Portugal · work · guide
Portugal Work Residence Permit (Visa Waiver): Requirements
This guide explains how to get a Portuguese residence permit for subordinate work without a residence visa.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 10 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://aima.gov.pt/pt/trabalhar/autorizacao-de-residencia-para-exercicio-de-atividade-profissional-subordinada-com-dispensa-de-visto-de-residencia-art-88-o-n-o-
How to start your application
You must first register and confirm your account on the SAPA portal. You must also authenticate your login on the portal.[1]
Proof of employment and legal entry
You must show proof that you entered Portugal legally.[2]
You need to provide a copy of a work contract promise. Alternatively, you can provide a declaration under honor from your employer.[3]
You must also show proof that you are registered with the tax administration and social security.[4][5]
Personal documents and address proof
You must present a valid passport.[6]
You must provide a criminal record certificate. This must come from your country of nationality, or from the country where you lived for more than one year before moving to Portugal.[7]
You must submit a declaration under honor stating your residential address.[8]
If you rent your home, you must provide a declaration from your landlord or the accommodation entity. If you own the property, you must provide the land registry certificate or its access code.[9][10]
Checklist
- Register and authenticate on the SAPA portal[1]
- Valid passport[6]
- Proof of legal entry into Portugal[2]
- Work contract promise or employer declaration[3]
- Proof of tax registration[4]
- Proof of social security registration[5]
- Criminal record certificate[7]
- Declaration of residential address[8]
Questions people ask
How do I start the application process?
You must begin by registering, confirming your registration, and authenticating as a user on the SAPA portal.[1]
What proof of employment do I need to submit?
You must submit either a copy of a work contract promise or a declaration under honor from your employer.[3]
Which criminal record do I need to provide?
You must provide a criminal record from your country of nationality. If you lived in another country for more than a year before moving to Portugal, you can provide a criminal record from that country instead.[7]
What documents do I need to prove my address if I rent?
You must provide a declaration under honor of your residential address. You must also provide a declaration from your landlord or the accommodation entity.[8][9]
What documents do I need to prove my address if I own my home?
You must provide a declaration under honor of your residential address. You must also provide the land registry certificate or its access code.[8][10]
Do I need to register with Portuguese public services?
Yes. You must provide proof of registration with both the tax administration and social security.[4][5]
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.