D3 Visa in Portugal: Residence for Highly Qualified Activity
The D3 visa in Portugal is intended for third-country nationals who wish to carry out a highly skilled professional activity under an employment contract or or a service agreement.
In practice, this visa provides the legal framework for highly skilled professionals who have received an offer in Portugal for technical, scientific, or specialized positions.
What Qualifies as Highly Qualified Activity
Not all professional activities qualify for a D3 visa. The role must require a high level of specialization.
This generally covers two profiles:
- Professionals with higher education degrees: holders of a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in fields such as technology, engineering, health, law, finance, or sciences;
- Professionals with exceptional skills: individuals without a university degree who have highly specialized technical skills. In these cases, at least 5 years of relevant professional experience must be documented.
D3 Visa Requirements in Portugal
To obtain a D3 visa, applicants must meet the following main requirements:
- An employment contract services agreement with an employer in Portugal;
- A salary of at least three times the Social Support Index (IAS), which in 2026 corresponds to €1,611.39/month, with possible reductions for certain professions;
- Proof of qualifications:
- For regulated professions, presentation of the professional license;
- For non-regulated professions, a higher education degree or at least 5 years of relevant professional experience.
Applicants must also comply with general entry requirements for Portugal, including a valid passport, no Schengen entry restrictions, and proof of accommodation.
How to Apply for the D3 Visa in Portugal
The D3 visa application can be submitted at the Portuguese consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. After entering Portugal on the visa, the applicant must apply for a residence permit with AIMA, I. P..
It is also possible to apply directly for a residence permit in Portugal if the individual is legally present. However, this option often results in longer processing times. For this reason, it is recommended to start the process at the consulate whenever possible.
Family Reunification under the D3 Visa
Unlike other types of residence permits, which may require waiting periods, highly skilled workers can request family reunification immediately after obtaining the residence permit.
This is a key advantage for those wishing to live in Portugal with their family from the start.
Residence Requirements for the D3 Visa
Maintaining a D3 residence permit in Portugal requires compliance with minimum stay requirements.
A residence permit may be canceled if the holder is absent from Portugal, without a valid reason, for more than 6 consecutive months or 8 non-consecutive months during the validity of the permit. Any planned absence exceeding these limits must be justified in advance to the Immigration Authority.
Legal Support for the D3 Visa in Portugal
Assessing eligibility for the D3 visa and highly skilled worker status requires a detailed legal analysis of the professional profile and employment contract.
RME Legal provides full immigration support, assisting throughout the D3 visa application process and the subsequent residence permit application.
For further information or case-specific analysis, contact our Immigration team.
Raquel Matos Esteves | Partner at RME Legal
Disclaimer
This article is not legal advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified professional. Each case depends on its own specific facts, documents, and eligibility conditions. Families should always seek authorized legal guidance to confirm that all legal requirements are met before submitting any application.
Get personalized legal advice for your situation from RME Legal.