Portugal · study · guide
Portugal Mobile Researcher Residence Permit: requirements
This guide helps researchers from other EU countries apply for a residence permit to do research in Portugal.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 13 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/estudar/autorizacao-de-residencia-para-investigadores-em-mobilidade-art-91-o-c
Who can apply
You can apply for this permit if you are a researcher moving to Portugal. You must show proof of your research activity.[1]
You must also show the residence permit from the EU Member State where you currently live.[2]
Required documents
You must provide a valid passport.[3]
You need to submit a criminal record from your country of nationality. Alternatively, you can provide a criminal record from the country where you lived for more than one year before moving to Portugal.[4]
You must show proof of health insurance. You can also show proof that you are covered by the National Health Service.[5]
You must provide a signed declaration under oath about your home address. This declaration must state the terms under which you live in the housing.[6]
You need to show proof of registration with the tax administration.[7]
If you have an employment contract or a service contract, you must show proof of registration with social security.[8]
You must provide professional certification if it applies to your situation.[9]
You must show a residence visa. You do not need this if you are applying for the residence permit without a visa.[10]
Proof of funds
You must present proof of your means of subsistence to show you can support yourself.[11]
How and when to apply
You must apply for this long-term mobility residence permit within 30 days after you enter Portugal.[12]
You must book an appointment to submit your application. You must deliver the application in person using a specific form. You or your legal representative must sign this form.[13]
Checklist
- Valid passport[3]
- Residence permit from your current EU Member State[2]
- Proof of research activity[1]
- Proof of means of subsistence[11]
- Health insurance or proof of National Health Service coverage[5]
- Criminal record from your home country or previous country of residence[4]
- Signed declaration of your residential address[6]
- Proof of tax registration[7]
- Proof of social security registration, if you have a work contract[8]
- Professional certification, if applicable[9]
- Residence visa, unless applying without one[10]
Questions people ask
When do I need to apply for the Portuguese mobility residence permit?
You must apply for the long-term mobility residence permit within 30 days of entering Portugal.[12]
Do I need a visa to apply for this residence permit?
You must present a residence visa, unless you are applying for the residence permit without a visa.[10]
How do I submit my application for the researcher permit?
You must book an appointment and submit your application in person. You must use a specific form signed by you or your legal representative.[13]
What criminal record do I need to provide?
You must provide a criminal record from your country of nationality. You can also provide one from the country where you lived for more than a year before moving to Portugal.[4]
Do I need health insurance in Portugal?
Yes. You must show proof of health insurance or proof that the National Health Service covers you.[5]
Do I need to register with social security?
You only need to show proof of social security registration if you have an employment contract or a service contract.[8]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.