Work and Reside in Portugal with the EU Blue Card
Sara Sbai Oliveira | Immigration Consultant
The EU Blue Card Directive of the European Parliament and the Council (2021/1883) was transposed into Portuguese law by Law No. 53/2023 of 31 August, introducing significant changes to the previous regime and creating more attractive conditions for highly qualified third-country nationals seeking to live and work in the European Union. In Portugal, the EU Blue Card enables eligible individuals to obtain a residence permit specifically tailored for highly qualified employment, offering greater mobility, enhanced rights, and a clearer path toward permanent residence.
Under the current rules, third-country nationals who hold a valid visa or residence permit in Portugal and who have secured a work contract for a highly qualified position may apply directly for an EU Blue Card. It is also possible to convert an EU Blue Card issued by another Member State into a Portuguese Blue Card, provided the applicant has resided legally in that Member State for at least two years. This intra-EU mobility framework reflects the harmonised vision of the Directive, facilitating the movement of skilled professionals within the Union.
To apply in Portugal, the applicant must reside legally in the country and present an employment contract compatible with a highly qualified activity, with a minimum duration of six months. The contract must offer an annual salary equivalent to at least 1.5 times the national gross average wage. In cases where the applicant’s profession falls within a sector officially recognised as having a shortage of national workers, the salary threshold may be reduced to 1.2 times the national average. While the law no longer requires proof of higher education in all cases, documentation evidencing relevant academic qualifications or professional experience may still be necessary, particularly when the profession in question is regulated or subject to special licensing requirements.
The Blue Card regime offers several advantages compared to standard residence permits. In addition to facilitating entry and residence for the principal applicant, it provides simplified procedures for family reunification. Spouses, registered partners and dependent children may accompany or join the Blue Card holder in Portugal, and they enjoy full access to education, work and social services under equal terms. Furthermore, once the Blue Card holder has resided legally in Portugal for at least 12 months, they may move to another Member State with their family, provided they comply with that country’s national requirements for Blue Card holders.
The initial EU Blue Card issued in Portugal is valid for two years and may be renewed for successive periods of three years. If the employment contract has a shorter term, the residence card will be valid for the duration of the contract plus an additional three months. The renewal application must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry of the card. During the first 12 months of legal residence, the Blue Card holder is restricted to working in the activity and for the employer that justified the issuance of the card. After this initial period, they may change employers or sectors without prior authorisation, as long as the new employment remains within the scope of a highly qualified activity.
Holders of the EU Blue Card benefit from equal treatment with Portuguese nationals in terms of working conditions, including wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and occupational health and safety. They are also entitled to access the national social security system, healthcare, education, vocational training, housing, and other public services. Additionally, Blue Card holders are allowed to reside anywhere in Portugal and to travel freely within the Schengen Area without requiring a separate visa.
Importantly, time spent in Portugal under the EU Blue Card counts towards the legal residence requirement for obtaining long-term EU resident status or Portuguese citizenship. Individuals who meet the general legal conditions — including minimum residence periods, language proficiency and integration criteria — may later apply for permanent residence or naturalisation under Portuguese nationality law.
With the recent legislative changes in Portugal and the alignment of national law with the EU Blue Card Directive, this residence regime is now one of the most advantageous options available to non-EU professionals. It is particularly suited to individuals working in technology, finance, engineering, medicine, research, academia or other strategic sectors where there is a recognised need for international talent. By offering improved legal certainty, enhanced mobility and more inclusive family rights, the Blue Card supports both the individual goals of foreign professionals and the broader European objective of attracting and retaining qualified workers.
If you are currently living in Portugal and believe you meet the legal criteria to apply for an EU Blue Card — or if you already hold a Blue Card issued by another Member State and wish to transfer your residence to Portugal — our team is available to advise and assist you throughout the application or conversion process.
