If you have been working legally in Portugal, you can apply for permanent residency if you:
- Have a valid residence permit for at least five years without breaks.
- Keep a clean criminal record and show proof of stable income and housing.
- You can apply through the online SEF or AIMA portals.
Once you have permanent residency, you can live and work there indefinitely, access social services, and travel freely within the Schengen Area. You might even be able to apply for citizenship after six years.