Tech Visa vs EU Blue Card: which Portuguese visa is right for you?
Two routes for skilled tech and graduate talent: Portugal's national Tech Visa via certified companies, and the EU Blue Card, which adds EU mobility for higher-salary graduate roles.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Tech Visa (Certification for Highly Qualified Workers) (Tech Visa) | EU Blue Card (Portugal) (EU Blue Card) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Who it's for | Skilled non-EU workers hired by a Portuguese tech/innovation company certified under the government Tech Visa programme. | Highly qualified non-EU workers with a high-salary job offer in Portugal seeking EU-wide mobility. |
| Government cost | ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit (company certification free) | ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit |
| Processing time | ~30 days once company is certified | ~60 days |
| Length of stay | Residence permit 2 years, renewable for 3 | Residence permit up to 2 years, renewable |
| Where to apply | Employer-certified online, then consulate and AIMA | At a Portuguese consulate abroad, then AIMA in Portugal |
| Work rights | Employment with the certified sponsoring company | Highly qualified employment, with intra-EU mobility rights |
| Pathway to PR | After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship. | Counts toward permanent residence and the EU long-term resident status after 5 years. |
Which is right for you?
Tech Visa (Certification for Highly Qualified Workers) (Tech Visa)
Skilled non-EU workers hired by a Portuguese tech/innovation company certified under the government Tech Visa programme.
Full Tech Visa guide →EU Blue Card (Portugal) (EU Blue Card)
Highly qualified non-EU workers with a high-salary job offer in Portugal seeking EU-wide mobility.
Full EU Blue Card guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Tech Visa or EU Blue Card?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Tech Visa (Certification for Highly Qualified Workers) (Tech Visa) is the lowest at ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit (company certification free). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Tech Visa or EU Blue Card?
Indicatively Tech Visa (Certification for Highly Qualified Workers) (Tech Visa) is the quickest at ~30 days once company is certified. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
What's the main difference between Tech Visa and EU Blue Card?
Tech Visa (Certification for Highly Qualified Workers) (Tech Visa) is for skilled non-EU workers hired by a Portuguese tech/innovation company certified under the government Tech Visa programme. EU Blue Card (Portugal) (EU Blue Card) is for highly qualified non-EU workers with a high-salary job offer in Portugal seeking EU-wide mobility.