D3 Visa Portugal: Requirements for Work and Residency in 2024

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and want to relocate to Portugal, there are several visa options available. However, if you have high-level professional qualifications, you might qualify for Portugal’s D3 Visa.

Unlike the retirement (D7) or the Digital Nomad Visa (D8), the D3 Visa is specifically designed for people who want to formally work in Portugal due to their qualifications and sought-after skills. Perfectly suited for engineers, scientists, health professionals, or teachers, the D3 visa lets applicants apply for a temporary Portuguese residence permit, initially valid for two years.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain all the essential information about the Portugal D3 Visa, including its long-term benefits for highly qualified professionals, the eligibility requirements, the documents needed for the visa application, and more.

What is the D3 Visa Portugal?

The Portugal D3 Visa is a priority settlement visa aimed at attracting highly qualified professionals to Portugal. Also known as the Portugal Highly Qualified Activity visa or the Highly Qualified Individuals Work Visa, applicants can request this special long-term stay visa with a confirmed work contract or a self-employed contract to provide services to a Portuguese company.

It’s designed for individuals who already have a promise of an employment contract, a promise of a self-employed contract, or a valid self-employed contract in Portugal, with a validity period of at least one year. It also allows the holder and their family to enter the country and apply for a residence permit, initially valid for two years.

After 18 months of legally residing in Portugal, the holder of the D3 Visa can apply for the European Union (EU) Blue Card. The Blue Card allows holders to reside and work in 25 EU countries (excluding Ireland and Denmark). However, if holders want to relocate to another EU country from Portugal after 18 months, they must apply for that country’s specific Blue Card.

The Portugal D3 Visa provides applicants with several attractive benefits. These include legally approved residence in Portugal, the possibility of family reunification, and advantageous tax benefits. It is also a path toward a permanent residence permit and EU citizenship. If you’re a holder of this visa, after five years of living permanently in Portugal, you can apply to obtain permanent residency and eventually get Portuguese citizenship.

The visa also benefits employers, giving them a fast-track system to hire specialists outside the Schengen Area. Processing takes between 30 and 60 days. Provided that the applicants remain employed, employees are on the way to completing their Portuguese immigration.

What is a highly qualified activity?

What does attracting highly qualified professionals mean? According to Portuguese Law on Foreigners, highly qualified work is “the exercise of an activity that requires specialized technical skills of an exceptional nature or an adequate qualification for the respective exercise of the function.” For example, highly qualified professionals can be classified as business and management professionals, senior public administration officers, experts with professional qualifications in science or education,  health professionals, or IT specialists with a professional certificate or a bachelor’s degree in a specific field.

The European Commission defines a highly qualified activity as that exercised by professionals falling into either of the two following groups:

• Management and leadership positions: As executives, officers, and legislators; senior public administration officers, directors; administrative and commercial managers; service and similar managers; company directors.
• Specialists in intellectual and scientific activities: Engineers and scientists, health professionals, teachers, business and management professionals, cultural professionals, legal experts, and IT professionals (there are two different regimes to apply for the Portugal D3 Visa — the general regime and the Tech Visa — and IT professionals are eligible for both).

Benefits of the Highly Qualified Professionals Visa

Possibility of obtaining a Portuguese residence permit

Within four months, the Portugal D3 Highly Qualified Professionals Visa holder can get a temporary residence visa valid for two years. This Portuguese residence permit can be obtained by highly qualified professionals from AIMA (which replaced SEF with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service). It allows you to live, work officially, and pay taxes in Portugal.

Qualification for Portuguese citizenship

After five years of legally authorized residence, you qualify to apply for permanent Portuguese residency. You also become eligible to request both citizenship and a Portuguese passport. Acquiring citizenship usually involves passing a basic Portuguese language test.

Visa-free entry and free circulation in the Schengen Area

Aside from legally authorized residence in Portugal, the D3 allows holders to travel to the 27 countries in the Schengen Area without additional visas.

A relatively quick process

The Portuguese government considers the D3 priority settlement visa, so it intends to fast-track applications. Therefore, these visas are processed between 30 and 60 days.

Eligibility for the EU Blue Card

Once you have held legal residency status in Portugal, you become qualified to obtain the EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card is a legal document that allows holders to work and live in 25 of the 27 EU countries (excluding Ireland and Denmark). You may also apply for a European Union (EU) Blue Card after 18 months of legally residing in Portugal.

Family reunification

Family members (including the spouse, children, parents, or siblings, dependent on either spouse) can join the applicant in Portugal through family reunification.

EU citizenship birthright for your children

Children born to legal residents in Portugal for 12 months acquire EU citizenship birthright.

Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime

As a holder of the D3 Visa, you may be eligible to apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, which allows you to enjoy significant income tax advantages for up to 10 years. Through the NHR Program, if your job is considered “high value” (very likely within D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa),  you only pay a 20 percent flat rate on personal income tax (IRS).  You qualify if you have not been part of the NHR regime before and have not been a Portuguese resident in the last five years.

Is NHR ending?

The State Budget Law for 2024 determined the end of the NHR regime from 1st January 2024. However, certain individuals can still apply up until 31st March 2025, and the scheme is being replaced by the Tax Incentive for Scientific Research and Innovation, which has now been implemented. To learn more, please refer to Is The Portugal NHR Ending?

D3 Visa Eligibility Criteria and Requirements

D3 Visa Portugal requirements

You must apply at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate with a valid employment contract or a self-employed service provider contract for a Portuguese company.

As well as having employment contracts, attract must also fulfill the following specific requirements:

• A clean criminal record certificate
• A valid passport
• That the activity to be developed is framed as a highly qualified activity and that the professional prove they have ‘adequate qualification’ (academic qualifications  and professional qualifications can be used as evidence) or experience to carry it out
• The employment contract is for an indefinite period or at least one year
• Provide evidence that its expected annual salary is at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS).* However, 1.2 times the national average gross wage or twice the IAS value is permitted for employment in professions considered particularly in need of third-country nationals.

Portugal D3 Visa documents

The required visa documents are:

• Two identical passport photographs
• A valid passport (it be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay duration)
• Proof of travel (typically the flight reservation with the name of the traveler and date of entry into Portugal)
• Proof of accommodation for the applicant and their family  (such as a rental contract, a hotel reservation, or a signed invitation letter from a friend or family member legally residing in Portugal)
• Valid travel insurance that includes health insurance
• A criminal record certificate issued by the applicant’s country of origin
• A completed form allowing the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (AIMA, which replaced SEF in performing this role) to access your criminal record certificate
• Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay in Portugal. The proof of means of subsistence can be made through a statement of responsibility signed by the entity that will be hosting you,. You should also submit bank statements and tax returns.
• An invitation letter from a professional training institution if applying for a Portuguese education institution, such as a teacher or researcher
• A valid employment contract or a promise of employment with a recognized establishment with operations within the Portuguese territory
• For regulated professions, proof of professional qualifications allowing you to practice in Portugal is required
• For non-regulated professions, a professional certificate relevant to the activity or sector specified in your employment contract
• Marriage certificate if you include your spouse in your visa application
• Children’s birth certificates if you include your dependent children in your visa application
• A completed D3 Visa application form

D3 Visa Application Process

How to apply for the Portugal D3 Visa

The application varies according to the Portuguese Consulate and in the applicant’s country of residence.

It may be done through one or the other following options depending on the jurisdiction:

• The E-Visa Portal, which is the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence
• VFS Global (an intermediary appointment system)

Afterward, applicants must schedule their visa interview at a Visa Application Centre or the Portuguese Consulate. Portugal aims to fast-track processing for this visa so that applicants under the D3 scheme can expect a swift 30-day processing time.

Once the process is completed successfully, the visa will be issued to the applicant.

The visa will be valid for 120 days and allows double entry in Portugal within its validity.

Upon arrival in Portugal, applicants should apply for legal residency status or permits within four months.

Getting a Portuguese residency permit

After securing your visa, you can travel to Portugal. The next step is obtaining your Portuguese residence permit. Here’s how:

1. Schedule an appointment with AIMA (which replaced Portugal’s Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, SEF) either by phone or online.
2. Attend your appointment at AIMA with all the necessary documents required.
3. Depending on your eligibility, you may receive a Highly Qualified Professional permit or an EU Blue Card, both of which are initially valid for one year.
4. Renewal grants two more years of validity, and after five years, you can apply for permanent residence and eventually citizenship.

Processing Time and Fees for D3 Visa Portugal

The Portugal D3 Visa processing time is between 30 and 60 days, which is relatively fast compared to other programs, such as the Portugal Golden Visa and the Portugal D7 Visa.

The application fee depends on each country, but it usually costs €90. This amount is non-refundable even if your application is rejected, so it’s advisable to work with immigration lawyers to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements, have all the required documents, and that your application process goes smoothly.

You’ll also need to pay for your residence permit, which usually costs €85. The application process can take two to twelve weeks.

In addition to the fees, you should factor in additional costs such as relocation to Portugal, accommodation, and legal fees if you work with Portuguese immigration lawyers on your application, which may be covered by the company that holds your work contract.

Can I apply for permanent residency or citizenship with a Portugal D3 Visa?

The Portugal D3 Visa offers a pathway to obtaining permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal. However, meeting the eligibility criteria and maintaining a clean criminal record during five years of residency in the country are prerequisites for these opportunities. Applicants must also remain employed and retain employment contracts during that period.

