Visa D3 Portugal.
Portuguese Residence for Highly Qualified Professionals
Advantages of the D3 Visa
Obtaining a residence permit through the D3 Visa offers a set of advantages:
- Free Movement within Europe
Allows legal residence and work in Portugal and free movement within the Schengen Area.
- Family Reunification
The right to bring direct family members. In some cases, family can apply simultaneously with the main applicant.
- Pathway to Citizenship
After five years of legal residence, the holder becomes eligible to apply for permanent residence and Portuguese citizenship.
- Access to Public Services
Guarantees the right to education and access to the National Health Service in Portugal.
The D3 Visa in Portugal, also known as the Highly Qualified Activity Visa, is a specialized long-term residence permit. It is designed to attract international talent and professionals with exceptional qualifications, offering a clear pathway to legally settle in the country.
This visa allows the holder to enter Portugal for the purpose of applying for a residence permit. It is exclusively targeted at professionals who already have a work contract or a promise of a contract from a Portuguese company.
This visa allows the holder to enter Portugal for the purpose of applying for a residence permit. It is exclusively targeted at professionals who already have a work contract or a promise of a contract from a Portuguese company.
Who Is Considered a Highly Qualified Professional?
Portuguese law defines a highly qualified activity as one that requires exceptional specialized technical skills or an appropriate qualification for the role. Portuguese government considers this category to relate to higher education or over five years of professional experience in activities requiring specialized technical skills.
Some examples of areas and positions include:
Some examples of areas and positions include:
Company directors, executives, and senior public administration officials.
Professionals in medicine, science, information technology (IT), engineering, education, culture, and law.
Pathways for Obtaining the D3 Visa and Residence Permit
There are different pathways for a highly qualified professional to obtain residence in Portugal. The choice depends on the candidate’s specific situation.
1
Standard Process: Consular Visa (Two Phases)
This is the traditional route, starting in the candidate’s country of origin or legal residence and divided into two main phases:
PHASE 1: Residence Visa Application at the Consulate
The candidate must submit a D3 Visa application at the Portuguese Consulate or the consular section of the embassy in their country of origin or residence. In some countries, this process is handled by official partners such as VFS Global. The visa is valid for four months and allows two entries into Portugal, during which the holder must travel to the country to apply for the residence permit.
PHASE 2: Residence Permit Application at AIMA
After arriving in Portugal, the D3 visa holder must attend an appointment at AIMA to provide biometric data and formalize the residence permit application. In most cases, this appointment is indicated on the visa issued by the consulate.
2
Direct Application in Portugal (Visa Waiver)
An advantageous option is to apply for the residence permit directly in Portugal, without the need for a prior D3 residence visa.
According to Article 90(2) of the Foreigners Law, a professional who has legally entered Portugal and who, during their stay, obtains a work contract meeting the requirements for highly qualified activity, can apply directly for a residence permit at AIMA. This process becomes a single phase, making it significantly faster.
According to Article 90(2) of the Foreigners Law, a professional who has legally entered Portugal and who, during their stay, obtains a work contract meeting the requirements for highly qualified activity, can apply directly for a residence permit at AIMA. This process becomes a single phase, making it significantly faster.
3
The “Tech Visa” Program as a Facilitator
For professionals in technology and innovation, the Tech Visa offers an accelerated pathway.
For professionals in technology and innovation, the Tech Visa offers an accelerated pathway.
What it is
It is not a visa but a certification program for Portuguese technology and innovation-based companies, managed by IAPMEI (Institute for Support to Small and Medium Enterprises and Innovation).
How it works
Companies certified under the Tech Visa can issue a letter of responsibility for the qualified professionals they hire, significantly speeding up the visa and residence permit process. The applicant benefits from the company’s certification.
Option for the EU Blue Card
Upon obtaining a residence permit, the D3 visa holder can choose between two documents
Upon obtaining a residence permit, the D3 visa holder can choose between two documents
Standard Portuguese Residence Permit
It is not a visa but a certification program for Portuguese technology and innovation-based companies, managed by IAPMEI (Institute for Support to Small and Medium Enterprises and Innovation).
EU Blue Card
This TRC is valid in all EU countries (except Ireland and Denmark). After legally residing in Portugal for 18 months, the Blue Card holder gains the right to live and work in any of the other 24 member states.
Essential Requirements for the D3 Visa
Regardless of the chosen route, the applicant must meet the following key requirements
- -1-Work ContractPresent a work contract, promise of a work contract, or service agreement with a Portuguese company. The minimum required duration varies between 6 and 12 months, depending on the source.
- -2-Minimum SalaryThe annual salary must be at least 1.5 times the national gross average annual salary or 3 times the Social Support Index (IAS). For 2025, it is estimated at €1,567.50.
- -3-QualificationsDemonstrate the qualifications for the role, either through diplomas (qualification level 6 of ISCED-2011) or, in some cases, a minimum of five years of professional experience in specialized technical areas.
