D3 Visa

The D3 is Portugal’s residence visa for highly qualified professionals with a qualifying job offer or service agreement — a fast track for specialists, executives, engineers and researchers moving to Portugal.

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Visa Type

D3 Highly Qualified

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Who can apply

Skilled professionals

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Eligibility

Non-EU / EEA

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Packages from

€1,595

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D3 vs. EU Blue Card

Portugal offers two routes for highly qualified workers: the national D3 visa and the EU Blue Card. They have different salary thresholds and benefits — we assess which one fits your role and goals on your free consultation.

Who This Visa Is For

Built for in-demand professionals

The D3 is for non-EU nationals taking up a highly qualified role in Portugal — typically requiring specialist skills or higher qualifications.

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Tech & Engineering

Software engineers, data and product specialists, and technical leads joining a Portuguese employer or transferring within a company.

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Researchers & Academics

Scientists, researchers and academics with a contract at a Portuguese institution or company in a highly qualified activity.

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Executives & Specialists

Managers, consultants and specialists with the qualifications or proven experience their role requires.

What You Need

What the D3 Visa requires

The D3 is evidence-led — the core is a genuine, qualifying highly qualified role.

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Employment contract or offer

A signed contract, promise of contract, or service-provision agreement for a highly qualified activity in Portugal.

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Proof of qualifications

Higher-education diploma or evidence of the specialist skills and experience the role requires.

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Adequate remuneration

Salary that meets the threshold for a highly qualified role. We confirm the current figure for your case.

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Valid passport & NIF

A passport valid beyond your intended stay, plus a Portuguese tax number (NIF) — which we can obtain for you.

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Proof of accommodation

A rental contract, deed, or hosting declaration confirming where you’ll live in Portugal.

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Clean criminal record

A criminal record certificate from your country of residence, legalised and translated.

Pricing

Choose the right level of support

No hidden fees. No surprises. Every package includes your NIF and bank account setup.

★ Most Popular

Complete Visa Assistance Plus

€2810

Everything in the Complete Package, with three powerful additions

Everything in the Complete Visa Package
Consultation with Tax Lawyer
Property Finder
File and Accompany you for your AIMA Appointment

🗣️ Free Portuguese lessons to A2 included

Learn More Add to Cart

Complete Visa Assistance

€1595

Your full Portugal move, start to finish — one package.

Determine the most suitable visa for you
NIF & Bank account assistance included
Document checking and guidance before submission
Unlimited email support for all your inquiries
Video consultations with immigration lawyer
A1/A2 Portuguese Language Course included

🗣️ Free Portuguese lessons to A2 included

Learn More Add to Cart

Client Stories

Real people. Real results.

★★★★★

I had a job offer but wasn't sure my role counted as 'highly qualified activity' in the way Portuguese immigration law defines it — my title is fairly generic. The lawyer reviewed my contract and job description and confirmed it qualified, then helped me put together the supporting evidence.

Anders K.

Swedish, job offer from a Lisbon tech company

Result

Role confirmed as qualifying 'highly qualified activity' based on contract and duties. D3 application submitted with supporting documentation and approved.

★★★★★

As a healthcare professional, I needed my qualifications formally recognised in Portugal before my D3 application could really proceed, and I had no idea where to even start with that process. Visas.pt pointed me to the right recognition body and timed my visa application around it.

Priya N.

Indian, healthcare professional

Result

Professional qualification recognition process identified and sequenced ahead of D3 submission. Application approved with recognised credentials on file.

★★★★★

Two different recruiters had told me two different things — one said I should apply for the EU Blue Card, the other said D3. I had no way to judge which was actually right for my situation. One consultation laid out the real differences and we went with D3, which turned out to be the faster route for my case.

Lukas B.

German software architect, comparing D3 and EU Blue Card

Result

D3 confirmed as the faster, more suitable route over the EU Blue Card for this applicant's profile. Visa approved without the delays the Blue Card route would have involved.

FAQ

Questions about our D3 Visa

Do I need a job offer before applying?

Yes — the D3 is built around a qualifying highly qualified role, so you need an employment contract, promise of contract, or service-provision agreement with a Portuguese entity before you apply.

What counts as a "highly qualified activity"?

Broadly, a role that requires specialist technical skills or higher qualifications — common examples are technology, engineering, research, healthcare and senior management. We assess your specific role on the consultation.

D3 or EU Blue Card — which should I use?

Both serve highly qualified workers but have different salary thresholds and EU-mobility benefits. We compare them for your role and recommend the stronger route.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse, children, and dependent relatives can be included through family reunification, usually at a reduced add-on rate.

How long does the D3 take?

Document preparation typically takes a few weeks; the consulate stage and the residence permit with AIMA vary by case. We manage the full timeline for you.

Ready to Start?

Move to Portugal as a highly qualified professional

Book a free 15-minute consultation and we’ll confirm whether the D3 (or the EU Blue Card) is right for your role and map your exact pathway.

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