22 Jul Guide to Qualified Professionals in Portugal

The European Blue Card represents a valuable opportunity for highly qualified workers who wish to develop their careers in the European Union, especially in Portugal.

Autores: Maria Pinheiro, Lawyer, and Lauro Cockell Drummond, Lawyer

The European Blue Card is a European Union initiative designed to attract highly qualified workers from outside the EU to live and work in the member states.

In this article, we will discuss this topic, highlighting the benefits, requirements and procedures related to the European Blue Card from the perspective of Portugal.

What is the European Blue Card?

The European Blue Card is the residence permit that entitles a third-country national to reside and carry out a highly qualified subordinate professional activity on national territory, offering qualified workers a series of benefits that facilitate their integration and permanence in the EU member state.

European Blue Card requirements

To obtain the European Blue Card in Portugal, applicants must meet several specific criteria, notably:

1. Academic qualifications: The applicant must hold a higher education diploma corresponding to a complete cycle of studies lasting at least three years, recognized in Portugal.
2. Employment Contract: It is necessary to have an employment contract or work promise contract in Portugal, guaranteeing a salary corresponding to at least 1.5 times the national gross annual average salary, or, in certain specific cases, at least 1.2 times the national gross annual average salary.
3. Health Insurance: The candidate must have valid health insurance or prove that they are covered by the Portuguese National Health System.
4. Criminal record: The applicant must present a criminal record certificate from their country of origin or previous residence, confirming that they have no criminal record.
5. Registration with the Tax Administration and Social Security: The applicant must be registered with the Tax Administration and Social Security, where applicable.
6. Regulated and Unregulated Professions: In the case of non-regulated professions, the candidate must provide proof of high professional qualifications in the activity or sector specified in the contract. In the case of regulated professions, proof of professional certification must be provided, where applicable.

Benefits of the European Blue Card

The European Blue Card offers a variety of significant advantages for its holders:

1. Mobility within the EU: After 18 months of residence in the first Member State, Blue Card holders can move to another EU Member State to exercise their activity, facilitating professional mobility within the Union.
2. Residence rights and citizenship: The Blue Card grants the right to reside and work legally in Portugal and, after five years of legal residence, interested parties can apply for permanent residence or even Portuguese citizenship.
3. Family Reunification: Family members of Blue Card holders can benefit from family reunification, allowing spouses and minor children to accompany the holder during their stay in Portugal.
4. Working and Social Conditions: Blue Card holders have access to working conditions and social rights equal to those of Portuguese citizens, including access to education, vocational training, social security, among others.
5. Stability and Security: The Blue Card provides a stable base for qualified workers to develop their careers in Portugal, with access to job opportunities in a variety of sectors.

Application process

The application process for the European Blue Card in Portugal involves several stages:

1. Gathering Documentation: The applicant must gather all the necessary documents, including a higher education diploma, employment contract, health insurance, criminal record certificate, among others.
2. Submitting the Application: The application can be submitted by the candidate themselves or by their employer, at consular offices or at the Agency for Migration Integration and Asylum (AIMA), depending on the specific situation. In any case, the applicant must appear in person for the collection of biometric data.
3. Evaluation and Decision: The Portuguese authorities will evaluate the application based on the requirements established by the Migration Law and, if approved, the Blue Card will be issued.
4. Obtaining the Blue Card: After approval, the holder will receive the Blue Card, which will allow them to reside and work legally in Portugal, benefiting from all its related advantages.

Validity and Renewal of the European Blue Card

The European Blue Card in Portugal is initially valid for one year, renewable for successive periods of three years as a rule, and renewal must be requested at least 30 days before the date on which it expires.

Conclusion

The European Blue Card represents a valuable opportunity for highly qualified workers who wish to develop their careers in the European Union, especially in Portugal. With a variety of benefits that facilitate integration and mobility within the EU.
The Blue Card has established itself as an attractive choice for professionals seeking stability and growth in a dynamic and welcoming environment.
Interested parties must ensure that they meet all the legal requirements and follow the application process correctly in order to take advantage of all the benefits offered by this program, and legal advice is essential to ensure that all steps are taken in accordance with current legislation.