D3 Visa for Highly Qualified Professionals: Step-by-Step Process
The process to obtain a residence permit in Portugal through the D2 Visa is fundamentally divided into two major phases: the first occurs at the Portuguese Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, and the second takes place in Portugal at the AIMA.
PHASE 1: Residence Visa Application at the Consulate
This first phase takes place outside Portugal and aims to obtain a residence visa allowing legal entry into the country to subsequently apply for a residence permit.
PHASE 1: Residence Visa Application at the Consulate
This first phase takes place outside Portugal and aims to obtain a residence visa allowing legal entry into the country to subsequently apply for a residence permit.
1. Secure a Qualified Employment Contract
The first and most crucial step is to secure a job offer that falls under the highly qualified activity category. The candidate must have an employment contract or a promise of a contract from a Portuguese company.
- Contract Duration: The minimum required duration varies between 6 to 12 months.
- Minimum Salary: The annual salary must be at least 1.5 times the national gross average annual salary or 3 times the Social Support Index (IAS). For 2025, this is estimated at €1,567.50.
2. Gather Required Documentation
After securing the contract, the candidate must compile essential documents for submission. These include:
- Fully completed and signed visa application form.
- Passport or other valid travel document, valid for at least three months after the intended return date.
- Two identical passport-style, color, and recent photographs.
- Employment contract, promise of contract, or service agreement.
- Proof of qualifications for the role, which may vary:
- For regulated professions: Proof of eligibility to practice in Portugal.
- For non-regulated professions: Proof of adequate qualifications or relevant professional experience exceeding 5 years.
- Valid travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation.
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or from the country of residence for more than one year.
- Request for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by AIMA (formerly SEF).
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
Submit the Visa Application
The application must be submitted at the Portuguese Consulate or the Consular Section of the Portuguese Embassy in the applicant’s country of origin or residence. Submission can be in person, via the E-Visa portal, or through official partners such as VFS Global in some countries.
- Cost: The consular fee for the visa application is €90. For highly qualified professionals (D3), some sources indicate a possible waiver of the consular fee.
Wait for Approval
The D3 visa application is prioritized. Processing times may vary:
PHASE 2: Residence Permit Application at AIMA
After the approval and issuance of the D3 visa, the professional must travel to Portugal to complete the process and obtain their residence permit.
After the approval and issuance of the D3 visa, the professional must travel to Portugal to complete the process and obtain their residence permit.
Appointment and Attendance at AIMA
In most cases, the residence visa already includes a pre-scheduled date and location for the appointment at AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum). If not, the applicant must schedule the appointment by phone. During this appointment, biometric data (photo, fingerprints, and signature) will be collected.
Submission of Documents in Portugal
On the day of the appointment, additional documents must be presented to formalize the residence permit application:
- Tax Identification Number (NIF).
- Social Security registration proof (NISS).
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal.
- Employment or service contract signed by both parties.
- Proof of financial means.
Issuance of Residence Permit
After submitting the documents and collecting biometric data, AIMA has up to 90 days to issue the residence card.
Alternative: Direct Application in Portugal (Visa Waiver)
There is an alternative route that can speed up the process. According to Article 90(2) of the Foreigners Law, a professional who has legally entered Portugal may directly apply for a residence permit at AIMA, waiving the need for a prior D3 residence visa, provided they meet all the requirements for highly qualified activity. This procedure converts the process into a single phase.
There is an alternative route that can speed up the process. According to Article 90(2) of the Foreigners Law, a professional who has legally entered Portugal may directly apply for a residence permit at AIMA, waiving the need for a prior D3 residence visa, provided they meet all the requirements for highly qualified activity. This procedure converts the process into a single phase.
VISA D3 PORTUGAL
(Highly Qualified Specialists)
• We guarantee obtaining a D visa
💶 Money-back guarantee
✔ Initial consultation, case analysis, and Q&A
✔ Personal manager
✔ Registration of an individual entrepreneur and necessary transactions for the business
✔ NIF for the main applicant
✔ Creation of a motivation letter
✔ Assistance in writing a business plan
✔ Appointment booking and communication with the consulate
✔ Document package check before submission
✔ Remote support for D visa application
✔ Handling possible additional requests
✔ Access to a licensed lawyer through your case manager
💶 Money-back guarantee
✔ Initial consultation, case analysis, and Q&A
✔ Personal manager
✔ Registration of an individual entrepreneur and necessary transactions for the business
✔ NIF for the main applicant
✔ Creation of a motivation letter
✔ Assistance in writing a business plan
✔ Appointment booking and communication with the consulate
✔ Document package check before submission
✔ Remote support for D visa application
✔ Handling possible additional requests
✔ Access to a licensed lawyer through your case manager
- We guarantee obtaining a visa and residence permit
🏆 ALL SERVICES FROM THE "SMART" PACKAGE plus the following:
💶 Money-back guarantee
✔ Insurance for the visa (for the main applicant)
✔ Assistance with opening a personal bank account in Portugal
✔ Preparation of documents before submitting to the immigration office for residence permit
✔ Individual tax consultation with a local tax specialist
✔ Change of taxpayer address in the NIF
✔ Assistance in obtaining permanent address registration (Atestado de residência pela Junta de Freguesia)
✔ NIF for all applicants
✔ Driver’s license exchange assistance
✔ Concierge service for one month in Portugal
✔ "Adaptation" guide package: everyday topics like healthcare, education, transport and cars, housing, travel, shopping, marriage, moving with pets
Pay as you go
We offer convenient payment schedule — pay in two stages while we process your visa and new residence
Read what our clients think
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Pay in stagesYour payments will be split in several comfortable stages for all packages over €1000 -
We guarantee our workIn an unlikely case your visa or residency is denied, we will resubmit documents or offer to switch program/country free of charge or return your money -
Own team in every country we serveOur team is not only our own experience of moving, but also years of work with hundreds of client cases of varying complexity
Request your one-on-one consultation with our Portugal experts
You will get a detailed personal roadmap for your relocation process to Portugal on a D3 (entrepreneur or freelance) visa and find out all costs, requirements and timelines.
