European Blue Card
The European Blue Card is a residence permit granted to foreign citizens, which enables the holder to reside and exert a highly qualified subordinate activity on national territory.
A highly qualified worker is considered a citizen who has an employment contract of at least one year and who proves that he has the appropriate qualifications through a certificate of higher education, or who proves to have a minimum of five years of professional experience relevant to the activity.
Requirements
- employment contract compatible with the performance of a highly qualified activity of not less than one year, corresponding to an annual salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross salary (EUR 1,752.52/month) or, in the cases provided in Article no.2 61-A, of at least 1.2 times the national average gross salary (EUR 1,402.02););
- Have health insurance or proof that you are covered by the National Health Service;
- Social security registration;
- In the case of an unregulated profession, document proving high professional qualifications in the activity or sector specified in the employment contract or in the contract promise of employment;
- In the case of a regulated profession indicated in the employment contract or in the contract promise, document proving professional certification, where applicable.
Benefits of the UE Blue Card
Holders of the European Blue Card benefit from equal treatment with nationals, in particular regarding:
- working conditions, including pay and dismissal, as well as health and safety requirements at work;
- vocational education and training;
- recognition of diplomas, certificates and other professional qualifications;
- the applicable provisions on social security;
- the payment of the rights to the legal old-age pension, acquired on the basis of income and the applicable rate;
- access to goods and services and the provision of goods and services to the public, as well as information and advice provided by employment services;
- Free access to the national territory.
The holder of the European Blue Card can also bring their family members together to live legally in Portugal through Family Reunification.
