation. It’s highly recommended to work with a tax advisor familiar with both U.S. and Portuguese tax laws.
Bottom Line
If you’re an expat moving to Portugal, your tax obligations depend on:
- Whether you become a tax resident (live in Portugal for more than 183 days per year).
- Whether you work in Portugal, retire, or live off passive income.
- Whether you buy property or plan to sell investments.
- Whether you need to structure your taxes to avoid double taxation.
While Portugal offers a high quality of life at a lower cost, understanding the tax system is crucial. Planning ahead and seeking professional tax advice will help you optimize your finances and avoid unexpected tax burdens.
In conclusion, moving to Portugal with an EU Blue Card is not an easy task, either doing it alone or with family.
If you’re ready to start your journey in Portugal or have any questions about the EU Blue card, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of lawyers is ready to assist you and provide the legal support you need to succeed.
How can a lawyer help me with the EU Blue Card for Portugal?
A lawyer can help you by providing legal advice and guidance throughout the application process. Some ways a lawyer can assist you include:
Navigating the EU Blue Card requirements in Portugal can be complex. A lawyer will help you determine whether your job offer, salary, qualifications, and background meet the legal standards set by Portuguese immigration authorities — and explain exactly what documents you’ll need to prepare.
Preparing a Complete and Compliant Application
A lawyer will guide you through every step of your EU Blue Card application in Portugal, from reviewing your employment contract to verifying your qualifications. They’ll also ensure that all supporting documents are correctly translated, legalized or apostilled, and submitted according to SEF’s requirements.
Addressing Red Flags or Special Cases
If your application includes any potential concerns — such as gaps in employment, job role inconsistencies, or previous visa issues — your lawyer can help you manage them strategically and present your case clearly and confidently.
Representing You in Case of a Rejection
If your application is rejected, your lawyer can assist you in filing an appeal or responding to requests from SEF. They’ll help you understand the reason for the decision and guide you through the steps to resolve it.
Providing Ongoing Legal Support
From your initial consultation through to receiving your residence card, your lawyer will remain by your side — answering your questions, working with your employer, and keeping you informed throughout the entire process.
If you are interested in getting an EU Blue Card for Portugal, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you and guide you through the entire application process. Let us help you make your dream of living and working in Portugal a reality.
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Why Portugal?
Obtaining a visa in Portugal offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it opens an opportunity to live in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Secondly, the visa enables access to Portugal’s thriving digital and tech ecosystem, fostering networking opportunities and professional growth. Lastly, you will immerse in the warmth of French hospitality, savour its delectable cuisine, and explore its diverse regions while maintaining a flexible work-life balance.
Cultural immersion
Experience the rich Portuguese culture.
Location
Explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Stable economy
Portugal has a stable and growing economy
Delicious cuisine
Taste world-renowned Portuguese food and wine.
Affordable living
Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.
Healthcare access
Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.
Skilled workforce
Portugal has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce.
Travel Opportunities
Explore diverse regions within Portugal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the EU Blue Card in Portugal?
The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals who have a job offer in Portugal. It allows professionals to live and work in Portugal legally and offers a path to long-term residency, family reunification, and mobility within the EU.
Who can apply for the EU Blue Card in Portugal?
To apply, you must be a non-EU national with a valid job offer or employment contract in Portugal for a highly qualified position. You also need to hold a university degree or have at least five years of relevant professional experience, and the role must meet the minimum salary threshold.
What is the minimum salary required for the EU Blue Card in Portugal?
The salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Portugal, which is approximately €34,200 per year. For shortage occupations, the threshold is reduced to 1.2 times the average, or around €27,360 per year.
Do I need a university degree to qualify?
Not necessarily. You can also qualify if you can prove at least five years of relevant professional experience in the same field as the job you’ve been offered.
Can I apply for the EU Blue Card if I’m already in Portugal?
Yes, if you’re legally residing in Portugal (for example, on a student or short-term visa), you can usually apply for the EU Blue Card without leaving the country.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. The EU Blue Card allows for family reunification, and your spouse and dependent children can live with you in Portugal. Spouses are also permitted to work without needing a separate work permit.
How long is the EU Blue Card valid in Portugal?
The card is generally issued for the duration of your employment contract, with a maximum validity of two years. It can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
Does the EU Blue Card lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After five years of legal residence in Portugal (including time spent under the EU Blue Card), you may be eligible for permanent residency or long-term EU residence status.
Can I work in other EU countries with the Portuguese Blue Card?
What happens if my application is rejected?
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. A lawyer can help you understand the reason for rejection and assist you with the appeals process or explore alternative residence options.
Our Team
For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams, whether it’s residence in Portugal or simply an investment.
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