The D1 visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss individuals who want to work in Portugal. This visa is ideal if you have a job offer from a Portuguese company and plan to stay for more than a year.
Who can apply for a D1 Visa?
This type of visa is intended for stays longer than 1 year. It is designed for professionals who have already received a job offer for a period of more than one year, not for those looking for a job in Portugal.
Eligibility: This visa is for those who already have been interviewed and accepted a job offer in Portugal for at least 12 months.
IEFP Statement: The hiring company must provide a statement from the Institute of Employment and Professional Training (IEFP) confirming the job was advertised but not filled by a Portuguese or EU citizen.
This visa is NOT suitable for non-EEA nationals who are still looking for work in Portugal.
What if I am already in Portugal?
If you are already in Portuguese territory, as a tourist, it can be also possible (depending on your conditions) to apply for a residence permit as a worker.
You will need to follow some criteria such as:
- Have an Employment Contract;
- Proof of Address;
- Earn at least a minimum wage;
- Contribute to Social Security.
Requirements
Employment contract
Employer’s employment contract in Portugal, signed by both parties; or a promise of employment lasting at least one year.
Written letter from the hiring company
Written letter from the hiring company explaining the reasons why hiring the visa applicant is essential for the company and what characteristics the applicant has that make him or her indispensable for filling the vacancy, rather than any other worker;
IEFP's opinion
IEFP’s opinion on your employment contract (this opinion must be requested by the company that intends to hire the IEFP);
Curriculum Vitae
Curriculum Vitae;
Academic and Professional Qualifications Documents;
Sometimes they are required as evidence of the contract reason and proof of professional qualifications required for the job.
Self Declaration
Declaration signed by the applicant, explaining reasons for the request, indicating the place of accommodation ( permanent or temporary ) and the period for which he intends to stay in Portugal.
Proof of means of subsistence
Means of subsistence in Portugal, during the period of stay. This can be showed with the last income tax declaration and bank statements for the last three months showing you can support yourself.
Proof of Accommodation
Accommodation can be proven by presenting one of the following items:
- Copy of lease/purchase agreement made by the applicant;
- Invitation letter from a citizen legally residing in Portugal, confirming that he or she will receive the applicant for as long as necessary;
If you do not have one of the documents above, you can prove temporary accommodation by booking a hotel for a minimum period of one week.
International medical travel insurance
This insurance must be valid for the entire period you will stay in Portugal.
The insurance policy must include coverage for repatriation for medical reasons, urgent need for medical attention and emergency hospital treatment.
The private health plan can be replaced depending on your country of origin, if there is an agreement between national health services.
Criminal Record certificate
A criminal record certificate issued not older than 3 months, from your country or residence country.
Your writen authorization for the portuguese authorities to check criminal record in Portugal.
If moving with other family members, add their criminal records too.
Photographs
Two recent standard ID 3×4 color photos
Passport
Simple copy of the passport (only identification pages and used pages). Please remember that is recommended that it’s validity is not finishing!
If other family member are coming with you, recall this procedure for each one.
Others
If married, you must submit a simple copy of the marriage certificate.
If you have children, you must send simple copies of their birth certificates.
D1 Visa Application Process
Secure a Job
Get a job offer and sign the contract.
Gather Documents
Collect all necessary documents, as indicated
Apply for Visa D1 at Consulate
Submit your application at the Portuguese consulate in your home country.
Deadline for processing and response
After applying for a VISA, the process will be analysed and if everything is in order, it will be entered into the visa system.
After that, it takes on average, 30 – 90 days to obtain a
decision by AIMA (the former SEF).
The decision may be obtained sooner, but a longer period may also be necessary.
Therefore, we advise:
- Apply for your visa as far in advance as possible.
- Do not buy a travel ticket without having an authorized visa! There is no responsibility for any cancellation of tickets or change of travel dates.
D1 vs. D3 Visa
D1 Visa | D3 Visa |
General employment visa, no higher education degree required. The job must be advertised to Portuguese and EU/EEA citizens first | For highly skilled professionals with advanced degrees in fields like IT, engineering, medicine, science, and executive management. |
Working in Portugal
Portugal offers a high quality of life with affordable living costs. While salaries may be lower compared to other Western European countries, the country boasts a sunny climate and a growing job market in sectors like tech, tourism, and green energy.
Benefits of Living in Portugal
Quality of Life: Enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year in places like Lisbon and the Algarve.
Citizenship: Apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency.
EU Blue Card: Some work visas can lead to this prestigious card.
Looking to Buy a new property or Sell an existing one? Voronina Real Estate provides an easy solution!
Voronina Real Estate gracefully facilitates real estate owners by making property management easier & affordable.
FAQ's
What to do if there is no employment contract or job offer from a Portuguese company?
In the event that you have not been able to find a company that is willing to give you a formal contract, and you don’t have a job offer, you can start your own business. Start your own business, employ a staff member and thereby obtain a work visa.
What’s it like to work in Portugal?
While there are exceptions to the rule, Portuguese salaries are low by western European standards and the job market is more limited, particularly if you don’t speak Portuguese. To be blunt, there are normally better job opportunities in places like Germany or France.
However, Portugal is known for its excellent quality of life, with a cost of living that’s more affordable than many other European countries. Lisbon and the Algarve, for example, both boast more than three hundred days of sunshine per year. The job market in Portugal is also evolving, with a strengthening economy and openings in fields like tech, tourism, and green energy.
Living in Portugal also comes with other benefits, like the ability to apply for Portuguese citizenship after five years of legal residency (or less, as of 2024). Some work visas can also lead to the EU Blue Card.
What if I’m already in Portugal as Tourist?
- Have an employment contract;
- Proof of an Address;
- Earning at least a minimum wage (820€ per month in 2024);
- Contributing to Social Security System
D1 vs D3
Visa D1 is more a general employment visa and Visa D3 is aimed at highly skilled professionals with advanced degrees in specific areas, such as IT, engineering, medicine, science, and executive management.
Visa D1 doesn’t require a higher education degree or a specific amount of industry experience.
However, the job does need to have been advertised to both Portuguese and EU/EEA citizens before it can be offered to someone from outside the EU/EEA. This is a rule from the IEFP (Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional, or Institute for Employment and Vocational Training).
.
Exploring Portugal’s D1 Work Visa
Visa D1 visa is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss individuals who want to work in a Portuguese company in Portugal.
To qualify for this visa, applicants must have a work contract for at least 12 months and provide proof of a place to live in Portugal (typically a lease, deeds to a property, or letter of invitation). Once you have a job offer from a Portuguese company, you can apply for the D1 visa at the Portuguese consulate in your home country or country of legal residence.
The first step involves securing a job and either signing an official employment contract or obtaining a promise of employment. Once you have this agreement, you’re ready to apply for the D1 visa.