Residency Visa for Research - Portugal

What it is

Residency visa for scientific research in Portugal, under a hosting agreement with an approved research centre. Residency visa: allows two entries and is valid for 4 months. During that time the holder must apply for a residence permit with AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo).

Key facts

Category: Study
Duration: Visa valid 4 months / two entries; then a residence permit from AIMA.
Processing time: Up to 9 weeks
Maximum validity: 2 years
Extendable: Yes
Path to permanent residence: Indirect route
Dependants: Yes
How to apply: Mixed
Health insurance: Required

Standard figures for this route. Some applicants pay a reduced fee or none at all, so confirm your own case on the official page.

Fees

Application fee (exempt: highly qualified research activity): EUR 0

Key requirements

National visa application form, signed
Two recent passport photos
Passport valid for 3 months beyond the intended return
Criminal record certificate (applicants 16+), apostilled or legalised
Proof of means of subsistence
Valid travel insurance
Hosting agreement or contract with an approved research centre

Working on this visa

Researchers may work, employed or self-employed, complementary to the research activity (Lei Art 97(1)); no hour cap stated. Research permit holders enjoy equal treatment with nationals, incl. labour matters (Art 97-A(1)).

Bringing family

Researchers have an express family-reunification right (Art 91-B(10)) for family under Arts 99-100; family may also apply for accompanying residence visas simultaneously with the researcher (Art 58(5)).

After this visa

After concluding the research, Art 91-B permit holders may obtain a residence permit without a new visa for a maximum of one year to seek work or create a business compatible with their qualifications (Lei Art 122(1)(p)).

Money you must show

€920/mo scale; >=12 mo; waived if host institution covers

Facts checked against the official source. Last updated 27 July 2026.