Portugal · work · guide
Portugal work residence permits: requirements
This guide explains the requirements to get a residence permit to work in Portugal.
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
Who can apply
To apply for a residence permit under Article 88.1 or Article 89.1, you must hold a residence visa.[1][2]
To apply under Article 88.7, you must have a job search visa.[3]
To apply for a digital nomad residence permit, you must have a residence visa for remote work performed outside Portugal.[4]
To apply for a Mobile ICT residence permit, you must hold an ICT residence permit from another EU Member State. Your stay must be longer than 90 days in a 180-day period.[5]
To apply under Article 122.1(o), you must have had a residence permit for secondary education or first-cycle higher education. You must have finished your studies and want to work in Portugal.[6]
To apply under Article 122.1(p), you must have had a residence permit for second or third-cycle higher education or for research. You must have finished your studies or research and want to work in Portugal.[7]
To apply under Article 122.1(q), you must have had a temporary stay visa for research or highly qualified activity. You must want to do one of these activities or teach in Portugal.[8]
To apply under Article 122.1(l), you must be a diplomatic or consular agent, or their dependent spouse, ascendant, or descendant.[9]
Costs and money
You must pay the cost of the phone call to the contact center according to your phone tariff.[10]
Checklist
- Hold a residence visa if you apply under Article 88.1 or Article 89.1[1][2]
- Hold a job search visa if you apply under Article 88.7[3]
- Hold a remote work residence visa if you apply as a digital nomad[4]
- Hold an ICT residence permit from another EU country and stay over 90 days in a 180-day period for Mobile ICT[5]
- Finish your studies or research in Portugal if you apply as a former student or researcher[6][7]
Questions people ask
Can I get a residence permit with a job search visa?
Yes. You can apply for a residence permit under Article 88.7 if you have a job search visa.[3]
What do digital nomads need to apply?
You must have a residence visa for remote work performed outside Portugal.[4]
Can I apply for a permit after finishing my studies in Portugal?
Yes. If you had a residence permit for secondary or first-cycle higher education and finished your studies, you can apply under Article 122.1(o). If you finished second or third-cycle higher education, you can apply under Article 122.1(p).[6][7]
What are the rules for Mobile ICT residence permits?
You must hold an ICT residence permit from another EU Member State, and your stay in Portugal must be longer than 90 days in a 180-day period.[5]
Do I have to pay to call the contact center?
Yes. You must pay the cost of the phone call to the contact center according to your phone tariff.[10]
Can family members of diplomats get a residence permit?
Yes. Diplomatic or consular agents, as well as their dependent spouses, ascendants, or descendants, can apply under Article 122.1(l).[9]
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.