The situation
Effective January 1, 2018, the minimum monthly salary for foreign workers in Portugal has increased to EUR 580, up 4 percent from last year.
A closer look
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Initial and renewal applications. Employers of foreign nationals seeking to obtain or renew residence permits on or after January 1, 2018 must increase the foreign national’s minimum salary to comply with the new rule.
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Pending applications. Employers of foreign nationals with pending residence permit applications as of January 1, 2018 must increase the foreign national’s minimum salary to comply with the new rule.
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Applications that do not meet the minimum salary will be rejected.
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Exclusions. A higher minimum salary level will continue to apply for highly-qualified specialists’ residence visa applications. This amount varies based on the average salary levels for qualifying positions in the labor market, and is not based on statutory minimum salary levels.
Other requirements
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Benefits and allowances. Benefits and allowances may only be included if they are specified in the employment contract, guaranteed and fixed, and are not paid in kind. Holiday allowance cannot be included.
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Market salary rate. Salaries must also meet the market salary rate for the proposed position.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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