Tired of your current situation? Want to find new opportunities outside of your home country? If you’re a tech worker or entrepreneur, you should consider taking advantage of Portugal’s tech visa program, which allows you to live and work in the country. Here’s what you need to know about this program and how you can apply.
What is a Portuguese Tech Visa?
The Portuguese tech visa is a relatively new type of residence permit issued by Portugal, in order to attract highly skilled workers. The aim is to fill vacancies in the growing Portuguese technology and innovation sector, all the while offering non-Schengen nationals the opportunity to work and reside in Portugal.
Who is Eligible for a Tech Visa?
In order to receive a tech visa, you must fit certain criteria, for example you must:
- be over 18 years old and have no criminal record
- have a Level 6 qualification (Bachelor’s Degree) or a Level 5 qualification, with five years experience
- be a third country national and not be resident in the European Union
- be proficient in either Portuguese, English, Spanish or French.
- not have any outstanding fiscal/social obligations
Companies that wish to recruit employees with tech visas must function in the technological/innovative sectors and be certified by the Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation – IAPMEI. Additionally, the company must operate on an international level and have at least one registered office in Portugal.
Guidelines on Tech Visas
A maximum of 50% of the workforce of an IAPMEI-certified company can be recruited with tech visas – this is increased to 80% if the company is based in a remote area.
The minimum wage is also higher than the standard wage; employees must be paid 2.5 times the Social Support Index, so in 2022 the minimum wage for employees on tech visas is 1108 euros a month.
The employment contract must have a minimum duration of 12 months, so tech visas are not applicable for short-term work.
The Application Process
Companies must be certified by the IAPMEI before they can hire highly qualified workers under the scheme. Once an application is made, there is a maximum delay of 20 days before a decision is made – if the application is successful, the certification will last for a period of two years. They can then issue a ‘term of responsibility’ allowing a potential employee to fast-track the process of getting their visa!
If you have any queries about how tech visas work or how you can apply for one, contact us at RHJ Law to get advice from experts with plenty of experience in the area!
