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- The 2026 salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card in Portugal is €21,030 annual gross for most professions and 1.2 times the average salary for shortage occupations.
- Eligibility requires recognized higher education or professional experience, a clean criminal record, valid health insurance, and a qualifying employment contract.
- The EU Blue Card offers benefits such as family reunification, social security access, and a pathway to permanent residency within 5 years.
- HR managers should stay updated on evolving Blue Card regulations to ensure compliance and leverage the card to attract and retain top international talent cost-effectively.
For HR managers and global mobility professionals in mid-sized companies looking to hire highly qualified international talent, the EU Blue Card remains a key work permit route in Portugal. Understanding the updated salary thresholds and eligibility criteria for 2026 is critical for effective workforce planning and compliance.
What is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified non-EU workers, allowing them to live and work in Portugal while enjoying benefits such as simplified access to the labor market, family reunification, and a pathway to permanent residency. It aims to attract skilled professionals to fill high-demand roles.
2026 Salary Thresholds for Portugal
- The minimum annual gross salary requirement for the EU Blue Card in Portugal for 2026 is €21,030 or 1.5 times Portugal's average gross annual salary for most professions.
- For shortage occupations, primarily in management and professional roles (groups 1 and 2), the salary threshold is lowered to 1.2 times the national average salary to encourage filling critical skill gaps.
- This salary increase represents a 24% rise compared to previous years, the largest adjustment among EU countries for the Blue Card in 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for Highly Qualified Workers
- Applicants must hold a diploma recognized by Portuguese authorities or demonstrate equivalent professional experience relevant to the role.
- A clean criminal record both in the home country and Portugal is mandatory.
- Valid health insurance coverage in Portugal is required but there is no Portuguese language requirement, though language skills are beneficial for integration.
- The work contract or job offer must specify the gross annual salary meeting or exceeding the relevant threshold.
What This Means for Employers and HR
- Employers in Portugal must budget accordingly, ensuring job offers for Blue Card candidates meet the new, higher salary thresholds.
- Targeting shortage occupations with adjusted thresholds can provide an opportunity to hire specialized talent at a slightly lower minimum salary.
- The EU Blue Card streamlines the hiring process for highly skilled non-EU workers and supports company compliance with immigration rules.
- It is essential for HR and global mobility teams to stay updated on these requirements to optimize international talent acquisition strategies.
Conclusion:
The EU Blue Card continues to be an essential work permit for hiring highly qualified non-EU professionals in Portugal, offering streamlined hiring, residence, and family reunification benefits. With the 2026 update raising salary thresholds significantly, €21,030 annual gross for most roles and a lowered threshold for shortage occupations. HR and global mobility teams must carefully plan and budget to comply effectively. The card supports long-term talent acquisition strategies by providing a fast track to permanent residency and EU-wide mobility, making it a vital tool for optimizing international recruitment in mid-sized companies.
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