Program Quick Facts
Investment Amount
€0
Fees and Expenses
From €1,650
Income Requirement
€10,440/year
Residency (Visa) Length
1 year
Time to Obtain
3-6 months
Complexity
Simple
The Portugal D1 - Highly Skilled Worker Visa is designed to grant temporary residency to professionals intending to work and reside in Portugal. Applicants are required to meet specific financial criteria, including an annual income of €10,440.
This visa requires in-person application submission, including document and biometric verification, at the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your country. Remote applications are not allowed. Processing typically takes approximately 90 days, after which the applicant can enter Portugal with a temporary visa valid for 120 days. During that time, you should settle in Portugal and schedule your AIMA appointment.
To maintain this visa, applicants must live and work in Portugal, ensuring no prolonged absences that could affect future residence permit renewals. After 5 years of continuous residence, the applicant can apply for permanent residency and citizenship.
The visa includes dependents, allowing spouses and children to accompany the main applicant through a family reunification process.
Who can apply for Portugal D1 visa?
Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.
Main Applicant Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizenship
- Clean Criminal Record from the applicant's home country and any country of residence in the past five years
- Valid employment contract with a Portuguese employer
- Proof of Accommodation such as a rental agreement or an invitation letter from a Portuguese resident
- Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds, such as bank statements or employment contract salary
- Health Insurance: Evidence of valid international health insurance
- Completed and signed official D1 Visa application form
- A valid passport with at least three months' validity beyond the intended departure date from Portugal
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Employer's Justification Letter explaining the need to hire the applicant
- Copies of diplomas, certificates, or other documents proving professional qualifications
- IEFP Statement approving the employment contract
- Declaration of Intent stating the purpose of the stay, duration, and accommodation details
- Recent tax return if applicable
Spouse/Partner Requirements
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Clean Criminal Record
- Proof of Financial Means for the additional family member
- Health Insurance: Evidence of valid health insurance
Children Requirements
Under 18:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate)
- Health Insurance: Evidence of valid health insurance
- Proof of Financial Means for the additional family member
Over 18:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate or other legal documents)
- Proof of Financial Means for the additional family member
- Health Insurance: Evidence of valid health insurance
Special Cases (Any Age):
- —
Other Family Members Requirements
- Parents or dependent family members:
- Proof of dependency or family relationship (e.g., birth certificate or other legal documents)
- Proof of Financial Means for the additional family member
- Health Insurance: Evidence of valid health insurance
Program Options, Fees and Requirements
Option 1: Portugal Highly Skilled Worker Visa
A visa designed for non-EU citizens with a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer. It provides a pathway to residency for skilled workers meeting specific requirements.
Requirements:
Proof of Economic Means
Proof of financial means equivalent to €10,440 annually for the main applicant (Portuguese minimum wage), €5,220 for a spouse (50%), and €2,610 for each dependent (25%).
Amount: €10,440
Health Insurance
Private health insurance for the main applicant and dependents, starting at €600 per person annually.
Amount: €600
Accommodation
Proof of housing arrangements in Portugal, such as a rental contract, hotel reservation, or property ownership.
Amount: €0
Employment Contract
A valid job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese employer.
Amount: €0
Portuguese NIF (Tax ID)
Obtaining a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF).
Amount: €20
Fees:
Visa Application Fee
Standard application fee for the Portugal Highly Skilled Worker Visa.
Amount: €90
Residence Permit Fee
Fee for issuing the residence permit, €158 per person.
Amount: €158
Legal Services
Legal fees for assistance with the application process, starting at €1,000 for the main applicant and €500 per dependent.
Amount: €1,000
Bank Account Setup
Fees for opening a Portuguese bank account, starting at €50.
Amount: €50
Translation and Notarization
Costs for translating and notarizing required documents, starting at €100.
Amount: €100
A visa designed for non-EU citizens with a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer. It provides a pathway to residency for skilled workers meeting specific requirements.
Main Applicant | Spouse (additional) | Child (additional) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirements | |||
Proof of Economic Means* | €10,440 (not included in total) | €5,220 (not included in total) | €2,610 (not included in total) |
| Fees and Expenses | |||
Visa Application Fee | €90 | €90 | €90 |
Residence Permit Fee | €158 | €158 | €158 |
Legal Services | €1,000 | €500 | €500 |
| Total Cost | €2,018 for main applicant | €2,766 for married couple | €3,514 for family of 3 |
| * Items marked with an asterisk are not included in the total cost calculation | |||
Benefits & Restrictions
Benefits | Restrictions and Drawbacks |
|---|---|
High Quality of LifePortugal offers a warm climate, family-friendly environment, and a high standard of living, making it an attractive destination for skilled workers and their families. | Physical Presence Required for ApplicationThe application process requires in-person submission of documents and biometrics at a Portuguese consulate or embassy. Remote applications are not permitted. |
EU Schengen AccessVisa holders gain unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area, providing easy access to 26 European countries for business or leisure. | Not Available for EU/EEA/Swiss CitizensThis visa is exclusively for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who do not have the right to live and work in Portugal under EU freedom of movement laws. |
Path to Permanent ResidencyApplicants can transition to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence, with the option to apply for citizenship after 10 years. | High Tax ObligationsPortugal is considered a high-tax country, with income taxes that may apply to both local and foreign-earned income unless exempted under specific tax programs. |
Minimal Investment RequirementNo upfront investment is required to qualify for the visa, making it an accessible option for highly skilled professionals. | |
Dependents IncludedThe visa allows family members, including spouses and children, to join the main applicant through a straightforward family reunification process. |
D1 visa vs other programs in Portugal
| Criteria | D1 - Highly Skilled Worker Visa | Golden Visa> | D7 - Passive Income Visa> | D8 - Digital Nomad Visa> | D2 - Entrepreneur Visa> |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | €0 | €500,000 | €0 | €0 | €0 |
| Residency Type | Temporary Residency | Permanent Residency | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency | Temporary Residency |
| Application Fees | €1,650 | €34,000 | €2,500 | €320 | €1,146 |
| Annual Income Requirement | €10,440 | €0 | €9,800 | €41,760 | €10,440 |
| Annual Presence Requirement | 183 days | 7 days | 183 days | NaN days | 183 days |
| Key Perks | EU Schengen AccessSimple Setup | EU Schengen AccessInstant Permanent ResidencyNo Presence Required | Simple SetupEU Schengen AccessLow Cost Program | Simple SetupEU Schengen Access | EU Schengen AccessSimple Setup |
| Ideal For | Digital Nomads | Investors | Person of independent means | Digital NomadsPerson of independent means | EntrepreneursInvestorsDigital Nomads |
How to apply for D1 visa - Timeline
Document Preparation
Gather all necessary documents, including proof of financial means, employment contract, accommodation, and health insurance.
Visa Application Submission
Submit your visa application and biometrics in person at a Portuguese consulate or embassy.
Visa Processing
Wait for the consulate or embassy to process and approve your visa application.
Entry to Portugal
Travel to Portugal using your D1 Visa, which is valid for 120 days.
SEF Appointment
Schedule and attend an appointment with the SEF to apply for your residence permit.
Residence Permit Issuance
Receive your residence permit after completing the SEF appointment and providing the required documents.
Portugal Taxation at a glance
Key Information
Taxation Type: Residence based
Special Regime: Non-Habitual Residence
Normal Tax Residency: 183 days
Special Residency: Permanent home
Income Tax Rate: 48
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Programs in Other Countries
United Arab EmiratesVirtual Work Visa
Best For:
Live in UAE while working for a foreign company. The least expensive option of all.