D3 Visa: Highly Qualified Activity
Last verified: 2026-09-01
Overview
The D3 visa is for non-EU citizens who intend to carry out teaching, research, cultural or highly qualified activity in Portugal, under a link or invitation from a Portuguese entity.
Eligibility requirements
- Intend to carry out teaching, research, cultural or highly qualified activity in Portugal, with a link or invitation from a Portuguese entity
- For highly qualified subordinate activity: meet the legally required salary and duration thresholds
- Higher education qualification or relevant professional experience, when required for the chosen route
- Academic or professional recognition, when legally required
- Professional registration/certification, when the profession is regulated
- Have accommodation arrangements in Portugal
- Valid health insurance until enrolment in the national health service
- Clean criminal record from country of origin and residence over the last 5 years
Required documents
Personal and financial documents4
- Valid passport (min. 6 months after visa expiry)
- 2 recent passport photos (white background)
- Apostilled criminal record, translated (PT or EN)
- Signed visa application form (MNE Portugal)
Housing documents2
- Rental contract or accommodation statement
- Health insurance with coverage in Portugal
Work documents11
Depending on the activity
Employment contract, promise of contract or services agreement- Invitation letter from an education or vocational training institution (Optional)
- Invitation letter from a research centre (Optional)
- Invitation letter from an entity responsible for recognised cultural activity (Optional)
- Responsibility statement from a certified company, when applicable (Optional)
For highly qualified subordinate activity
Contract or promise of contract with a minimum duration of 6 months- Proof of the required remuneration
- Diploma, certificate or other proof of professional qualifications
- Proof of relevant professional experience, when applicable (Optional)
- Academic or professional recognition, when legally required (Optional)
- Professional registration/certification, when the profession is regulated (Optional)
Other documents2
- Portuguese NIF (recommended before applying)
- Dependent documents (if applicable) (Optional)
Full procedure
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Confirm you meet the visa requirements and gather your core documents.
- 2
Secure accommodation
Obtain proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental or ownership).
- 3
Book Consulate / VFS
Book your appointment at the Portuguese consulate or VFS centre in your country of residence.
https://visa.vfsglobal.com - 4
Submit the application
Attend and submit the national visa application with all required documents.
- 5
Visa decision
Await the decision. The legal visa processing period is typically 60 days.
- 6
Enter Portugal
Travel on the D visa and prepare the residence-permit stage with AIMA.
- 7
Check AIMA appointment
Confirm or await your biometrics / attendance appointment with AIMA.
https://aima.gov.pt - 8
AIMA appointment
Attend AIMA for biometrics and to complete the residence-permit application.
- 9
Receive residence permit
Receive the residence card and confirm renewal timelines.
Summary and timelines
30 days for the art. 61 route; 60 days for highly qualified subordinate activity under art. 61-A; then the AIMA procedure follows
D3 visa: free of charge + approx. €247.30 AIMA + documentary/VFS costs when applicable
2 years → 3 years → permanent residence at 5 years
Eligible after 5 years with A2 Portuguese
Teachers, researchers, cultural professionals and highly qualified workers with a link or invitation in Portugal
Taxas / Fees
- Consular visa feeFree of charge
- Residence authorization fee (AIMA)approx. €247.30
- Documentary / VFS costsWhen applicable