Upon completing five consecutive years of residency in Portugal, individuals can apply for Portuguese citizenship. An additional requirement is passing CIPLE, a Portuguese language test requiring basic proficiency.

Portugal provides one of the swiftest routes to citizenship within the EU, contrasting with Greece, where the process takes seven years, and Spain, where it takes ten years.

Successful Work Visa Experience: How We Can Help

With over 50 years of combined experience in immigration, law, and investment, Global Citizen Solutions delivers unmatched guidance for getting Portugal’s D3 Visa.

Our multi-skilled team, with experience in immigration, law, and investment, will ensure your application is successful by managing the process from start to finish.

Global Citizen Solutions also reduces the hassle and stress of attaining your visa.  The process is bolstered by our innovative Be System®, providing real-time visa updates, and our trusted immigration lawyers ensure your application goes through smoothly.

Aside from meticulous visa application management, Global Citizen Solutions has a locally rooted real estate division, providing a seamless transition to your new home. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About the D3 Portugal Visa

What is the D3 Visa in Portugal?

The Portugal D3 Visa, a work visa for highly qualified individuals with a valid year-long job offer and employment contract from a Portuguese company, grants entry to the visa holder and their family. It also allows them to pursue a residence permit or EU Blue Card.

Also known as the Highly Qualified Activity Visa, the D3 is suitable for individuals with a formal job offer or a binding contract from a Portuguese employer. After five years of legal residence in Portugal, you can apply for citizenship.

Who is eligible to apply for a D3 Visa Portugal?

Non-EU citizens with higher education or higher professional technical qualifications – who have an employment contract or a self-employed contract for at least 12 months, which must state the position and the qualified specialty – can apply for the D3 Visa Portugal and obtain residency in the country.

What is the difference between a D1 and a D3 Visa in Portugal?

The D1 Visa is designed for professionals who have already accepted an offer of employment in Portugal (and it’s not to seek a job in Portuguese territory). The D3 serves a similar function to the D1. The main difference is it targets workers with a higher level of qualification (such as academic degrees) in their chosen fields (such as workers in leadership or management positions in public administration or specialists in intellectual and scientific activities).

Can I work while on a D3 Visa in Portugal?

Yes, the Highly Qualified Activity Visa is a work visa that allows you to relocate to Portugal to work there, provided you have a work contract or a formal job offer.

How long is the D3 Visa valid for?

The D3 Work Visa grants residency and work permits initially valid for two years. After the initial two years, you must renew it, and it will be valid for consecutive periods of three years.

Is it possible to renew the D3 Visa?

The D3 Visa holder can get a temporary residence permit for two years. This permit can be renewed for consecutive periods of three years. After five years, the individual can apply for permanent residence in Portugal, as well as Portuguese citizenship.

Can I extend the D3 Visa?

No, the D3 Visa can’t be extended. The visa holder can apply for a temporary residence permit for two years. This permit can be renewed for consecutive periods of three years.

Can I bring my family members with me on a D3 Visa to Portugal?

Every applicant for a residence visa can bring their family members to Portugal through the family accompanying visa. This can be requested simultaneously with the residence visa of the main applicant, provided that they have enough means of subsistence for the family.

To apply for this, you’ll need to provide documents such as a marriage certificate if you include your spouse as well as your children’s birth certificates if applicable.

If successful, any family members you include in your application will receive residence permits.

What are the financial requirements for a D3 Visa application?

Applicants must provide evidence that their expected annual salary is at least 1.5 times the gross national average salary or three times the Index of Social Support (IAS), which is €509.26 in 2024.

What are the employment contract requirements for the D3 Visa application?

For a D3 Visa application, you must have one of the following:

• An employment contract, formal job offer, or service provider contract
• An invitation letter issued by a higher Portuguese education institution or professional training institution
• A statement of responsibility provided by a certified Portuguese company as stipulated by law
• An invitation letter issued by a Portuguese company or institute developing a relevant cultural activity (an invitation letter of this kind would need to be approved by the government agency responsible for cultural activities)

Do I need health insurance for a D3 Visa in Portugal?

Yes, you’ll need valid travel insurance that includes medical coverage, encompassing medical emergencies and repatriation. Your health insurance must be valid for the duration of your stay in Portugal.

Can I study in Portugal on a D3 Visa?

Yes, you can study, work, open a bank account, set up a company in Portugal on D3 Visa. While you can study in Portugal with this visa, it’s primarily aimed at highly skilled rofessionals intending to work in the country. If your intention is to study in Portugal, you may want to consider a student visa.

What happens if my D3 Visa application is denied?

If your D3 Visa application is denied, the Portuguese Consulate will issue a rejection proposal, which is subject to challenge and appeal. If you find yourself in this situation, the best course of action is to seek advice from immigration lawyers.

