The Portugal D3 Visa is a residence visa specifically designed for highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries who want to live and work in Portugal. Here's everything you need to know about this priority settlement visa.

What is the D3 Visa?

The Portugal D3 Visa is a priority settlement visa designed to attract highly qualified professionals to Portugal. It provides residency and work permits after one year of participating in high-skill activities in the country. This visa is particularly suited for engineers, scientists, health professionals, and teachers.

Key Benefits

The D3 Visa offers several advantages:

‍Two-year residence permit initially, renewable for up to five years

‍Family reunification options for spouses, children, and dependent family members

‍Pathway to permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship after five years

‍EU Blue Card eligibility after 18 months, allowing work in 25 EU countries

‍Schengen Area travel without additional visas

‍Fast processing time of 30-60 days

‍Tax advantages and access to Portuguese healthcare and social security

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the D3 Visa, you must:Be over 18 years oldBe a non-EU/EEA nationalHave a valid employment contract or service provider contract with a Portuguese companyPossess higher education qualifications or relevant specialized work experienceMeet the salary requirement of €2,100 per month or more in 2025 Portugal D3 Visa Requirements and Documents | Portugal Skilled Immigration (1.5 times the national average gross salary)

Salary Requirements

The expected annual salary must be at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS). For certain professions in high demand, the requirement is reduced to 1.2 times the national average gross wage.

Required Documents

The application requires:Two identical passport photographsValid passportProof of travel and accommodationValid travel insurance including health coverageCriminal record certificate from your country of originForm authorizing AIMA to access your criminal recordProof of financial meansValid employment contract (minimum one year or indefinite period)Professional qualifications or certificatesCompleted D3 Visa application formMarriage certificate and children's birth certificates (if applicable)

Application Process

Submit application through the E-Visa Portal or Portuguese Consulate in your countrySchedule visa interview at a Visa Application Centre or Portuguese ConsulateProcessing time: 30-60 daysVisa validity: 120 days with double entry allowedUpon arrival: Apply for residence permit within four months through AIMA

Costs

Visa application fee: Approximately €90 (non-refundable)Residence permit fee: Around €85Processing time: 2-12 weeks for residence permit

Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After five years of legally authorized residence, you qualify to apply for permanent Portuguese residency, citizenship, and a Portuguese passport. You'll need to maintain employment, keep a clean criminal record, and pass a basic Portuguese language test (CIPLE)

Who Qualifies as "Highly Qualified"?

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."This includes:Management and leadership positionsEngineers and scientistsHealth professionalsTeachers and educatorsIT professionalsLegal expertsCultural professionalsBusiness and management professionalsThe D3 Visa represents one of Portugal's fastest pathways to EU residency and citizenship, making it an attractive option for qualified professionals seeking to establish themselves in Europe.