Planning to relocate to Portugal for employment with an existing job offer? The D1 Visa Portugal is your best choice. It’s designed for individuals who already have a work contract or an employment promise agreement and are ready to relocate legally and confidently.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how it works, who it’s for, and how you can apply – step-by-step. 

Whether you're a skilled worker or simply joining a company as an employee, this visa opens the door to starting your life in Portugal the right way. At Touchdown, we’ve helped people in the exact same process.

What is a D1 Visa in Portugal?

The D1 Visa in Portugal is a long-term residency visa specifically for individuals who already have a job offer or a signed employment contract with a Portuguese employer. It’s the main work visa route for subordinate workers (meaning salaried employees), distinct from freelance or self-employment paths like the D2 Visa.

This visa is ideal if you’re relocating from outside the EU/EEA and you’re planning to work for a Portuguese company for more than 12 months. Unlike remote work visas (like the D8), the D1 is rooted in on-site employment in Portugal.

What You Need to Know in 2025

With Portugal’s growing demand for international talent, more companies are hiring foreign workers across sectors like hospitality, tech, construction, healthcare, and logistics. That’s why the D1 Visa Portugal is becoming increasingly relevant, especially for non-EU nationals looking for legal pathways to live and work in the country.

If you're someone who’s landed a Portuguese job contract but confused about what comes next, this guide is for you.

Benefits of the D1 Visa

✅ Legal right to live and work in Portugal
✅ Access to healthcare, education, and public services
✅ Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
✅ Bring close family members via reunification
✅ Enter Portugal before your residence permit is issued

What type of visa is D1?

The D1 visa is officially categorized as a Type D National Long-Stay Visa for employment purposes. It’s meant for third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who have secured a binding employment contract with a company based in Portugal.

This visa allows you to enter the country and stay while your residence permit is processed by AIMA (Portugal’s immigration office). Once granted, your residence permit is typically valid for 2 years and it is renewable.

How does the D1 Visa Portugal work?

Here’s how it works, step-by-step:

1. Secure a job contract

To apply for the D1 visa, you need to have a signed employment contract or an employment promise agreement with a Portuguese company. The role should be full-time and comply with national labor laws, including minimum wage and working conditions. There’s no longer a need for the employer to prove they tried hiring from within the EU first, making the process more straightforward for non-EU applicants.

2. Gather required documents

You’ll need:

• Signed employment contract

• Passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay)

• Recent criminal record certificate

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

• Health insurance (until you’re registered in the national system)

• Proof of qualifications (if your role requires it)

• Completed visa application form

• Passport photos

Note: All foreign documents must be translated and legalized/apostilled.

3. Apply at the Portuguese consulate

Applications for the D1 Visa must be submitted in your country of residence, and an appointment with the consulate is required. Visa processing times can vary (see next section).

4. Receive your visa & travel to Portugal

Once approved, your visa will be issued for 4 months – giving you enough time to enter Portugal and book your AIMA appointment.

5. Attend AIMA appointment

This is where your residence permit is processed. You’ll submit biometrics and documentation again. After approval, you’ll receive a 2-year residence card.

Portugal D1 Visa Processing Time

On average, the Portugal D1 visa processing time is 30–90 days, depending on your consulate’s backlog and whether your documents are complete and error-free.

Pro tip: Incomplete applications or missing translations are one of the biggest causes of delays. That’s where Touchdown comes in. We make sure every box is checked before you submit.

What is the difference between a D1 and a D3 visa in Portugal?

While both are work-based visas, the difference lies in the type of employment:

• D1 Visa: For regular employees with standard work contracts. It’s for general employment – hospitality, retail, logistics, care work, and more.

• D3 Visa: For highly qualified professionals, such as engineers, scientists, doctors, or tech experts. You often need proof of higher education and a salary 1.5x above national average.

In short: D1 is for most jobs. D3 is for top-tier or specialist roles.

What is the difference between C1 and D1 Visa?

This one confuses a lot of people. The C1 visa is a short-term Schengen visa, usually valid for up to 90 days. It’s used for tourism, business meetings, or short visits.

The D1 visa, on the other hand, is for long-term employment and allows you to apply for residency.

So:
C1 = short-term visit
D1 = long-term work + pathway to residency

Can family members join you?

Yes! Your family members can apply at the same time as you or join you later through family reunification. You can bring your spouse, minor children, or dependent family members to live with you once you have your residence permit.

Touchdown can help you handle the process step by step, including timelines and what documents your family will need to submit.

What if I lose my job?

If you lose your job after getting the D1 residence permit, you don’t automatically lose your status. Portugal often allows time for you to find another role. But you may need to show proof of ongoing job-seeking or new contracts.

How Touchdown supports your D1 Visa journey

We know the process sounds bureaucratic – but it doesn’t have to be. At Touchdown, we:

✅ Review your employment contract for compliance
✅ Prepare and translate all necessary documents
✅ Help you book appointments and communicate with your consulate
✅ Support your AIMA process once you land in Portugal
✅ Guide you through family reunification, renewals, and more

You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ve helped many employees move to Portugal seamlessly through the D1 route.

Ready to start your D1 visa journey?

If you’ve landed a job in Portugal, the D1 visa might be your key to building a new life here, legally, securely, and with peace of mind. From paperwork to appointments, the process can be complex, but with the right help, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

We specialise in relocation, tax strategy, and business setup for global professionals landing in Portugal.

Join a growing, connected international community that is thriving in some of the fastest growing corners of the world. Portugal - now; Spain - soon; the rest of the world - to come. 

👉 Want to know more? We’ll walk you through it – no jargon, just straight answers. Answer a couple of questions in the Touchdown Advisor to book a free introduction call with our team.