EU Blue Card in Portugal
One documented route of this kind in Portugal, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
EU Blue Card (Cartão Azul UE)
Portugal's implementation of the EU Blue Card Directive for highly qualified third-country nationals. Requires a minimum 12-month employment contract at a salary of at least 1.5× Portugal's average gross annual salary (€21,030 annually in 2026; reduced to 1.2× for shortage occupations in ISCO groups 1–2). Grants EU-wide mobility rights after 18 months and an accelerated path to permanent residency.
- Processing time
- Maximum 60 days from complete application at AIMA
- Validity
- Initial permit: 2 years; renewals: 3 years at a time
- Language requirement
- No statutory Portuguese language requirement for the permit itself; employer and integration requirements may apply
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of legal residence
- Citizenship
- 6 years of legal residence
Requirements
- Valid employment contract or binding job offer for highly qualified employment, minimum duration 12 months
- Gross annual salary of at least 1.5× Portugal's average gross annual salary (€21,030 in 2026); 1.2× for shortage occupations in ISCO groups 1–2
- Recognised higher education qualification (minimum 3-year degree) or, for regulated professions, proof of compliance with national legal requirements
- Valid travel document (passport valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
- Comprehensive sickness insurance for applicant and family members
- No threat to public policy, public security or public health
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
Required Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond intended stay) required
- Signed employment contract or binding job offer (minimum 12 months, specifying salary) required
- Recognised higher education degree certificate (apostilled/legalised if required) required
- Comprehensive sickness/health insurance required
- Criminal record certificate from country of origin and any country of residence in last 5 years required
- Biometric passport photos required
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal required
- Completed visa/permit application form required
- For regulated professions: evidence of compliance with national professional qualification requirements
Official fees
- AIMA application fee 116.69 EUR
- AIMA permit issuance fee 110.68 EUR
- Permit renewal fee 110.68 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Secure qualifying employment
Obtain a signed employment contract or binding job offer from a Portuguese employer for a position lasting at least 12 months, with a salary meeting the Blue Card threshold (€21,030/year in 2026 for most roles).
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2
Apply for a national entry visa
Submit a national D-type visa application at a Portuguese consulate or VFS Global centre in your country of residence, with the employment contract, qualifications, criminal record, insurance, and accommodation proof.
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3
Enter Portugal
Travel to Portugal on the issued national visa, which is valid for 2 entries and 4 months.
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4
Apply to AIMA for the Blue Card
Within the 4-month visa validity, attend an AIMA appointment to apply for the EU Blue Card residence permit. Pay the application fee (€116.69) and issuance fee (€110.68).
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5
Receive EU Blue Card
AIMA must decide within 60 days. Upon approval, the Blue Card is issued as a physical residence card, initially valid for 2 years (or the contract duration plus 3 months if shorter).
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6
Renewal and EU mobility
Renew the Blue Card for 3-year periods. After 18 months, you may apply for an EU Blue Card in another EU member state under the facilitated intra-EU mobility rules.