D3 Visa for Highly Qualified Workers in Portugal in 2025

The D3 Visa is an excellent option for highly skilled workers who wish to live and work in Portugal. Aimed at professionals with exceptional experience or qualifications, the visa allows residence for more than one year, facilitating access to a growing job market and an attractive lifestyle.

The D3 residence visa is intended for all highly skilled workers who wish to carry out professional activities for a company based in Portugal and reside here for a period of more than one year.

The residence visa is valid for a period of 4 months and allows two entries into Portugal. During this period, the visa holder must move to Portugal and attend an appointment at the AIMA to collect their biometric data in order to issue their residence card.

It allows the submission of visas for accompanying family members simultaneously with the main applicant’s D3 visa application, provided the family relationship is proven at the time of the application submission.

What are the requirements for obtaining the D3 Visa in Portugal?

To grant a residence permit to highly skilled workers, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:

• The exercise of professional activity requiring specialized technical skills of an exceptional nature, in which the applicant has more than 5 years of experience;
• Or an adequate qualification for the respective activity;
• Engagement in professional activity for a company based in Portugal;
• An annual salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the value of the social support index (IAS), which in 2025 corresponds to approximately €1567.50.

What is the procedure and timeframe?

The granting of a residence authorization for holders of passive income – known as the D3 Visa – is divided into two phases:

Phase 1 – Consulate – Issuance of the residence visa

The applicant must submit the residence visa application at the Portuguese Consulate or Consular Section of the Portuguese Embassy in the country of origin or the country of residence via the E-visa portal or by email (depending on the consulate).

In certain countries, to handle the volume of applications, the Consulate may delegate responsibilities to VFS Global, a company that receives the applications before they are reviewed by the Consulate.

Once the residence visa is issued, it is time for the applicant to travel to Portugal to request the residence authorization.

Phase 2 – AIMA – Issuance of the Residence Authorization

In most cases, the residence visa is issued by the Consulate with the date and location of the appointment. In cases where this does not occur, it is necessary to request an appointment by phone.

Once all documents are submitted, AIMA has 90 days to issue the residence card.

What documents are needed to obtain the D3 Visa?

The D3 visa has two distinct phases for document preparation:

Phase 1 – Consulate

At the time of submitting the residence visa application, the following documents, among others, must be provided:

• Employment contract, promise of employment contract, or service contract with an entity based in Portugal.
• An annual salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the value of the social support index (IAS), which in 2025 corresponds to approximately €1567.50.
• Being hired for a profession requiring higher qualifications or relevant professional experience of more than 5 years.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal;

Fee: €90

Phase 2 – AIMA

At the time of the appointment, the applicant will have their biometric data – photograph, fingerprints, and signature – collected and will submit the required documentation, including:

• Tax Identification Number (NIF)
• Proof of issuance of Social Security Number (NISS)
• Proof of accommodation
• Employment contract or service contract signed with an entity based in Portugal, signed by both parties with a minimum duration of 6 months and a monthly salary of at least €1567.50.
• Proof of financial means.

Fee: €170.08

What is the validity of the Residence Card?

This residence authorization is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance of the residence card and is renewable for a period of 3 years. After 5 years, the foreign citizen may apply for permanent residence and Portuguese nationality.

What are the main benefits of the D3 Residence Visa?

• Family reunification;
• Access to a qualified and affordable healthcare system;
• Access to rights and courts;
• Ability to move freely within the Schengen Area;
• Eligibility for Portuguese nationality after 5 years from the submission of the residence visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any activity performed for less than 5 years be considered for the residence visa for highly skilled workers?

No. Only highly skilled activities with exceptional technical expertise are considered.

Can I come to Portugal as a tourist and, upon finding a job here, directly apply for the Residence Authorization for highly skilled workers?

Yes. Article 90, paragraph 2 of the Foreigners Law exempts the presentation of a residence visa as long as the other requirements are met. In this case, the process becomes a single-phase process.

The D3 Visa offers highly skilled workers an advantageous way to establish themselves in Portugal, with benefits such as access to healthcare, the ability to move freely within the Schengen Area, and eligibility for Portuguese nationality after 5 years. If you meet the requirements and are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, do not hesitate to contact us.