The D3 visa is intended for teaching, highly qualified, or cultural activities for professionals from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who wish to work in Portugal. This visa allows entry into the country and subsequent application for a residence permit.
Who can apply? All foreign citizens who are not nationals of the EU, EEA or Switzerland and who have a job offer in Portugal.
Where and when to apply? Applications must be submitted to Portuguese consulates or VFS centers in the applicant's country of residence. Alternatively, highly qualified professionals may also apply for a residence permit directly, provided they have entered and remained legally in the national territory.
Required Documents:
- Completed visa application form;
- Passport valid for more than three months after the expected return date;
- Two recent passport-type photos;
- Valid travel insurance that covers medical expenses and repatriation;
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence for more than one year;
- Authorization to consult the Portuguese criminal record;
- Proof of accommodation;
- Proof of means of subsistence;
- Certified copy of the qualifications certificate;
- Registration with the tax authorities and social security.
Highly qualified teaching or cultural activity:
- Employment contract or promise of employment contract or service contract; or,
- Invitation letter issued by an educational or vocational training institution; or,
- Statement of responsibility issued by IAPMEI; or,
- Invitation letter issued by a company or entity that carries out a cultural activity of interest to the country within the national territory; or,
- Invitation letter issued by a research center.
Highly skilled activity performed by a subordinate worker:
- A valid employment contract or promise of employment contract with a duration of at least one year, corresponding to an annual remuneration of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index value (IAS); or,
- For the purposes of employment in professions belonging to major groups 1 and 2 of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO), a valid employment contract or promise of employment contract with a duration of at least 1 year and which, in terms of salary, holds at least 1.2 times the national average gross salary;
- Regulated profession: proof that you are qualified to practice the profession in Portugal;
- Unregulated profession: proof that you hold high professional qualifications appropriate to the activity or sector specified in the employment contract/promise of employment.
Investment:
- Residence visa: €90* (euros).
*Processing fees in local currency will depend on the euro exchange rate.
Processing time is 30 to 60 days.
The procedure involves two stages of document submission to complete the visa process: the first is carried out by the Consulate (or VFS) and the second by AIMA.
Contact us for support throughout the process.
Tech Visa (Residence Permit for Certified Companies)
The Tech Visa program, Decree No. 328/2018 , of December 19, aims to expedite the granting of residence visas for highly qualified immigrants recruited by certified companies operating in the areas of technology, innovation, or sectors that require specialized technical skills.
Who can apply? Highly qualified professionals hired by companies certified by IAPMEI.
Where and when to apply? The application must be submitted to Portuguese consulates or VFS centers in the applicant's country of residence; furthermore, it must be based on a declaration of responsibility issued by the certified company.
Required Documents:
- Two passport-sized photos;
- Valid passport;
- Valid residence permit (except in cases where a visa is waived);
- Proof of accommodation;
- Authorization to consult the Portuguese criminal record;
- Statement of responsibility issued by the certified company;
- Employment contract with a minimum duration of 12 months and a minimum annual salary of 2.5 times the Social Support Index (IAS);
- Statement from the certified company guaranteeing that the professional will perform duties directly within the organization.
Process:
- The company obtains certification from IAPMEI.
- The professional receives a liability waiver from the company.
- Applications for visas or direct residence permits are submitted to AIMA.
Benefits:
- Expedited visa process;
- Ease of entry and residency in Portugal for professionals in technology, innovation, and specialized sectors;
- Certified companies guarantee faster access to highly qualified talent.
Decree No. 59-A/2022, of January 28, introduced significant changes to the Tech Visa Program , expanding its scope and adjusting the certification criteria for companies. Previously focused on technological and innovative companies, the program now covers any company with its headquarters or permanent establishment in the national territory that develops activities requiring specialized technical skills or appropriate qualifications.
Company Certification Criteria:
- Establishment in Portugal: The company must have its registered office or a permanent establishment in the national territory.
- Job Description: Must perform activities that require specialized technical skills or appropriate qualifications.
- Production of Internationalizable Goods and Services: The company must produce goods or services that are exposed to international competition and that can be the subject of international transactions.
Obligations of Certified Companies:
- Employment or Service Contracts: Contracts must be formalized with a minimum duration of 12 months and a minimum annual remuneration equivalent to 2.5 times the Social Support Index (IAS).
- Exclusivity of Functions: Ensuring that hired professionals perform their duties directly within the certified company and cannot be assigned to other entities.
- Information Update: Keep the Tech Visa platform updated with all issued terms of responsibility, including information on visa applications, residence permits, and employee contract status.
Certification Renewal: Certification under the Tech Visa program is valid for five years and can be renewed for the same period.
These changes aim to make the Tech Visa Program more inclusive and adapted to the needs of the global market, facilitating the hiring of highly qualified professionals by Portuguese companies.
