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Portugal EU Blue Card: Eligibility & Process

2 min read

Who qualifies for the Portugal EU Blue Card (Cartao Azul UE), the 2026 salary threshold, and the step-by-step process.

Portugal EU Blue Card (Cartao Azul UE)

Portugal's EU Blue Card is for highly qualified professionals with a recognised university degree and a binding job offer of at least six months that matches your qualifications.

2026 salary threshold

The gross annual salary must meet the EU Blue Card threshold of 21,030 EUR per year for 2026 (1.2x for certain shortage professions in ISCO groups 1 and 2). Workium checks your target roles against this threshold before you apply.

Degree recognition

Where required, your foreign degree is recognised via DGES or NARIC Portugal. Workium manages this for you.

The process

1Document review and qualification assessment. 2. Degree recognition (DGES / NARIC Portugal). 3. Document preparation and certified Portuguese or English translations. 4. Job matching with Portuguese employers. 5. Interview preparation and salary alignment. 6. Job offer and employment contract (Contrato de Trabalho). 7. AIMA filing and NIF / Social Security setup. 8. Residence visa application at the Portuguese consulate. 9. Entry to Portugal. 10. EU Blue Card residence permit appointment at AIMA. 11. EU Blue Card issued and work begins; register with Social Security and the SNS. 12. Renewal and long-term residence planning.

Pricing

2,800 EUR total, paid in three installments: 850 EUR to start, 975 EUR in the second month, and 975 EUR upon signing your employment offer.

Start your free assessment at workium.co.uk/assessment/portugal-blue-card.

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