To renew the Tech Visa in Portugal, applicants must provide proof of ongoing tech employment, contribute to the tech ecosystem, maintain a valid residence permit, and have a clean criminal record.
Renewing a Tech Visa in Portugal involves meeting specific criteria to ensure that the visa holder continues to comply with the requirements of the program. Here’s a breakdown of the renewal requirements:
1. Continued Employment with a Certified Company
- Valid Job Offer: To renew the Tech Visa, the visa holder must maintain employment with a Portuguese company that is certified under the Tech Visa program. The employment contract should be valid, and the role must continue to align with the tech sector’s requirements that initially qualified the individual for the visa.
- Company Certification: The employer must still be certified by IAPMEI (Instituto de Apoio às Pequenas e Médias Empresas e à Inovação), ensuring that the company complies with the standards set by the Tech Visa program.
2. Proof of Income and Financial Stability
- Sufficient Income: The visa holder must demonstrate that they have a stable and sufficient income to support themselves and any dependents. This is typically shown through recent pay slips, bank statements, and a valid employment contract.
- Compliance with Tax Obligations: The visa holder must be in good standing with Portuguese tax authorities, which means all taxes related to income earned in Portugal must be properly declared and paid.
3. Continued Residency in Portugal
- Proof of Residency: The visa holder must provide evidence that they have been residing in Portugal, such as a rental contract, utility bills, or proof of property ownership. Continuous residency is typically required, though some temporary absences are permitted under specific conditions.
4. No Criminal Record
- Clean Criminal Record: To renew the Tech Visa, the applicant must have a clean criminal record in Portugal and in their home country. This is typically verified through a criminal background check, which must be submitted as part of the renewal application.
5. Submission of Renewal Application
- Timely Application Submission: The renewal application must be submitted before the current visa expires, typically within 30 to 90 days of the expiration date. The application is submitted to the Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF), the Portuguese immigration and border service.
- Required Documentation: The renewal application must include all necessary documentation, such as proof of continued employment, proof of income, proof of residency, and a clean criminal record.
6. Compliance with Other Visa Conditions
- Adherence to Visa Conditions: The Tech Visa holder must continue to meet all other conditions associated with the visa, including not engaging in unauthorized work or activities outside the scope of their employment contract.
Summary
To renew a Tech Visa in Portugal, the visa holder must maintain valid employment with a certified company, demonstrate financial stability, prove continued residency in Portugal, have a clean criminal record, and submit the renewal application with all required documentation before the visa expires. Compliance with these requirements ensures a smooth renewal process and continued legal residency in Portugal.