Travel to Portugal for work

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

Entry requirements

If you're going to Portugal to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

On the day you travel, you'll need your passport to both:

• have at least 6 months left
• be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)

If you're travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-related things without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings. These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

If you're going for other types of work you may need a visa, work permit or residence permit.

Portugal's authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with Portugal's government before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you're working in more than one country you'll need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Portugal. It includes a checklist of documents that you'll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Portugal's immigration authorities or embassy in the UK.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• 'legalised' (apostillised) or notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Portugal, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Portugal's authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You don't need a visa or permit if you're travelling to Portugal for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for:

• attending business and sales meetings
• running or attending job interviews
• buying goods for sale outside the country
• attending a trade show, seminar or convention
• searching for new suppliers
• negotiating and signing contracts
• touring a company facility
• team building activities
• attending court as a witness

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your entire stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter that explains your trip

Check Portugal's exemptions

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they're exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country's authorities.

Portugal does not have any exemptions. However, if you have an EU intra-company transfer permit (EU ) from another country you can work for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You will not need a Portuguese visa or permit.

You have to notify Portugal's immigration office (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) within 3 business days of arriving if you're coming from an EU country. You need to make a telephone appointment to do this.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show your EU permit to the authorities to prove that you're exempt.

Further checks

If you're not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from the Portuguese immigration authorities or embassy in the UK.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you'll need to check the exact rules and processes with Portugal's immigration authorities or embassy in the UK.

Taking your family

Your family won't be able to apply for dependant permits for short trips. They may be able to visit you under the Schengen visa waiver.

Families will be able to join you with the longer-term residence permits listed in this guide.

Short and long-term visas and permits

You need a temporary stay visa if you're in Portugal because you're:

You also need one if you're providing any of the following services to a client in Portugal for up to 1 year:

• seasonal work
• independent work
• highly qualified activity
• professional activity
• amateur sports activity
• show business and performing artists
• religious training within a religious congregation
• religious person undertaking studies in a recognised institution

You need to apply for a longer-term residence permit if you're in Portugal because you're:

You usually also need to apply for a residency visa.

Temporary stay visa for short-term work

To qualify for a temporary stay visa you must:

• keep your UK employment contract if you're transferring, or have a Portuguese employment contract or offer of employment
• have been employed by your UK employer for at least 1 year if you're being transferred
• be on UK or Portuguese payroll and earn at least the national minimum wage of Portugal
• have relevant professional experience

How it works

You need to check with Portugal's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a temporary stay visa application to the Portuguese consulate.

2. You register with Portugal's social security and tax departments.

A temporary stay visa can take up to 30 days to get. It's valid for the duration of your contract or assignment or for up to 1 year.

Application documents

Portugal's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed visa application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• diploma or qualification certificate
• CV
• work contract or service agreement for temporary work activity, if applicable
• a document issued by the sports federation certifying the amateur sports activity, if working in sports
• police clearance certificate from your country of residence (get a UK police certificate)
• permission for to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
• medical certificate
• proof you can support yourself financially
• proof of accommodation, such as an apartment or hotel booking
• proof of travel itinerary or return tickets
• proof of travel health insurance, including repatriation
• passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying

Transferring long term to a branch in Portugal

You need an intra-corporate transfer () residence permit if your UK-based company moves you to a Portuguese branch to work for:

• up to 3 years if you're a manager or a specialist
• 1 year if you're a trainee

To qualify you must:

• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• have relevant qualifications and work experience, if you're a manager or a specialist
• have a bachelor's level degree, if you're a trainee
• have worked for the UK company for at least 3 months immediately prior to the transfer to Portugal
• keep your UK employment contract
• stay on UK payroll

An permit can take up to 90 days to get. It's valid for the duration of the assignment, or for up to 1 year. Managers and specialists can extend it for up to 2 years.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a national visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. You book an appointment with SEF in Portugal.

3. You register with the social security and tax departments.

4. You submit an ICT residence permit application at SEF in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• diploma or qualification certificate
• CV
• proof that Portuguese legal conditions are being met for a regulated profession
• proof that the UK and Portuguese companies belong to the same group of companies
• proof of employment with the UK company for a minimum of 3 months prior to transfer
• signed employment contract with your UK employer stating that you're a manager, specialist or trainee
• signed assignment agreement with your UK employer
• guarantee from the company in Portugal that it complies with Portuguese labour laws related to pay and working conditions
• proof you can support yourself financially
• proof of accommodation - for rentals you need proof that it's been registered with the tax department
• proof of health insurance
• police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
• permission for to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
• passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying

Working for a company in Portugal on a long-term Portuguese contract

You need one of these residence permits if you've been offered a contract by a company in Portugal:

EU Blue Card residence permit

To qualify for an EU Blue Card residence permit you must:

• have an employment contract from a Portuguese company for at least 1 year
• have relevant higher professional qualifications in the occupation or sector
• have a professional certificate for regulated professions in Portugal
• meet minimum salary requirements - check with the authorities on the expected amount as it may change over time
• be placed on Portugal's payroll

An EU Blue Card can take up to 2 months to get. It's valid for the duration of the employment contract, or for up to 1 year. You can extend it for up to 2 years at a time.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a national visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. You book an appointment with SEF in Portugal.

