Tech Visa, a government programme designed to facilitate the recruitment of qualified staff from countries outside the European Union. Having started in January 2019 limited to the technology sector and Start-ups, it was extended in April to all sectors of economic activity.
What is it? What is it?
In view of the growing visibility of Portugal as a technology hub, and with a view to fostering greater internal growth and foreign investment, the "Tech Visa" programme came into force in January 2019.
This programme is aimed at companies located in Portugal that wish to attract qualified immigrant staff from third countries (outside the European Union).
The aim of "Tech Visa" is to facilitate the whole complex process of applying for residence visas and also to speed up the deadlines for obtaining them.
It's not just for technology companies
Ordinance no. 328/2018, which at the end of 2018 instituted this visa regime, focused on the technological sector and the start ups in this area, as part of a set of government measures to support innovation, which included the sponsorship of the Web Summit.
However, the needs of qualified labour in the face of the ageing of the population and the emigration of the Portuguese, are transversal to all economic sectors. Thus, the government decided in April of this year, with Ordinance No. 99/2019, that the "Tech Visa" programme would now cover companies from all sectors of activity, making it more inclusive.
How can I apply to my company?
The first stage is the certification of the company with IAPMEI, through an online application to the "Tech Visa" program. This certification is valid for two years and may be renewed successively for an equal period.
In assessing the applications, IAPMEI considers the potential for expansion and innovation of each company. IAPMEI works together with several entities, such as the Foreigners and Borders Service and the General Directorate of Portuguese Consular Affairs.
There are limits to the number of external contracts
The staff contracted under this programme may not exceed 50% of the total company, but increases to 80% if they are located within the country.
In addition, companies must have their situation regularised with the AT and Social Security, they must not have outstanding salaries and they must prove a positive net situation, if they are established more than three years ago.
Applicant companies cannot be considered as 'undertakings undergoing restructuring' and must be engaged in 'an internationalised production of goods and services'.
TECH VISA
e-book with what you need to know in order to register your company.
Hire international talent with faster visas
Portuguese and English version
My company is already certified. Now what?
Após a certificação do IAPMEI, a empresa passa a poder emitir um Termo de Responsabilidade, na realidade o equivalente a uma autorização de trabalho para cada futura contratação internacional.
Este Termo de Responsabilidade, que é solicitado online no site do IAPMEI, é um elemento fundamental para o pedido do visto de residência ao abrigo do art.º 61 (quadros altamente qualificados) da lei da imigração.
Continua a precisar de pedir o visto no Consulado
A rapidez em obter o Termo de Responsabilidade e o tratamento privilegiado nos Consulados, farão deste programa uma forma mais célere de contratar cidadãos não comunitários.
No entanto, o visto de trabalho/residência deve ser solicitado na Embaixada Portuguesa do país de origem (nascimento) ou no país de residência do candidato, se superior a 12 meses.
O visto será emitido para atividade profissionais altamente qualificada e terá validade de 4 meses. Após a chegada a Portugal, o visto deve ser trocado pela respetiva autorização de residência junto do S.E.F.
Requisitos específicos para os candidatos ao "Tech Visa"
Candidate workers must be 18 years of age or older, may not reside in the European Union or have a criminal record, among other requirements.
The Diário da República defines that workers applying to the "Tech Visa" programme must hold a minimum level 6 qualification established by ISCED-2011, which corresponds to the Bachelor's Degree.
For applicants holding level 5 (higher technical professional course), they must provide evidence of relevant professional experience of 5 years.
