Portugal Tech Visa

The Portugal Tech Visa is designed to attract highly skilled technology professionals from outside the EU to work with certified Portuguese tech companies.

With proper guidance, the Tech Visa can also serve as a pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship, making it an ideal option for tech experts seeking career growth in Europe.

Start your Portugal Tech Visa application today – get expert guidance and secure your tech career in Portugal. Call us right away on +44 (0)333 414 9244, or contact us online.

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Benefits of Choosing IAS‘ Portugal Immigration Advisers

When it comes to obtaining a Portugal visa or permit, IAS Portugal immigration lawyers, advisers and consultants are well-equipped to help you.

With IAS’ track record of successfully helping clients visit or immigrate to Portugal successfully, we can help you achieve your goal.

Our dedicated immigration experts provide our services through a comprehensive and personalised approach. With IAS, you enjoy:

Compassionate support from an experienced immigration lawyer dedicated to your success

Support in gathering supporting documents and completing a high-quality application.

Confidence that your case is being handled by an experienced team.

In-house document checks done by lawyers who are well-versed in Portugal immigration matters.

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What is Tech visa in Portugal?

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.

What are the requirements for companies seeking to enrol in the Portugal Tech Visa program?

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.

What are the steps to take for companies to enrol on the Tech Visa program?

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.

What are the requirements for nationals seeking employment under Portugal’s Tech visa?

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.

What are the required documents for the Portugal Tech visa?

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).

If you have any questions about Portuguese Startup Tech Visa, our team is happy to assist.

Application Process for the Portugal Tech Visa

Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you have a qualifying job offer from a Portuguese company certified under the Tech Visa program and meet education or professional experience requirements.
Employer Pre-Approval
Your employer must be registered and approved with IAPMEI (the Portuguese agency managing the Tech Visa program).
Gather Required Documents
Prepare documents such as your job offer/contract, passport, CV, academic or professional certificates, criminal record, proof of accommodation, and health insurance.
Submit Visa Application
Apply for the Tech Visa at the Portuguese Embassy or Visa Application Center in your country of residence.
Attend Biometrics & Interview
Complete biometric enrollment and attend an interview if required by the consulate.
Visa Decision
Once approved, you will receive a temporary entry visa allowing you to travel to Portugal.
Residence Permit in Portugal
After arrival, attend an appointment with AIMA (formerly SEF) to apply for your Tech Visa residence permit.
Collect Residence Card
Receive your residence permit card, allowing you to live and work legally in Portugal under the Tech Visa program.

How much does a Portugal Tech visa cost?

There is no application fee associated with the Portugal 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.

What is the processing time for a Portugal Tech visa?

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

What are the benefits of the Portugal Tech Visa?

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.

How can IAS help with Portugal Tech Visa application

Are you looking to be employed by one of Portugal’s tech visa-certified companies? Or are you a startup or existing company in Portugal seeking to enrol on the Tech Visa program?

At IAS, our professional advisors possess the experience and expertise that you need to be successful in your application for Startup Visa or Tech Visa. We will work with you to ensure you obtain and submit the right documents along with your application.

Call us today on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online to get answers from one of our experienced immigration experts who is ready to work with you to achieve your desired outcome.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face or via the phone and online.

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Written by Immigration Advice Service

Editorial Team

This content was developed by a team of researchers, editors, and lawyers who provide valuable information to those with immigration queries.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are differences as well as similarities between the Startup Tech Visa and Portugal’s golden Visa.

Bearing in mind that both require available funds, one major difference is that one must invest a minimum of €250,000 as part of the requirements for obtaining a Golden Visa, while you only need to provide proof of funds up to at least €5,146 as part of requirements for a Portugal Startup Visa.

The incubation fee is €175,000. However, if the application is unsuccessful, the incubation process will not begin. Also, the incubation fees will be returned.

Portugal’s special tax regime for Non-Habitual Residents (NHRs) allows entrepreneurs, professionals, retirees and high-net-worth individuals to enjoy reduced rates of tax on Portuguese-source income if they qualify.

Most foreign-source income is exempt from Portuguese taxation, for a decade. The key benefits of this regime include:

A special personal income tax treatment over a 10-year period.
Tax exemption on almost all foreign source income.
20% flat rate for certain Portuguese source incomes (from specific professions and self-employment), as opposed to normal Portuguese income tax rates of up to 48%.
No minimum stay requirement.
Become part of a white-listed tax environment within the EU.
A tax exemption for gifts or inheritance to direct family members.
No wealth tax.
Free remittance of funds to Portugal.

Applicants can appeal the refusal to grant a visa in compliance with Portuguese domestic law.

Available options include the following:

Issue a complaint, within 15 days following acknowledgement of refusal, against the issuer of the refusal (in compliance with Portuguese law);
Appeal the decision of refusal within three months following notification (in compliance with Portuguese law), to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Bring an action to a competent court within three months of notification of refusal (according to Articles 69 and 59 Administrative Court Process Code, CPTA) requesting the overruling of the refusal and the granting of the required lawful act.

The referred options are not mutually exclusive. As such, the applicant can appeal to the Minister and, depending on the results of such appeal, continue towards litigation (Paragraph 4, Article 59, CPTA).

The applicant can also appeal the decision and bring an action simultaneously to the administrative court without waiting for the results of the appeal (in compliance with paragraph 5 of article 59 CPTA).

Alternatively, you could get the help of a capable and experienced immigration expert. Our team of immigration specialists are able to help you make a strong appeal. Call us right away on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or chat with us online to get started.

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