EU Blue Card for Portugal: requirements and salary

Portugal's EU Blue Card (cartão azul UE) is the residence permit for highly qualified work. Applications go to AIMA, the agency for integration, migration and asylum, and can be made by you or by your employer.

Checked against the official sources below on 2026-10-26. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm on the official page before you apply.

  • Salary: At least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary (1.2 times in some cases)
  • Contract: Employment contract or promise of contract of at least 6 months
  • Handled by: AIMA
  • Moving from another EU Blue Card: After 18 months in the first country

Visa-sponsored jobs in Portugal

13 visa-sponsored tech jobs in Portugal on The Stack right now, from 4 companies, the latest posted on 2026-10-20. See all visa sponsorship jobs in Portugal

Companies sponsoring

Who qualifies

  • An employment contract, or a promise of one, for highly qualified work, lasting at least 6 months.
  • Pay of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary, or at least 1.2 times in the cases set out in article 61-A(2) of the Foreigners Act. AIMA does not publish the euro figure on its page, so ask your employer or AIMA for the current amount.
  • For a non-regulated profession, proof of high professional qualifications in the field. For a regulated profession, the professional certification.
  • Health insurance, or proof that you are covered by the national health service.

How it works

  • You enter Portugal with a valid residence visa, unless you already have a right to live there or an EU Blue Card from another member state.
  • You or your employer book an appointment with AIMA and hand in the application. You have to be there in person for the biometrics.
  • Before applying, register with the tax authority and with social security. You also need a criminal record certificate and proof of your address.
  • If you hold an EU Blue Card from another member state and have lived there for at least 18 months, you can move to Portugal with your family. Apply within 30 days of arriving.

Official sources

Visa guides for other countries