Portugal's Golden Gateway: Article 90 Residence Permit for Highly Skilled Professionals

The Portuguese immigration authority has established a special law to allow highly qualified professionals in various fields to become legal residents in Portugal. This law, known as Article 90, covers specialists in teaching, culture promotion, tech, innovation, and other highly qualified activities. International professionals can work under employment or services contracts, including teaching, skilled activities, culture promotion, or with certified tech and innovation companies.

The Foreigners & Borders Services are responsible for granting residence permits to these professionals under Article 90, valid for the next two years. If you possess a high level of education, relevant experience, and the potential to excel in specific jobs and services, Article 90 may be the right choice for you.

Step-1: Education & Experience Level

To be eligible for the residence permit under Article 90 in Portugal, you must have an educational background related to teaching in an educational or vocational training institution, culture, tourism, or technical expertise in technology and innovation. Alternatively, you should hold a formal degree equivalent to the local qualifications and possess relevant experience in a similar field.

Step-2: Services or Employment Contract

For Teaching Activity:

• You need to have a contract of employment or services that includes a teaching activity or an invitation letter from an educational or vocational training institution or research center.

For Highly Qualified Activity:

• An employment or services contract with a minimum duration of one year must be in place.

• The contract should guarantee an annual remuneration of at least 1.5 times the national average yearly gross salary (equivalent to 1,752.52 euros per month).

• Additionally, your role should be at a managerial or higher level.

For Culture Promoter Activity:

• You must have a work or service contract related to cultural activity, within the scope of a project recognized as important to the government's culture promotion.

• A declaration from the company or entity carrying out the cultural activity is also required.

For Certified Companies (Tech Visa):

• You should possess a work or services contract that involves responsibilities in the technology and innovation area, declared by the certified company (tech visa).

Tax & Social Registration: The specific tax and social registration requirements will be part of the application process. You may need to fulfill certain tax and social registration obligations as per the Portuguese regulations during the application for the Article 90 residence permit.

Step-3: Social Security Number and Portuguese Tax Number

Obtaining a Social Security number in Portugal is a mandatory identification process for citizens and legal residents. This number is essential for paying and receiving social benefits from the state. Additionally, obtaining a Portuguese tax number is not only necessary to support your visa or residency application but also a compulsory requirement for various operations, such as buying property, opening a bank account, signing legal contracts, obtaining a loan, securing a job, and enjoying tax benefits.

Step-4: Tax & Social Contribution

As a resident of Portugal, you are required to pay applicable taxes and social contributions to the state government. These taxes and social contributions are based on your professional activities within Portuguese territory. Fulfilling your tax and social contribution obligations is crucial for compliance with Portuguese tax laws and contributing to the country's social welfare system.

Step-5: Checklist of Documents

Before applying for the highly skilled temporary residence permit in Portugal (Article 90), make sure you have the following documents ready:

1. Valid Passport

2. Visa or legal entry documents

3. Criminal record from your home country

4. Criminal record from the resident country (if applicable)

5. Portuguese tax number

6. Portuguese bank account

7. Proof of Professionalism in Portugal (related to your field of work)

8. Portuguese social security number

9. Proof of accommodation in Portugal

10. Employment or services contract

11. Additional documents as required

Step-6: Book an Appointment with SEF

Call the Portuguese Immigration Authority (SEF) to book an appointment for your residence permit application. Choose a convenient time, date, and location for your appointment, subject to availability.

Step-7: Biometric (Fingerprints)

On the day of your appointment, visit the Portugal Immigration Authority (SEF) with all the necessary documents translated into Portuguese. You may be required to provide your biometric data, including fingerprints.

Step-8: Residency Card Delivery

If your application is approved, the residence card will be delivered to your Portuguese home address by post. The residence card will be valid for the next 2 years. FAQ:

1. What is a highly skilled temporary residence permit in Portugal?

A highly skilled temporary residence permit (Article 90) allows highly qualified professionals in teaching, culture promotion, tech, and innovation fields to become legal residents in Portugal through employment or service contracts.

1. What is Immigration Article 90 in Portugal?

Immigration Article 90 grants a residence permit to foreign professionals with an employment contract of at least one year, earning an annual salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross salary (1,752.52 euros per month).

1. What are the requirements for Article 90?

To qualify under the highly skilled migration program, you must meet three main requirements: a salary not less than 1,752 euros per month, a designation not below the management level, and sufficient experience and education.

1. Is an education document required for Article 90?

Regarding the documentary requirements, education or experiences related to professional activities performed in the current contract can be presented.

1. How much salary is required for Article 90?

The minimum salary required can be in euros: 1,752 including tax and social contribution, or 1,402 including social contributions and tax.

1. Can we open any business and get the temporary residence permit in 3 months?

Yes, you can get a temporary residence permit in three months subject to meeting the required conditions and following the skilled labor law in Portugal.

1. How long does it take to get a temporary residence permit (TRP) for Highly Skilled?

The processing time for a highly skilled residence permit request can take around 3 to 6 months, depending on the availability of appointments with SEF.

1. I am not graduated; can I get a temporary residence permit (TRP) card under the highly skilled category?

Yes, it is still possible if you have strong acceptable experiences and have already performed in a high-level designation for a long time.

1. If I arrive in Portugal on a Schengen visa, can I apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP) as highly skilled?

Yes, under exceptional situations, if you have an opportunity during a tourist visa visit, you can apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP).

1. How many expenses are involved in the complete process of Article 90?

There are fees applied, such as lawyer fees, state fees, and expenses for document translation and certification.

1. Can I apply for an Article 90 temporary residence permit (TRP) from my home country?

Yes, you can apply for an Article 90 temporary residence permit from your home country through a service or employment contract with a Portuguese company.

1. After getting the highly skilled residence card, can I call my family in Portugal?

Yes, non-EU nationals can bring their families to Portugal after obtaining the appropriate legal status in the country.

Seeking advice or assistance with the Article 90 Visa? Contact INLIS Consulting today, the top Accounting firm in Lisbon! We are here to help you navigate the process and ensure a smooth journey towards your highly skilled residence permit in Portugal.