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D1 · Subordinate Work

D1 Visa: Subordinate Work

Last verified: 2026-09-28

Overview

The D1 visa is for non-EU citizens with an employment contract, promise of contract, or individualised expression of interest from an employer in Portugal.

Eligibility requirements

  • Employment contract, promise of employment contract, or individualised expression of interest from the employer, as legally permitted.
  • Prove sufficient means of subsistence.
  • Have accommodation in Portugal, including a lease or employer lodging declaration, when applicable.
  • IEFP declaration, when required for the situation.
  • Proof of qualification to practise the profession, when regulated in Portugal.

Required documents

General documents10
  • Completed and signed national visa application form
  • Valid passport or other travel document
  • 2 recent passport-style photographs
  • Travel ticket ensuring return
  • Copy of the passport biographical page, when required by the consulate or external provider (Optional)
  • Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or the country of residence for more than one year
  • Authorisation to consult the Portuguese criminal record
  • Proof of lawful status in the country where the application is filed, when applicable (Optional)
  • Valid travel insurance covering medical costs, urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation
  • Proof of accommodation arrangements in Portugal
Financial documents2

  • Means of subsistence

    Proof of sufficient means of subsistence
  • Contract or promise of contract stating remuneration, or other complementary financial evidence, when required (Optional)
Work documents4

  • Professional documents

    Employment contract, promise of employment contract OR individualised expression of interest from the employer, as legally permitted
  • IEFP declaration, when required for the situation (Optional)
  • Proof of qualification to practise the profession, when regulated in Portugal (Optional)
  • Complementary employer declaration on role, pay and employment conditions, when required (Optional)
Other documents4

  • Family and formalities

    Documents for family members/dependents, when applicable (Optional)
  • Documents proving the family relationship, when required (Optional)
  • Parental authorisation or equivalent document, when applicable to minors (Optional)
  • Foreign documents legalised/apostilled and translated, when required (Optional)

Full procedure

  1. 1
    PreparationOnline

    Confirm eligibility

    Confirm you meet the visa requirements and gather your core documents.

  2. 2
    PreparationIn person

    Secure accommodation

    Obtain proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental or ownership).

  3. 3
    ConsulateOnline

    Book Consulate / VFS

    Book your appointment at the Portuguese consulate or VFS centre in your country of residence.

    https://visa.vfsglobal.com
  4. 4
    ConsulateIn person

    Submit the application

    Attend and submit the national visa application with all required documents.

  5. 5
    ConsulateOnline

    Visa decision

    Await the decision. The legal visa processing period is typically 60 days.

  6. 6
    ArrivalIn person

    Enter Portugal

    Travel on the D visa and prepare the residence-permit stage with AIMA.

  7. 7
    AIMAOnline

    Check AIMA appointment

    Confirm or await your biometrics / attendance appointment with AIMA.

    https://aima.gov.pt
  8. 8
    AIMAIn person

    AIMA appointment

    Attend AIMA for biometrics and to complete the residence-permit application.

  9. 9
    AIMAOnline

    Receive residence permit

    Receive the residence card and confirm renewal timelines.

Summary and timelines

Prazo / Timeline

Variable — legal visa processing period: 60 days; then the residence-permit procedure with AIMA follows

Custo / Cost

€110 visa + approx. €247.30 AIMA + documentary/VFS costs when applicable

Renovação / Renewal

Visa validity: 4 months / 2 entries. Initial residence permit: 2 years. Successive renewals of 3 years.

Perfil / Profile

Professionals with an employment contract or promise of employment contract in Portugal

  • Employer cooperation is critical: without a valid contract/promise and supporting documents, the process does not move forward.

Taxas / Fees

  • Consular visa fee€110
  • Residence authorization fee (AIMA)€247.30
  • Documentary / VFS costsVariable