Our local team to handle your case
- Ícaro CoutoAttorney for Portuguese clientsÍcaro is a lawyer passionate about international challenges, He had a career built on civil litigation, visa and nationality consulting. Ícaro has helped countless people turn their dreams into reality with strategic and precise legal solutions.
He supervises our most complex Residence applications and files claims to get your Residence quick in case process stalls. - Dmitriy ZaevPortugal Residence: AIMA processes, legal actions, reunifications
Dmitriy handles some of IMIGRATA's most complicated client issues: lawsuits against AIMA, reunification with Portuguese citizens through school-age children, residency for medical emergencies, and other complex cases that are typically referred to our lawyer after Dmitriy's thorough consultations.
- Alexandra KulikovaVisa programs specialistAlexandra is an expert in Portuguese immigration, specializing in visa types such as the Digital Nomad Visa, D3/90.2, D7, D2, family reunification, and others.
She works with applications in Moscow, Belgrade, Paris, Tel-Aviv, Ankara, as well as other locations around the world.
D3 Highly Qualified Specialist visa
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The D3 Visa, also known as the Highly Qualified Activity Visa, is a specialized long-term residence visa for professionals with exceptional qualifications who already have a job offer from a Portuguese company. A highly qualified professional is someone whose activity requires exceptional specialized technical skills or an appropriate qualification. Covered areas include executive positions, specialists in intellectual and scientific fields (medicine, science, IT, engineering, education, culture, law), university professors, and scientific researchers. AIMA considers this category to relate to higher education or over five years of professional experience.
To be eligible, the professional must meet the following requirements:
- Employment Contract: Present a work contract or promise of a contract from a Portuguese company, with a minimum duration of 6 to 12 months, depending on the source.
- Minimum Salary: The annual salary must be at least 1.5 times the national gross average annual salary or 3 times the Social Support Index (IAS). For 2025 it is estimated at €1,567.50.
The law does not stipulate a fixed minimum investment amount or share capital. While it is legally possible to open a company in Portugal with a share capital as low as €1, it is essential to demonstrate that the business is viable and that you have the necessary financial resources for the project.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, it is common to present a share capital between €3,000 and €5,000. More important than the exact amount is demonstrating that the project can positively impact Portuguese society and that you have the financial capacity to support yourself and operate the business. Having a Portuguese bank account with the capital deposited is a highly favorable factor.
For small and medium-sized enterprises, it is common to present a share capital between €3,000 and €5,000. More important than the exact amount is demonstrating that the project can positively impact Portuguese society and that you have the financial capacity to support yourself and operate the business. Having a Portuguese bank account with the capital deposited is a highly favorable factor.
The process is divided into two main phases:
- Phase 1 (in the country of origin): The candidate submits the residence visa application at the Portuguese Consulate or through partners like VFS Global. This visa is valid for 4 months and allows two entries into Portugal. Processing times range from 30 days to 2 months.
- Phase 2 (in Portugal): After arriving in Portugal, the visa holder attends an appointment at AIMA for biometric data collection and submission of additional documents, formalizing the residence permit application. AIMA has up to 90 days to issue the residence card.
Yes, Article 90(2) of the Foreigners Law allows a professional who has legally entered Portugal (e.g., as a tourist) to apply directly for a residence permit at AIMA, waiving the prior residence visa, provided all requirements are met. Regarding family, D3 Visa holders have the right to family reunification for spouses, minor or dependent children, and dependent parents. Visa applications for accompanying family members can often be submitted simultaneously with the main applicant.
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Contacts
Headquarters:
4651 Roswell Road, Suite 309 D
Atlanta, GA 30342 USA
Office in Portugal:
(by appointment only)
Avenida de França, 168, R/C,
Vila Nova de Famalicão, 4760-104
E-mail us: info@imigrata.com
4651 Roswell Road, Suite 309 D
Atlanta, GA 30342 USA
Office in Portugal:
(by appointment only)
Avenida de França, 168, R/C,
Vila Nova de Famalicão, 4760-104
E-mail us: info@imigrata.com