The most common reasons for D3 Visa denial include incomplete information and past visa violations.

Can I apply for a permanent residency permit after being on a D3 Visa in Portugal?

Per Portugal immigration, yes, you can apply for permanent Portuguese residence following a D3 Visa if you have held a temporary residence permit and have lived in Portugal for at least five years.

Are there any Portuguese language requirements for a D3 Visa?

No, there are no Portuguese language requirements for the D3 Visa. Instead, the focus is on skills and experience relevant to the position that they will assume in Portugal. If you intend to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residence, you will be required to pass a basic Portuguese language test.

Can I switch to a different type of visa while in Portugal on a D3 Visa?

The applicant must start a new process for the appropriate type of visa, although they may change to the residence permit once they are here.

Can I leave and re-enter Portugal while on a D3 Visa?

You can leave and enter the Schengen Area twice during the validity of the visa (120 days). Once you have the residence permit, you’ll be free to leave and re-enter Portugal freely. However, you cannot be absent from the country for six consecutive months or eight non-consecutive months during the validity of your residence permit.

Is there a visa waiver for the Highly Qualified Activity Visa?

It’s possible to enjoy the benefits of a visa waiver, but this is an exception. Applicants are exempt from the residence visa requirement if they have legally entered and remained in national territory.

What is the difference between D1 and D3 Visa in Portugal?

The D1 Visa is for people who already have a formal job offer in Portugal. It is known as a subordinate worker visa, for a work contract of a minimum of one year, and there is no requirement on the sector the job is in, or whether you are a highly qualified professional.

The D3 can be applied to those with the promise of an employment contract or who already have an employment contract. The D3 Visa is for those with higher professional technical qualifications, such as those with specialised technical skills.

What is the difference between D3 Visa and Blue Card in Portugal?

Obtaining an EU Blue Card allows you to work and live in 25 of the 27 EU countries (excluding Ireland and Denmark).

There are no specific requirements for the type of work, but you must have an employment contract in the country you are applying.

Those with three years of higher education and/or professional experience in any one working profession can apply for the Blue Card.

What are the benefits of the D3 Visa?

Some advantages of the D3 Visa include family reunification, visa-free travel within Europe’s Schengen area, and the possibility to reside legally in Portugal. Holders of the D3 Visa can also obtain residency in Portugal permanently, provided they meet the requirements.

What is a highly qualified activity in Portugal?

The Portuguese Law on Foreigners defines highly qualified work as “the exercise of an activity that requires specialised technical skills of an exceptional nature or an adequate qualification for the respective exercise of the function.”

What is proof of accommodation for the D3 Visa?

The proof of accommodation in Portugal can be in the form of rental contract proof, a hotel reservation, a letter of invitation from a citizen legally residing in Portugal (such as a family member or friend), or proof of property ownership.

Who is eligible for D3 Visa in Portugal?

To apply for the D3 at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate, the individual must be a non-EU-national, and must already have a valid employment contract or a self-employed contract to provide services to a Portuguese company.

What are the D3 Visa requirements for tech professionals?

To apply for the D3 Visa, tech professionals will need to provide:

• A clean criminal record
• Proof that the activity to be developed is framed as a highly qualified activity
• Proof that the work contract is for an indefinite period or for at least one year
• Evidence that its expected annual salary is at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS)*

Is the Portugal HQA Visa Better than the Golden Visa?

To choose between the Portugal HQA Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa) and the Golden Visa, consider this: The HQA Visa is for skilled workers or entrepreneurs, while the Golden Visa is for investors. Think about your skills, investment abilities, and long-term residency plans to decide which one suits you best.

Can family members accompany the applicant on a D3 Visa?

Yes, family members can accompany a D3 visa applicant to Portugal. You can apply for their visas alongside your D3 application. These are typically called accompanying family member visas and allow your spouse, children, and dependent parents to reside in Portugal with you.

Can a D3 Visa holder change employers in Portugal without affecting their visa status?

Yes, a D3 visa holder can change employers in Portugal without jeopardizing their visa status. The D3 visa is designed for highly qualified professionals and doesn’t restrict you to a specific employer.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• New contract requirements: Your new employment contract should still meet the minimum requirements for a D3 visa, such as a valid contract for at least a year and a salary that meets the threshold.
• Residence permit update: You may need to update your residence permit with AIMA to reflect your new employment details. It’s advisable to consult with immigration authorities or immigration lawyers for the specific process involved.

How can immigration lawyers help highly qualified professionals with a D3 Visa application?

Immigration lawyers streamline your D3 Visa application. They assess your eligibility, ensure complete and accurate documentation, and craft a strong application strategy. Their expertise guides you through interactions with Portuguese authorities (AIMA) and guarantees legal compliance. This comprehensive support can significantly boost your chances of securing your D3 visa.