You must apply for a temporary stay visa or a residence visa for researcher activity at the embassySearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• or consulateSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• in your country of origin or residence.

A residence visa does not automatically grant you a right of residence but allows you to enter Portugal for the purpose of applying for a residence permit, if the requirements are met.

• You must show that you have a work contract, a contract for providing services, or a scientific research grant from an accredited research institution;
• You must prove sufficient means of subsistence and travel insurance.

The residence visa allows you to stay in Portugal for four months so that you can submit an application for a residence permit at the SEFSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN•••.

As a general rule, a temporary residence permit is valid for one year, renewable for successive periods of two years.

The residence permit will be refused if you have been the subject of an order to leave and you are applying while the prohibition period is still running or if you are listed in the Schengen Information System or in the SEF’s Integrated Information System. It may also be refused for reasons related to public order, public safety or public health.

The residence visa is cancelled if the application for a residence permit is refused.

Two types of permanent status can be obtained in Portugal – a national permanent residence permit or an EC long-term residence permit:

Permanent residence permit

The national permanent residence status can be obtained at the SEFSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• of your area of residence after at least five years of legal temporary residence, if during this period you have not been convicted of a prison sentence exceeding one year.

You must prove that you have basic knowledge of Portuguese, sufficient means of subsistence and accommodation.

The national permanent residence permit must be renewed every five years. The status is valid for an unlimited period of time.

Long-term residence permit

The EC long-term residence status can be granted by the SEFSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• of your area of residence after five years of continuous and legal residence.

In order to obtain this status you must prove that you have:

• sufficient and stable financial resources to support yourself and your family members, without recourse to the social assistance system;
• adequate accommodation;
• health insurance coverage; and
• fluent knowledge of Portuguese.

• access to professional work;
• access to the employment and work conditions established by law;
• access to education and vocational training;
• recognition of diplomas, certificates and qualifications;
• access to social security, social welfare and social protection services;
• tax exemptions or reductions;
• access to health care;
• free access to all Portuguese territory.

The EC long-term residence permit is valid for five years and is automatically renewed upon application.

An application may be refused on grounds of public order, public security and the risk that may result from that person remaining on the Portuguese territory.

All decisions may be appealed before the administrative courts.

More on long-term residence

• your spouse;
• your minor or dependent children and those of the spouse;
• your adopted minor children.