Long-stay visas (Type D)
Portuguese EU Blue Card (Portugal)
The EU-wide residence and work permit for highly qualified employment, issued by Portugal and carrying intra-EU mobility benefits for skilled workers.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- Portugal (AIMA), under the EU Blue Card Directive
- For
- Highly qualified employees with a Portuguese job offer
- Key benefit
- Intra-EU mobility and family reunification advantages
- Salary threshold
- A multiple of the Portuguese average gross salary
- Annual figure changes - confirm current amount
Who it's for
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a higher-education qualification (or, for certain roles, equivalent higher professional experience) who hold a qualifying highly paid job offer or contract in Portugal and may want mobility across the EU.
Requirements
- Work contract or binding job offer of at least the minimum duration set in law
- Higher-education qualification or recognised equivalent professional experience
- Gross salary meeting the Blue Card threshold
- Recognition of qualifications for regulated professions
- Valid passport, health insurance and clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation and means of subsistence
What you can do
- Live and work in Portugal in a highly qualified role
- Benefit from intra-EU mobility rules after the qualifying period
- Bring family with favourable reunification terms
- Count time toward long-term EU residence
How to apply
Secure a qualifying highly qualified job offer meeting the salary threshold. Apply for the residence visa at the Portuguese consulate/VFS, then complete the EU Blue Card residence-permit process with AIMA in Portugal.
Where you are already legally resident in another EU state under a Blue Card, mobility rules may allow a streamlined move to Portugal.
Documents
- Qualifying work contract / job offer
- Proof of higher-education qualification or equivalent experience
- Evidence the salary meets the threshold
- Valid passport and photos
- Health insurance and criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
Frequently asked questions
Yes - a core benefit of the EU Blue Card is intra-EU mobility, allowing you to move to and work in other participating member states after meeting the qualifying period and conditions.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Portuguese visas
- WORKJOB OFFERNON-EUD1 Residence Visa for Subordinate WorkA residence visa for non-EU nationals who hold an employment contract or job offer from a Portuguese employer, allowing them to live and work in the country.View visa details
- BUSINESSSELF-EMPLOYEDENTREPRENEURSD2 Residence Visa for Independent Work / EntrepreneursA residence visa for self-employed professionals, freelancers and entrepreneurs who are establishing a business or an independent activity in Portugal.View visa details
- WORKHIGHLY QUALIFIEDJOB OFFERD3 Residence Visa for Highly Qualified ActivityA residence visa for highly qualified professionals with a Portuguese job offer requiring advanced skills or higher education to live and work in the country.View visa details