The D3 Visa is intended for teaching, highly qualified, or cultural activities carried out by professionals from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who wish to work in Portugal. This visa allows entry into the country and later application for a residence permit.
Who can apply? All foreign nationals who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and have a job offer in Portugal.
Where and when to apply? Applications must be submitted at Portuguese consulates or VFS centers in the applicant's country of residence. Alternatively, highly qualified professionals can apply directly for a residence permit if they have legally entered and remained in the country.
Required documentation:
- Completed visa application form;
- The passport must be valid for more than three months after the planned return date;
- Two recent passport-sized photos;
- Valid travel insurance covering medical expenses, including urgent care and possible repatriation in case of death;
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence for over one year;
- Request for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by AIMA;
- Proof of accommodation;
- Proof of means of subsistence.
- Notarized copy of academic qualifications;
- Registration with the tax and social security authorities.
Teaching, highly qualified, or cultural activities
- Work contract, job offer, or service contract; or
- Invitation letter from an educational or vocational training institution; or
- Responsibility statement issued by IAPMEI; or
- Invitation letter from a company or entity conducting cultural activities of national interest; or
- Invitation letter from a research center
Highly Qualified Employment (Subordinate Worker):
- Valid work contract or job offer with at least one year of duration and an annual salary of at least 1.5 times the national gross average salary or three times the social support index (IAS); or
- For professions in major groups 1 and 2 of the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO), a work contract or job offer valid for at least one year with a salary of at least 1.2 times the national gross average salary;
- Proof of qualifications to exercise the profession, if it is regulated in Portugal (if applicable).
- Non-regulated professions: Proof of high professional qualifications appropriate to the sector specified in the work contract/job offer.
Fees:
- Residence visa: €90 (euros)
*Processing fee in local currency will depend on the euro exchange rate.
Processing time: Approximately 30 to 60 days
The procedure involves two stages of document submission to complete the visa process: First stage: Submission at the Consulate (or VFS). Second stage: Submission to AIMA.
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Tech Visa (Residence Permit for Certified Companies)
The Tech Visa program, Ordinance No. 328/2018of December 19, aims to expedite the granting of residence visas for highly qualified immigrants recruited by certified companies operating in the fields of technology, innovation, or sectors that require specialized technical skills.
Who can apply? Highly qualified professionals employed by companies certified by IAPMEI.
Where and when to apply? The application must be submitted at Portuguese consulates or VFS centers in the applicant’s country of residence and must be based on a letter of undertaking issued by the certified company.
Required documentation:
- Two recent passport-sized photos;
- Passaporte válido;
- Valid residence visa (except in cases where the visa is waived);
- Proof of accommodation;
- Request for consultation of the Portuguese criminal record by AIMA;
- Responsibility Term 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)
- Declaration from the certified company guarantees that the professional will perform functions directly within the organization.
Process:
- The company obtains certification from IAPMEI.
- The professional receives a responsibility term from the company.
- The direct visa or residence authorization application is submitted to AIMA.
Benefits:
- Accelerated visa process;
- Ease of entry and stay in Portugal for professionals in technology, innovation, and specialized sectors;
- Certified companies ensure faster access to highly qualified talent.
Ordinance No. 59-A/2022, dated January 28, introduced significant changes to the Tech Visa program,, expanding its scope and adjusting the criteria for company certification. Previously focused on technological and innovative companies, the program now covers any company with headquarters or a stable establishment in national territory that carries out activities requiring specialized technical skills or appropriate qualifications.
Company Certification Criteria:
- Establishment in Portugal: The company must have its headquarters or a stable establishment on national territory.
- Activity: It must engage in 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 can be subject to international transactions.
Obligations of Certified Companies:
- Contratos de Trabalho ou Prestação de Serviços: They must formalize contracts 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: Ensure that the contracted professionals perform functions directly within the certified company, and cannot be allocated to other entities.
- Updating Information: Keep the Tech Visa platform updated regarding the issued letters of undertaking, including information about visa applications, residence authorizations, and the contractual status of the workers.
Certification Renewal: Certification under the Tech Visa program is valid for five years and can be renewed for an equal 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.