Guidance

Travel to Portugal for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Portugal and how to get one if you do.

• From: Department for Business and Trade
• Published: 28 May 2021
• Last updated: 15 April 2024 바카라 사이트� See all updates

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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 or embassy in the UK.

Entry requirements

If you바카라 사이트檙e going to Portugal to work (or any other바카라 사이트�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 you바카라 사이트檙e 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 바카라 사이트榬olling바카라 사이트�.

If you바카라 사이트檙e 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 or embassy before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you바카라 사이트檙e 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 you바카라 사이트檒l usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痮谤바카라 사이트�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
• 바카라 사이트榣egalised바카라 사이트� (with an apostille)바카라 사이트痮r notarised and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and afterwards, by the Portuguese Consulate with jurisdiction over the document바카라 사이트檚 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit if you바카라 사이트檙e 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 the바카라 사이트�Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• 바카라 사이트痶hat 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they바카라 사이트檙e 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 country바카라 사이트檚 authorities.

Portugal does not have any exemptions. However, if you have an EU intra-company transfer permit (EU바카라 사이트�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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 immigration office at geral@aima.gov.pt within 3 business days of arriving if you바카라 사이트檙e coming from an EU country.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show your EU바카라 사이트�ICT바카라 사이트痯ermit to the authorities to prove that you바카라 사이트檙e exempt.

Further checks

If you바카라 사이트檙e not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Portuguese바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痮谤바카라 사이트�embassy.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you바카라 사이트檒l need to check the exact rules and processes with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 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.바카라 사이트�.

Short and long-term visas and permits

You need a temporary stay visa if you바카라 사이트檙e in Portugal because you바카라 사이트檙e:

• transferring short term from a UK-based company to a branch in Portugal
• working for a Portuguese company on a short fixed-term Portuguese contract

You also need one if you바카라 사이트檙e providing any of the following services in Portugal for up to 1 year:

• 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 you바카라 사이트檙e in Portugal for more than 1 year because you바카라 사이트檙e:

• transferring long term to the Portuguese branch of a UK-based company
• working for a Portuguese company on a long-term Portuguese employment contract
• carrying out self-employed work
• working remotely
• investing in Portugal
• conducting research work

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 you바카라 사이트檙e in Portugal.

Temporary stay visa for short-term work

To qualify for a you must:

• keep your UK employment contract if you바카라 사이트檙e transferring, or have a Portuguese employment contract or offer of employment
• have been employed by your UK employer for at least 1 year if you바카라 사이트檙e being transferred
• be on UK or Portuguese payroll and
• have relevant professional experience

How it works

You need to check with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o the Portuguese consulate.

2. You can travel to Portugal once your visa has been issued.

3. You register with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 social security and tax departments.

A temporary stay visa can take up to 30 days to get. It바카라 사이트檚 valid for the duration of your contract or assignment or for up to 1 year.

Application documents

Portugal바카라 사이트檚 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 ()
• proof you can (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 if your UK-based company moves you to a Portuguese branch to work for:

• up to 3 years if you바카라 사이트檙e a manager or a specialist
• 1 year if you바카라 사이트檙e a trainee

To qualify you must:

• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• have relevant qualifications and work experience, if you바카라 사이트檙e a manager or a specialist
• have a bachelor바카라 사이트檚 level degree, if you바카라 사이트檙e 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 ICT바카라 사이트痯ermit can take up to 90 days to get. It바카라 사이트檚 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. You book an appointment in Portugal.

3. You register with the social security and tax departments.

4. You submit an ICT바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痑t AIMA in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal바카라 사이트檚 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 you바카라 사이트檙e 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 바카라 사이트� for rentals you need proof that it바카라 사이트檚 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 ()
• permission for바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o 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 you바카라 사이트檝e been offered a contract by a company in Portugal:

• EU Blue Card for at least 1 year
• residence permit for highly qualified activity
• residence permit for subordinate work activity

You can work while you바카라 사이트檙e waiting for a decision on your residence permit.

EU Blue Card residence permit

To qualify for an 바카라 사이트痽ou 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
• meet minimum salary requirements 바카라 사이트� check with the authorities on the expected amount as it may change over time
• be placed on Portugal바카라 사이트檚 payroll

An EU Blue Card can take up to 2 months to get. It바카라 사이트檚 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a 바카라 사이트痶o the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. in Portugal.

