D3 Visa Portugal

Employment Contract

The D3 Visa requires the submission of an employment contract or, at a minimum, a binding job offer from a Portuguese employer.

As a general rule, the contract must have a minimum duration of 12 months.

In addition:

✓ The employer must be legally established and formally registered in Portugal;

✓ The position offered must qualify as a highly qualified professional activity;

✓ The role must comply with the applicable legal requirements and relevant international classifications, including the academic qualifications corresponding to the levels defined by the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED);

✓ The employment contract must meet the salary requirements applicable to the D3 Visa.

Where necessary, the employer may assist with the application by providing supporting documentation relating to the company, the position, the recruitment process, or its financial capacity.

Professional Qualifications

Professional qualifications are the cornerstone of the D3 Visa.

Applicants must demonstrate that they possess the skills and expertise required for the position through their academic qualifications and professional experience.

As a general rule, applicants are expected to hold a higher education degree relevant to the role, such as a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD.

However, in certain cases, substantial and well-documented professional experience may compensate for the absence of a specific academic qualification, provided it demonstrates a consistent and relevant career path.

Professional experience should be supported by comprehensive evidence, such as previous employment contracts, employer statements, job certificates, professional references, or other appropriate documentation.

Salary Requirements

Phase 1 – Obtaining the D3 Visa

• Estimated processing time: 3 to 5 months, depending on the processing times of the relevant authorities.

• Preparation of the required documentation;

• Submission of the application to the competent Portuguese Consulate or VFS Global Visa Application Centre;

• Assessment by the Portuguese authorities;

• Issuance of the D3 Visa.

Phase 2 – Residence Permit in Portugal

• Estimated processing time: 4 to 6 months after arrival in Portugal.

• Entry into Portugal using the D3 Visa;

• Attendance at AIMA for biometric data collection and verification of the supporting documentation;

• Issuance of the residence permit.

• The duration of each phase may vary depending on the competent Portuguese Consulate, AIMA’s availability, and the specific circumstances of each application.

Family Reunification

D3 Visa holders may apply for family reunification, allowing eligible family members to join them in Portugal.

Eligible family members may include:

✓ Spouse

✓ Unmarried partner (de facto partner)

✓ Minor children

✓ Dependent adult children who meet the applicable legal requirements

✓ Other family members eligible under Portuguese immigration law

Whenever possible, family members’ applications may be submitted at the same time as the principal applicant’s D3 Visa application.

Residence Requirements in Portugal

Once the residence permit has been issued, the holder must comply with the minimum residence requirements in Portugal.

As a general rule, absences exceeding 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months during the validity of the residence permit may jeopardise its renewal or result in its cancellation.

If extended periods outside Portugal are anticipated, it is advisable to seek legal advice in advance.