Thinking of relocating to Portugal to advance your career? The Portugal D3 Visa might be your answer. Designed for highly qualified professionals, this visa opens the door to living and working in Portugal, with the bonus of a pathway to permanent residency and even citizenship.

At Touchdown, we’ve helped expats, remote workers, and founders navigate the D3 visa process in 2025. In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through what the visa is, who it’s for, the updated requirements, and how to apply successfully.

What is the Portugal D3 Visa

The Portugal D3 Visa (also known as the Highly Qualified Activity visa) is aimed at attracting top global talent, from engineers and researchers to tech specialists and senior managers.

Unlike the D7 visa (for passive income earners) or the D8 (digital nomads), the D3 visa is for individuals who already have a work offer or contract in Portugal, usually in a specialized or leadership role.

In 2025, the D3 remains one of the most powerful ways to relocate to Portugal with a clear career path, offering family reunification, a pathway to residency, and a route to EU citizenship.

Why Choose the Portugal D3 Visa?

The D3 visa offers a range of benefits for qualified professionals:

✅ Live and work legally in Portugal
✅ Bring your spouse and children through family reunification
✅ Pathway to Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship (5 years)
✅ Full access to Portuguese healthcare and education
✅ Mobility within the Schengen Zone
✅ A stable, long-term path for global professionals looking to settle in the EU

✅Access to European Union Blue Card

Portugal D3 Visa Requirements (2025)

To qualify for the Portugal D3 Visa, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

📄 A valid job offer or work contract in Portugal (minimum 1 year)
🆔 Portuguese NIF (tax number)
💼 Role must be classified as a “highly qualified activity” (typically requiring specialized knowledge or a university degree)
💶 Minimum salary of 1.5x the Portuguese national minimum wage (around €1,300 month in 2025)
🎓 Proof of qualifications (e.g., university degree or professional certification)
🏠 Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental agreement, hotel booking, etc.)
✅ Clean criminal record
🛂 Valid passport and health insurance

Touchdown can help you assess whether your profession or role qualifies and support you in putting together the right documentation for a successful application.

How to Apply for the D3 Visa in Portugal

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the D3 visa process:

1. Secure a job offer with a Portuguese employer.

2. Gather all required documents (contract, degree, proof of accommodation, insurance, etc.)

3. Submit your visa application at the Portuguese consulate in your country of residence.

4. Once approved, you’ll receive a temporary visa to enter Portugal.

5. After arrival, apply for your residence permit at AIMA

From document prep to booking your appointments, Touchdown supports you at every step of the D3 process, so you can skip the stress and confusion.

Portugal D3 Visa Processing Time (2025)

The estimated processing times for the D3 visa in 2025 are the following:

🎯 Consulate approval: 30–60 days
🇵🇹 Residence permit appointment (AIMA): 2–4 months post-arrival

We recommend applying at least 3 months ahead of your planned relocation to ensure smooth timing.

Documents Needed for the Portugal D3 Visa

Here’s a full checklist of what to prepare:

• Valid passport

• Employment contract (min. 1 year, signed by both parties)

• Portuguese NIF

• Portuguese bank account

• Proof of professional qualification

• Proof of accommodation in Portugal

• Criminal background check (apostilled/legalized)

• Health insurance valid in Portugal

• Recent bank statements or proof of financial means

• Completed visa application form

• Passport-sized photos

Want help reviewing your documents? Touchdown’s team ensures everything is compliant before submission, so you don’t risk delays.

Professions That Qualify

The D3 visa is ideal for individuals in sectors like:

• Software Engineering & IT

• Architecture & Engineering

• Scientific Research

• Higher Education & Lecturing

• Executive & Managerial Roles

You may also qualify under specific EU Blue Card criteria if your salary exceeds 1.5–1.8x times the national average. Touchdown helps identify which route is best for your case.

People Also Ask about the D3 Visa

What is a D3 visa in Portugal?

The D3 visa is a residence visa for highly qualified professionals who have a job offer in Portugal. It allows for work, residence, and family reunification with a fast track to permanent residency.

What is the salary for D3 visa in Portugal?

The minimum required salary is 1.5x the national minimum wage, which is approximately €1,300+ per month in 2025. Higher salaries are often expected depending on the profession.

How long is the D3 visa valid for in Portugal?

The visa is valid for 4 months initially, during which you must apply for a residence permit. The residence card is typically issued for 2 years, renewable thereafter.

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

The D1 visa is for general work purposes (not necessarily high-skilled roles), while the D3 is specifically for highly qualified professionals. The D3 offers faster paths to residency and citizenship.

Touchdown Makes It Simple

Moving for a new role is exciting, but dealing with bureaucracy isn’t. That’s where Touchdown steps in. We’ve helped professionals from all over the world relocate to Portugal the right way.

✅ We review your documents
✅ Support with booking your consulate and AIMA appointments
✅ Coordinate with your employer
✅ Offer full legal support and practical guidance
✅ And support your family’s application too

Whether you’re a software engineer or a C-suite executive, we make sure your transition to Portugal is smooth, legal, and stress-free.

Ready to Make the Move?

The Portugal D3 Visa offers highly qualified professionals a real opportunity to live, work, and grow in one of Europe’s most desirable destinations. And with Touchdown on your side, you won’t have to do it alone.

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.