Portugal’s booming tech sector is drawing global talent, and the Tech Visa program makes it easier for highly skilled professionals to relocate with a job offer from a certified Portuguese tech company.
Whether you’re a software engineer, data scientist, or startup specialist, the Tech Visa offers a fast-tracked, legal residence route backed by employer sponsorship.
At Borderless Lawyers, we help tech workers from around the world secure their Tech Visas and settle in Portugal with ease.
🚀 What Is the Tech Visa Portugal Program?
The Tech Visa is a government-backed program designed to attract non-EU skilled workers to Portugal’s innovation and technology sectors.
âś… It is not a standalone visa. Instead, it streamlines the residence permit process for professionals who have a job offer from a certified Portuguese tech company.
👨‍💻 Who Is the Tech Visa For?
You may qualify if you are:
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A non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
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Offered a job by a certified Portuguese tech company
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Working in a highly qualified role (e.g., software engineering, AI, UX, cybersecurity, product management)
🏢 Who Can Hire Under the Tech Visa?
Only certified Portuguese companies in the tech or innovation space can hire through the Tech Visa. These companies must:
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Be headquartered in Portugal
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Operate in tech, innovation, or R&D
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Have no outstanding tax/social security debts
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Be approved by IAPMEI (Portugal’s agency for competitiveness)
🔍 You can view the list of certified companies on the official IAPMEI website.
đź“‹ Tech Visa Requirements for the Employee
To qualify for the Tech Visa, the employee must:
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Have a valid job offer from a certified company
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Possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (or 5+ years experience in the role)
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Show a clean criminal record
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Not have prior illegal residence in the Schengen Area
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Provide proof of qualifications or work experience
✍️ Required Documents
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Valid passport
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Tech Visa application form
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Certified job offer or contract
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Degree or professional certification
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Criminal background check
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Proof of accommodation in Portugal
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NIF (Portuguese tax ID)
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Health insurance (until registered with SNS)
đź“Ś Documents from abroad must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese.
đź•’ Application Timeline
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Job offer from certified company | Varies |
| Tech Visa pre-approval by company | 1–2 weeks |
| Portuguese residence visa at consulate | 2–3 months |
| Entry and AIMA/SEF appointment in Portugal | Within 120 days of visa |
| Residence permit issued | Valid for 2 years, renewable |
🎯 Benefits of the Tech Visa Program
âś… Faster visa/residency processing
âś… Family reunification rights
✅ Access to Portugal’s public healthcare and education
âś… Renewable permit (2+3 years)
âś… Eligible for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years
âś… Right to work across Schengen with travel flexibility
🌍 Is Remote Work Eligible?
The Tech Visa is not for freelancers or digital nomads. It requires a formal employment contract with a Portuguese tech company and in most cases expects some on-site presence.
If you’re self-employed or remote-only, consider the D8 Digital Nomad Visa instead.
🧠Path to Citizenship
After 5 years of continuous legal residency under the Tech Visa, you can apply for:
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Permanent residency (no renewal needed)
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Portuguese citizenship (requires A2 Portuguese language exam)
Portugal allows dual nationality, so you can keep your original passport.
🤝 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We support tech professionals with:
âś… Pre-qualification assessment
âś… NIF, bank account, and housing setup
âś… Apostille and certified translations
âś… Visa & residence permit applications
âś… Family reunification
âś… Citizenship and permanent residency transitions
đź“ž Ready to Launch Your Tech Career in Portugal?
Whether you’ve already received an offer or are job-hunting in Portugal’s tech scene, Borderless Lawyers is here to guide your immigration process—seamlessly, securely, and stress-free.