Chapter IV · Visas · Section I · Visas granted abroad · Subsection I · Temporary stay visa

Article 57 Temporary stay visa for research or highly qualified activity

Artigo 57.º · Visto de estada temporária para actividade de investigação ou altamente qualificada

Lei n.º 23/2007, de 4 de julho (Lei de Estrangeiros) · consolidated text, as amended by Law No. 62/2026, checked 26 October 2026

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A temporary stay visa may be granted to third-country nationals who intend to carry out a research activity, a teaching activity at a higher education institution or a highly qualified activity for a period of less than one year, provided that:

O visto de estada temporária pode ser concedido a nacionais de Estados terceiros que pretendam exercer uma actividade de investigação, uma actividade docente num estabelecimento de ensino superior ou uma actividade altamente qualificada por período inferior a um ano, desde que:

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a) They have been admitted to collaborate with a research centre recognised by the Ministry of Education and Science, in particular through a promise of an employment contract or an employment contract, an offer or a contract for the provision of services, or a scientific research grant; or

a) Sejam admitidos a colaborar num centro de investigação, reconhecido pelo Ministério da Educação e Ciência, nomeadamente através de uma promessa ou contrato de trabalho, de uma proposta ou contrato de prestação de serviços ou de uma bolsa de investigação científica; ou

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b) They have a promise of an employment contract or an employment contract, or a written offer or a contract for the provision of services, to carry out a teaching activity at a higher education institution or a highly qualified activity in national territory.

b) Tenham uma promessa ou um contrato de trabalho ou uma proposta escrita ou um contrato de prestação de serviços para exercer uma actividade docente num estabelecimento de ensino superior ou uma actividade altamente qualificada em território nacional.

What we checked in this article

Check the less-than-one-year period, the alternative (‘or’) conditions in points (a) and (b) and the list of qualifying contracts and grants.

Moving to Portugal, or bringing a team or family? Article 57 may decide what you can apply for.

We map the visa and residence route that fits your activity, prepare the company side (contracts, payroll, registrations) and coordinate with immigration lawyers for the application itself. A written answer and a fixed quote within one working day.

Unofficial English translation prepared by BCA Portugal for reference. Only the Portuguese text published in the Diário da República has legal force. Editorial notes are ours and are not part of the statute.

Applying the law

Visas and residence in Portugal, planned together with the company

The permit depends on what you will do here: employment, your own company, remote work for a foreign employer or investment. Tell us the plan, and we will set out which route the Act gives you and what the company needs to have in place.

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