3. You register with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 social security and tax departments.

4. You 바카라 사이트痑t AIMA in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal바카라 사이트檚 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 바카라 사이트� for rentals you need proof that it바카라 사이트檚 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 ()
• permission for바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o 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 you must:

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

This also includes those working under the .

The residence permit for highly qualified activity can take up to 90 days to get. It바카라 사이트檚 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a 바카라 사이트痶o the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. in Portugal.

3. You register with the social security and tax departments.

4. You submit a바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痑t AIMA in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal바카라 사이트檚 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 바카라 사이트� for rentals you need proof that it바카라 사이트檚 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 ()
• permission for바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o 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 a바카라 사이트�

To qualify you must have:

• an employment contract with the Portuguese company
• a professional certificate for

A residence permit for subordinated work activity can take up to 90 days to get. It바카라 사이트檚 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. in Portugal.

3. You register with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 social security and tax departments.

4. You go to AIMA in Portugal to apply for your .

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 바카라 사이트� for rentals you need proof that it바카라 사이트檚 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 ()
• permission for바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o 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 if your work is classified as 바카라 사이트榠ndependent activity바카라 사이트�. 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. It바카라 사이트檚 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. in Portugal.

3. You register with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 social security and tax departments.

4. You go to AIMA in Portugal to apply for your바카라 사이트�.

Application documents

Portugal바카라 사이트檚 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 바카라 사이트� for rentals you need proof that it바카라 사이트檚 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 ()
• permission for바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o 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
• IAPMEI바카라 사이트�(agency for competition and innovation) declaration certifying the signing of a contract under the 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 you바카라 사이트檙e 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 rates in Portugal

A residence permit for remote workers can take up to 90 days to get. It바카라 사이트檚 valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. in Portugal.

3. You register with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 social security and tax departments.

4. You submit a바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痑t AIMA in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal바카라 사이트檚 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 바카라 사이트� for rentals you need proof that it바카라 사이트檚 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 for바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o 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 you바카라 사이트檙e employed
• employment contracts or service agreements with more than one employer or client, if you바카라 사이트檙e freelancing

Investing in Portugal

You need to apply for a 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. It바카라 사이트檚 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 you바카라 사이트檙e 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You complete the investment.

2. You register on and submit the required details and documents.

3. You

4. 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 ()
• permission for바카라 사이트� 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 tax and customs authorities, or other evidence to show you바카라 사이트檝e paid all your taxes
• payment receipt for바카라 사이트�ARI바카라 사이트痑pplication analysis

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. It바카라 사이트檚 valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for up to 2 more years.

If you바카라 사이트檙e 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 Portugal바카라 사이트檚 authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. in Portugal.

3. You register with Portugal바카라 사이트檚 social security and tax departments.

4. You go to AIMA in Portugal to바카라 사이트�.

Application documents

Portugal바카라 사이트檚 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 바카라 사이트� for rentals you need proof that it바카라 사이트檚 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 ()
• permission for바카라 사이트�바카라 사이트痶o 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.

Published 28 May 2021

Last updated 15 April 2024 + show all updates

1. 15 April 2024

   Legislation changes made to reflect new rules on investing in Portugal, and new minimum salary requirements; changes and hyperlinks to reflect the change in government agency from SEF to AIMA; hyperlinks now also offer English-language webpages.

2. 27 September 2023

   Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

3. 23 August 2023

   Now requires proof at border checks of minimum health insurance health that covers your entire stay. This has changed from proof of minimum health insurance up to 30,000 euros in medical costs and repatriation costs. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

4. 6 April 2023

   Added a new visa for digital nomads (remote workers). Updated the qualifying criteria for the ICT residence permit, EU Blue Card residence permit, the residence permit for subordinate work activity and the residence permit for investment purposes. Updated the validity period for the residence permit for researchers; this is now valid for up to 2 years. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

5. 26 January 2023

   Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

6. 30 November 2022

   If you're waiting for a decision on a residence permit to work for a Portuguese company, you can now pursue a professional activity while you wait. If you're a holder of a residence permit for researchers, you're now able to do work unrelated to the activity for which the permit was granted. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

7. 8 March 2022

   Update to the residence permit for investment purposes (Golden Visa scheme). There are increases to the investment thresholds for some investment types. For real estate properties to qualify, they now have to be located in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira or in the interior territories. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

8. 24 November 2021

   Clarified that the 'Residence permit for subordinate work activity' covers both skilled and unskilled work.

9. 28 May 2021

   First published.