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The basics
What is the D1 visa for Portugal?
The D1 is a residence visa for foreign nationals who have a valid job offer or employment contract with a Portuguese company. It lets you enter Portugal and then apply to AIMA for a residence permit to work as an employee. It is not a job-seeker visa. Our guide is based on a Portuguese consulate's published checklist and on the general rules. Each consulate publishes its own requirements, so we check the one that applies to you.
For employees
Subordinate workForeign nationals who already have a job offer or an employment contract with a Portuguese company and do not need to look for work once in Portugal.
For employers
Portuguese companiesA Portuguese company hires the worker and supports the file with the contract and the responsibility statement where needed.
Requirements
D1 visa requirements
✓ Job offer or contract
EmploymentA valid job offer or employment contract with a Portuguese company. The consular checklist asks for a contract signed by both parties and valid for at least 12 months.
✓ Not job-seeking
PurposeThe D1 is for people who already have the job. It is not a route for moving to Portugal first and looking for work later.
✓ Means of subsistence
FundsFunds for the period of the contract, which can come from the contract itself, or a "term of responsibility" signed by the company's responsible person.
✓ Accommodation
HousingA booking, lease or other proof of accommodation for the contract period, unless the company provides it or signs the term of responsibility.
✓ Clean criminal record
Police certificateA criminal record certificate, valid only for a short period after issue (three months on the consular checklist we reviewed).
✓ Travel and medical insurance
InsuranceA policy that covers the entire stay and repatriation, with a minimum coverage stated on the checklist we reviewed of €30,000 per person.
Details such as minimum insurance cover, the validity of certificates and the visa validity come from one consulate's checklist and may differ elsewhere. Confirm them with the consulate where you will apply.
Documents
D1 visa documents checklist
Tick what you already have. This is a general checklist to organise your file, not an official form, and it does not replace your consulate's list.
Documents not in Portuguese or English generally need translation. Submit documents in the order and format your consulate asks for, and do not staple them if the checklist says so.
Process
Step by step: from contract to residence card
Job offer and contract
Agree the employment contract with the Portuguese company, with the terms needed for the visa.
Prepare documents
Collect the documents on the checklist, legalise or apostille foreign records and add translations.
Consular appointment
Book or request the appointment in line with your consulate's procedure. Some consulates ask the employer to handle the request.
Visa application
File the visa application at the consulate or its visa centre. The standard decision period is up to 60 calendar days, which may be extended.
Travel and apply to AIMA
Once the visa is granted, enter Portugal within its validity and apply to AIMA for the residence permit.
Residence card
AIMA issues the residence permit. We prepare the file and follow the appointment.
Timing and fees
The standard decision period is up to 60 calendar days from when the file reaches the consular section, and it can be extended. The consular fee is commonly reported at €110 per applicant. Insurance, apostilles, translations and legal fees are extra, and fees change.
After the visa
Apply to AIMA for the residence permit within the visa validity. Later you may qualify for permanent residence, and your family may be able to join. See our immigration lawyer page.
Employer
What the Portuguese employer needs to do
Contract
Signed by both partiesThe contract should be valid for at least 12 months and match the role and salary you present.
Term of responsibility
Optional supportThe company's responsible person may sign a statement guaranteeing accommodation and subsistence. Signatures usually need to be recognised.
Social security and tax
RegistrationThe employer registers the worker with Social Security and handles tax obligations once employment starts.
Timing
PlanningCompanies should start early. Consular appointment slots and processing times depend on the consulate.
Compare
D1, Tech Visa, Blue Card or D8?
D1 visa
Subordinate workYou already have a contract with a Portuguese employer. Standard route for employees without special qualification rules.
Tech Visa
Certified employerFor qualified professionals hired by IAPMEI-certified companies. See our Tech Visa page.
D3 / Blue Card
Highly qualifiedFor highly qualified workers with higher salary and qualification tests. See our Blue Card page.
D8 digital nomad
Remote workFor remote workers employed by or contracting for companies abroad. See our D8 page.
More on work visas to Portugal.
Avoid these
Common D1 visa mistakes
- Starting the visa file before the employment contract is signed by both parties.
- Presenting a contract shorter than the minimum period on the consular checklist.
- Missing apostilles, recognised signatures or translations on foreign documents.
- Using a criminal record certificate that has already expired by the time of filing.
- Assuming every consulate asks for the same documents. Each one publishes its own checklist.
- Forgetting to apply to AIMA within the visa validity after arriving in Portugal.
FAQ
D1 visa Portugal: common questions
What is the D1 visa for Portugal?
The D1 visa is a residence visa for foreign nationals who already have a job offer or an employment contract with a Portuguese company. After the visa is granted, the holder applies for a residence permit with AIMA in Portugal.
Can I look for a job in Portugal on a D1 visa?
No. The D1 is for people who already have a job offer or contract. It is not a job-seeker visa.
How long does the D1 visa take?
On the consular checklist we reviewed, the standard decision period is 60 calendar days from when the application reaches the consular section. It can be extended, for example for an interview or further checks. Appointment availability adds time, so plan ahead.
How long is the D1 visa valid?
On the checklist we reviewed, the D1 visa allows two entries and is valid for four months. During that period you apply to AIMA for the residence permit. Confirm the terms with your consulate.
What documents are needed for a D1 visa?
Typically the application form, passport, photographs, a signed contract valid for at least 12 months, proof of means of subsistence and accommodation or a term of responsibility, travel insurance, and a criminal record certificate. Requirements vary by consulate, so we check the list that applies to you.
How much does the D1 visa cost?
The consular fee is commonly reported at €110 per applicant. Insurance, apostilles, translations and legal fees are extra. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with the consulate.
Can my family join me on a D1 visa?
Family members may be able to join through family reunification, subject to the conditions and the permit type. Plan this early, because income, accommodation and documents are assessed.
What is the difference between the D1 and the Tech Visa or D3?
The D1 is the general route for employees with a contract. The Tech Visa is for professionals hired by companies certified by IAPMEI, and the D3 and Blue Card are for highly qualified workers with their own salary and qualification tests. We compare them for your profile.
Related pages
Sources
General information only, not legal advice. Requirements differ by consulate and change over time, so confirm with the consulate and AIMA. Updated 4 November 2026.