Portuguese Startup & Tech Visa

Applicants must submit the following documents when applying for a Portugal Startup Visa:

• A completed official application form
• A comprehensive resumé or CV.
• A copy of passport and residency card, if applicable.
• A detailed business plan and a project presentation.
• An official document of no criminal record from countries of residence and origin.
• A form authorizing access to Portuguese criminal records by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF)
• A bank statement showing a balance of at least €5146.80 per applicant.
• A Portugal taxpayer number (NIF).
• A Social Security number (Segurança Social)
• A motivation letter demonstrating the applicant’s interest in developing an innovative business in Portugal.
• An official declaration obtained from the Agency for Competition and Innovation (IAPMEI) proving that the applicant has an incubation contract with a recognized incubator.

Applicants can expect a decision in 30 working days from the date of submission if no additional documentation is required.

The advantages of obtaining a Portugal Startup Visa include the following:

• There are no prerequisites related to language, residency and business performance to be met by applicants.
• There is the opportunity to live or travel freely within the Schengen countries.
• Holders of the Startup Visa can apply for permanent residence after five years and upon meeting other related conditions.
• Overseas investors from third countries can access Portugal’s residence permit easily and quickly.
• Holders of the Startup visa can have their family members join them under the family reunification program.
• Holders can apply for the Non-habitual Residents (NHR) Regime and take advantage of its favourable tax rules.

The Portugal Tech visa is a certification program addressed to startups and tech companies who wish to hire highly qualified professionals who are third-country nationals (from non-Schengen countries).

Portuguese companies who intend to hire professionals from third countries must meet certain requirements. Individuals who want to join companies in Portugal must also fulfil some prerequisites.

Portuguese companies who wish to join the list of tech visa-certified companies must:

• Not have Social security or tax authorities debts.
• Not be in the restructuring phase.

The process of enrolling on the program includes the following steps:

• Create an IAPMEI account – Applicants should create an account for their Portuguese company if they have not already done so.
• Apply for Tech Visa certification – Fill out all required forms and include all necessary documents.
• Tech Visa certification – If the application is successful, the company will receive a certification and can proceed to start hiring qualified workers after having read and understood all applicable conditions. The certification is valid for two years and can be renewed before the end of its validity period.

To apply for a visa or residence permit through this program, companies must ensure foreign talents comply with all requirements applicable to a highly qualified worker. The candidate must:

• Be a third-country national not holding a permanent residence permit in the European union territory.
• Have no criminal record.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Fulfil all tax obligations where applicable.
• Have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (level 6) or level 5 (tertiary level education)with at least five years of experience in specialized technical roles.
• Be proficient in English, Portuguese, Spanish or French.

For a third-country national, the following are the documents that must accompany a Portugal Tech visa application:

• Visa application form with all required sections filled.
• Two recent, even passport-sized photos.
• Passport or any other valid travel document, valid for three months after the intended date of return from Portugal.
• Proof of regular situation such as residence permit in another country other than the country of applicant’s nationality. This permit must also be valid for three months after the intended date of return.
• Valid travel insurance document, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
• Proof of funds.
• Criminal record certificate.
• Request for criminal record enquiry by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF) (Not applicable to minors under the age of 16).

There is no application fee associated with the Tech Visa at the moment. Once the applicant’s company qualifies for the program, they can proceed to fill out the application form and include the required documents on the IAPMEI website.

Applicants can expect a decision on their application within 20 working days or more, depending on if additional documents are requested.

The advantages of obtaining a Portugal Tech Visa include the following:

• It helps technological and innovative businesses hire highly qualified professionals outside the EU region easily.
• There are no tax deductions on capital.
• There is no requirement for the minimum investment amount for companies.
• Companies can apply for the Non-habitual Residents (NHR) Regime and take advantage of its favourable tax rules.
• Employees under this program can apply become permanent residents, if they so desire and upon applying, after living in the country for at least five years and complying with other requirements.
• Employees also have their family members join them under the family reunification program.