The Portugal Tech Visa is a government-backed program created in 2019 to attract highly skilled professionals from outside the European Union to work in Portugal’s growing technology sector. For companies hiring and relocating international talent, the Tech Visa simplifies the visa process and speeds up approvals. This quick guide covers everything employers and employees need to know about the Tech Visa, from eligibility to application steps.

What is the Portugal Tech Visa?

The Portugal Tech Visa is a certification program that allows Portuguese companies to hire highly qualified foreign professionals in the tech sector. It reduces administrative barriers and shortens processing times for residence permits.

Without this certification, companies can still hire international employees using standard work permits, but the Tech Visa makes the process faster and more efficient for highly skilled professionals.

What are the benefits of the Tech Visa for companies?

1. Faster processing times for work permits (average 45 days vs. 60 days for regular visas).
2. Shows corporate commitment to hiring globally, which can help in securing priority appointments.
3. More flexible requirements than the Highly Qualified Visa, allowing quicker approvals for recent graduates and lower salary thresholds (€1,300/month).
4. Enables in-country applications without the need for a Visa, in urgent cases.

The Tech Visa program aims to simplify the visa and residence permit process by potentially eliminating face-to-face interviews and the requirement for a signed contract. However, these simplifications have not yet been implemented.

‍What are the benefits of the Tech Visa for employees?

-> Faster relocation with simplified visa requirements.
-> Eligibility for a residence permit under the D3 Tech Visa category.
-> Possibility to apply for the scientific research, innovation, and human capital tax regime (IFICI+), which offers a special tax rate (e.g., a flat 20% tax for the first 10 consecutive years in Portugal). This applies to employees of innovation centers, IAPMEI/AICEP-recognized entities, investment entities, companies of significant economic value, R&D workers, and officially recognized start-ups.
-> Opportunity to work for certified tech companies in Portugal.

Certified companies are able to recruit qualified third-country qualified workers and non-permanent residents in European Union territory in a simpler way. Certified employers can also Issue a digital term of responsibility that their candidates can present at the Consular Posts/Embassy and Border Control Services to qualify for a highly skilled worker residence visa or permit. Companies are generally limited to hiring up to 50% of their workforce through the Tech Visa program, but this limit increases to 80% for companies located in remote areas.

‍How can companies apply? 

‍The requirements for a company to apply for the Tech Visa certification are:

-> Being legally registered in Portugal (with a permanent establishment or Headquarters).
-> Not having debts to Social Security and/or Tax authorities;
-> Not having wage arrears;
-> Not being under a restructuring process;
-> Having a positive balance (exclusive for companies with +3 years of operation in Portugal);
-> Producing goods and services that can be internationalized as their core business. 
-> Not having more than 50% of workers hired simultaneously under the Tech Visa.

The company application must be approved under two criteria: market potential and orientation to foreign markets.

‍What is the process to apply for a Tech Visa certification? 

‍The certification process begins with the company’s application. IAPMEI - Agência para a Competitividade e Inovação (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation) is responsible for assessing and accrediting companies under the Tech Visa program. 
The necessary steps are:

1. Register on the IAPMEI Tech Visa portal;
2. Submit the company certification application;
3. If approved, gain access to the Tech Visa management portal;
4. Register employees and issue a Term of Responsibility.

Step-by-step to the application ‍

Step 1: Registration
‍Access the TechVisa page on the IAPMEI website and select “Submeter candidatura”. On the right-hand side of the page, select “Registe-se aqui” to register.

‍Step 2: IAPMEI Client Console
‍After logging in (NIF and password), you’ll access the IAPMEI Client Console, which gives you access to different services, including the StartUpTechVisa Platform. Select “StartUp TechVisa” and access the Reserved Area (“Área Reservada”).

‍Step 3: Starting the Application 
‍The reserved area is where all processes associated with the TechVisa Certification are handled. To start your certification request, select “Iniciar certificação”.

‍Step 4: Filling out the Application Form
‍The form consists of the following tabs:

-> Framework: register the reasons and importance of the TechVisa certification for the company's strategy, in the context of developing activities requiring specialized technical skills.
-> Identification: write down the company name and address fields will be pre-filled. You’ll need to identify the person responsible for monitoring the TechVisa process.
-> Company: fill out the Simplified Business Information (IES - Informação Empresarial Simplificada (IES), namely the IES code (“código de consulta”) and the “Observations”, should there be any necessary clarifications. Upload the “autorizações de consulta” to validate the absence of social security and tax debts, and add the company’s CAE.
-> Establishments: add the contact details of the company’s establishments (“estabelecimentos”), such as head office address and number of employees.
-> Activity: add information relating to the company’s market potential and orientation towards external markets, as well as activity characterization.
-> Declarations: the final step requires validating the company fulfills the necessary declarations and obligations for the certification, like veracity of statements.

After the certification’s approval, the company will gain access to a Portal intended for technological and innovative companies that attract qualified professionals. From there, employers can register their employees and request a Terms of Responsibility. This term of responsibility, issued for every candidate/employee, will be then shared with the immigration offices.

‍Eligibility Criteria for Employees

‍Candidates applying under a Tech Visa-certified company must:

-> Be a third-country national (non-EU/EEA citizen);
-> Reside outside of the EU;
-> Be at least 18 years old;
-> Have no criminal record;
-> Hold a higher technical qualification (Level 5) with five years of experience OR a university degree (Level 6 or higher) with no experience required;
-> Speak Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish at a proficient level;
-> Hold a work contract of at least 12 months with a minimum salary of €1,400 per month.

How the Tech Visa Compares to Other Work Visas‍

‍Localized support for Portugal’s Tech Visa

‍Expanding your team in Portugal under the Tech Visa program? Jobbatical simplifies the process. 

Our team of local experts can help your team understand Portugal's immigration regulations and guide your company throughout the entire employee relocation process, from company certification to employee onboarding.

Talk to our team today to explore how Jobbatical can support your relocation needs in Portugal.

‍What are Jobbatical’s Global Mobility Services in Portugal?

Immigration Support

Jobbatical helps businesses with every aspect of their employee’s immigration process to Portugal, ensuring a stress-free experience for HR managers and their teams. Our services include:

-> Work and residence permits – Handling applications for employees and their families.
-> Visa renewals – Keeping employees compliant with Portuguese immigration regulations.
-> Social Security registration – Ensuring employees are compliant and set up for benefits in Portugal.

Employee Relocation Assistance

Beyond visas and immigration, we help your employees feel at home in Portugal with:

-> Home search services – Finding the right place to live and negotiating rental agreements.
-> Bank account setup – Guiding employees through opening a local account.
-> Health insurance registration – Helping with access to Portugal’s healthcare system.

Settle-in & Offboarding Services

Our team supports your employees and their families with:

-> Driver’s license exchange – Assistance with exchanging foreign licenses.
-> Education support for children – Helping families find the right schools.
-> Offboarding for immigration and relocation – Guidance on closing accounts, de-registering, and completing legal obligations.