Long-stay visas (Type D)
Portuguese D3 Residence Visa for Highly Qualified Activity
A residence visa for highly qualified professionals with a Portuguese job offer requiring advanced skills or higher education to live and work in the country.
Under review — check current rules
Important information
- Issued by
- Portuguese consulate / VFS (visa); AIMA (residence permit)
- Category
- National long-stay (Type D) residence visa
- For
- Highly qualified / specialised professionals with a job in Portugal
- Salary threshold
- Linked to a multiple of the national average wage
- Exact multiple/amount changes annually - confirm current figure
Who it's for
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss professionals with high-level qualifications or specialised skills who have a job offer for a highly qualified role from an employer in Portugal.
Requirements
- Employment or service contract for a highly qualified activity in Portugal
- Proof of higher education degree and/or the required specialised skills
- Salary meeting the highly qualified threshold set in law
- Recognition of professional qualifications for regulated professions
- Proof of accommodation and means of subsistence
- Clean criminal record certificate and valid passport
What you can do
- Work in Portugal in a highly qualified role
- Obtain a renewable residence permit via AIMA
- Bring family through family reunification
- Progress toward permanent residence and citizenship
How to apply
With a highly qualified job contract in hand, apply for the D3 residence visa at the consulate or VFS centre. Provide degree/qualification evidence and proof the salary meets the threshold.
Enter Portugal on the 4-month visa and complete the AIMA residence-permit step.
Documents
- National visa application form and passport with photos
- Highly qualified work / service contract
- Higher-education diploma and, if needed, its recognition in Portugal
- Evidence salary meets the legal threshold
- Proof of accommodation and criminal record certificate
- Health/travel insurance
Frequently asked questions
Both target skilled workers, but the EU Blue Card is a harmonised EU permit with its own rules and mobility benefits, while the D3 is a purely national highly qualified route. Applicants often choose based on salary, qualifications and intra-EU plans.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Portuguese visas
- WORKJOB OFFERNON-EUD1 Residence Visa for Subordinate WorkA residence visa for non-EU nationals who hold an employment contract or job offer from a Portuguese employer, allowing them to live and work in the country.View visa details
- BUSINESSSELF-EMPLOYEDENTREPRENEURSD2 Residence Visa for Independent Work / EntrepreneursA residence visa for self-employed professionals, freelancers and entrepreneurs who are establishing a business or an independent activity in Portugal.View visa details
- WORKHIGHLY QUALIFIEDEU-WIDEEU Blue Card (Portugal)The EU-wide residence and work permit for highly qualified employment, issued by Portugal and carrying intra-EU mobility benefits for skilled workers.View visa details