3. You register with Portugal's social security and tax departments.

4. You submit an EU Blue Card residence permit application at SEF in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed EU Blue Card application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• diploma or qualification certificate
• signed employment contract
• proof you can support yourself financially
• proof of accommodation - for rentals you need proof that it's been registered with the tax department
• proof of health insurance
• police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
• permission for to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
• passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying
• proof of registration with the tax and social security authorities

Residence permit for highly qualified activity

To qualify for a residence permit for highly qualified activity you must:

• have an employment contract or a service agreement from a Portuguese company
• have a professional certificate for regulated professions in Portugal, if applicable
• have relevant higher professional qualifications in the occupation or sector
• meet minimum salary requirements - check with the authorities on the expected amount as it may change over time
• be placed on Portuguese payroll

This also includes those working under the Tech Visa program.

The residence permit for highly qualified activity can take up to 90 days to get. It's valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it for up to 3 years at a time. This permit type may lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a national visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. You book an appointment with SEF in Portugal.

3. You register with the social security and tax departments.

4. You submit a residence permit application at SEF in Portugal.

Application documents

Portugal's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• diploma or qualification certificate
• signed employment contract
• proof you can support yourself financially
• proof of accommodation - for rentals you need proof that it's been registered with the tax department
• proof of health insurance
• police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
• permission for to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
• passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying
• proof of registration with the tax and social security authorities

Residence permit for subordinate work activity

If you do not qualify for an EU Blue Card or a residence permit for highly qualified activity, you may be able to get a residence permit for subordinate work activity.

To qualify you must have:

A residence permit for subordinated work activity can take up to 90 days to get. It's valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for up to 3 years at a time.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer carries out a labour market test.

2. You submit a national visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

3. You book an appointment with SEF in Portugal.

4. You register with Portugal's social security and tax departments.

5. You go to SEF in Portugal to apply for your residence permit.

Different Portuguese authorities may request different documents. Usually, they need to see the following:

• completed residence permit application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• qualification certificate if your profession is regulated in Portugal
• signed employment contract with your UK employer
• proof you can support yourself financially
• proof of accommodation - for rentals you need proof that it's been registered with the tax department
• proof of health insurance
• police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
• declaration issued by the Portuguese Institute for Employment and Professional Training () confirming the job can't be filled by a citizen from Portugal, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
• passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying
• proof of registration with the tax and social security authorities

Self-employed work

You need a combined residence visa and residence permit for self-employed workers if your work is classified as 'independent activity'. This includes:

• freelancing
• establishing a company in Portugal
• start-ups

To qualify you must:

• have evidence of founding a company, have a service contract with a company as an independent professional, or have registered with the tax authorities and social security as an independent worker
• have a declaration confirming that you hold the necessary qualifications to perform a certain profession, if applicable
• be able to support yourself financially

A residence permit for self-employed work can take up to 90 days to get. It's valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for up to 3 years at a time.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a national visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. You book an appointment with SEF in Portugal.

3. You register with Portugal's social security and tax departments.

4. You go to SEF in Portugal to apply for your residence permit.

Application documents

Portugal's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• proof you can support yourself financially
• proof of accommodation - for rentals you need proof that it's been registered with the tax department
• proof of health insurance, including repatriation
• police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
• permission for to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
• a contract or written service provider proposal for independent professions, if applicable
• registration with the tax authority and social security as an independent worker, if applicable
• evidence of founding a company, if applicable
• proof that you intend to invest in Portugal, if applicable
• (agency for competition and innovation) declaration certifying the signing of a contract under the Startup Portugal visa scheme, if applicable
• registration with the tax authority in Portugal
• proof of financial means available in Portugal
• passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying

Investing in Portugal

You need to apply for a residence permit for investment purposes under the Golden Visa scheme if you want to invest in Portugal.

You can qualify via a number of routes. You must meet minimum investment amount requirements or be creating jobs. This could be by:

A residence permit for investors can take between 12 to 18 months to get. It's valid for up to 2 years. You can extend it for up to 2 years at a time.

To qualify you must:

• not have a criminal record
• prove that the money you're investing is yours
• prove that the money is being transferred from an international account
• commit to maintaining the investment for at least 5 years

How it works

You need to check with Portugal's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You complete the investment.

2. You register on SEF's online site (ARI) and submit the required details and documents.

3. You book an appointment with SEF in Portugal.

4. You visit SEF in Portugal to apply for your residence permit.

Application documents

Different Portuguese authorities may request different documents. Usually, they need to see the following:

• completed application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• proof of health insurance
• police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
• permission for to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
• sworn statement declaring you will comply with all the necessary requirements for the investment activity
• negative debt declaration issued by Portugal's tax and customs authorities, or other evidence to show you've paid all your taxes
• payment receipt for application analysis
• documents relating to the investment activity

Research work

To qualify for a residence permit for researchers you must have one of the following from a research centre or university:

• a work contract
• a service contract
• a scientific research scholarship
• a hosting agreement
• an acceptance letter

A residence permit for researchers can take up to 90 days to get. It's valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it for up to 2 years.

How it works

You need to check with Portugal's authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a national visa application to the Portuguese consulate or embassy.

2. You book an appointment with the immigration office (SEF) in Portugal.

3. You register with Portugal's social security and tax departments.

4. You go to SEF in Portugal to apply for your residence permit.

Application documents

Portugal's authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed residence permit application form
• UK passport, valid for 3 months after your intended departure date
• work contract, service contract, a scientific research scholarship, or a hosting agreement
• proof of financial means, subsistence, research stipend or statement of responsibility signed by the research centre or university to cover admission and living costs
• proof of accommodation - for rentals you need proof that it's been registered with the tax department
• proof of health insurance
• police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived for 1 year or more (get a UK police certificate)
• permission for to carry out criminal record checks in Portugal
• passport-standard photo taken with 6 months of applying

Portuguese government guidance

Read official government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits by the:

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Portugal, for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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