To qualify for the Tech Visa in Portugal, applicants must have a job offer in a tech-related field, a bachelor's degree or higher, relevant work experience, necessary skills and qualifications, and proof of financial means.
To qualify for the Tech Visa in Portugal, applicants must meet several specific criteria related to their professional background, the nature of their employment, and the certification of their employer. Here are the key qualification criteria:
1. Employment with a Certified Portuguese Company
- Certified Employer Requirement: The most crucial criterion for the Tech Visa is that the applicant must have a job offer from a Portuguese company that is certified by IAPMEI (Instituto de Apoio às Pequenas e Médias Empresas e à Inovação). This certification ensures that the company operates within the tech and innovation sectors and meets the standards set by the Portuguese government.
2. Highly Skilled Professional
- Professional Qualifications: The applicant must be a highly skilled professional in a technology-related field. This typically means having advanced qualifications, such as a university degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., computer science, engineering, data science) and/or significant professional experience in the tech industry.
- Relevant Experience: In addition to formal education, candidates should have relevant work experience that aligns with the role they are being hired for. This includes experience in areas such as software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analytics, or other tech-related fields.
3. Employment Contract or Job Offer
- Valid Job Offer: The applicant must present a valid job offer or an employment contract from the certified Portuguese company. This document should clearly outline the terms of employment, including job responsibilities, salary, and the duration of the contract.
- Tech Sector Role: The job role must be within the technology or innovation sector, which is a key focus of the Tech Visa program. The position should require specialized skills and contribute to the company’s tech-related activities.
4. Clean Criminal Record
- Background Check: Applicants must provide a clean criminal record from their home country and from any country where they have resided for over a year in the past five years. This is to ensure that the applicant does not pose a security risk to Portugal.
5. Health Insurance Coverage
- Mandatory Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance is required to apply for the Tech Visa. The insurance must cover the applicant during their stay in Portugal, ensuring access to medical services if needed.
6. Financial Stability
- Proof of Financial Means: While not always explicitly stated, it is advisable for applicants to demonstrate financial stability, showing that they have sufficient income or savings to support themselves in Portugal. This can be evidenced through bank statements, pay slips, or the terms of the employment contract.
Summary
To qualify for the Tech Visa in Portugal, you must secure a job offer from a certified Portuguese company in the tech sector, demonstrate your qualifications and experience as a highly skilled professional, and meet other requirements such as a clean criminal record, valid health insurance, and financial stability. These criteria are designed to ensure that the Tech Visa attracts top talent to Portugal’s growing technology and innovation industries.