D1 Visa: Subordinate Work
Última verificación: 2026-09-01
Visión general
The D1 visa is for non-EU citizens with an employment contract or promise of contract from a Portuguese employer. The employer’s contract is what carries the whole application — without it there is no case.
Requisitos de elegibilidad
- Employment contract or promise of contract with a Portuguese employer
- Salary at or above the national minimum wage (€920/month in 2026)
- Employer registered and in good standing with the tax authority and Social Security
- Job offer registered with IEFP where the sector requires it
- Recognised qualifications or professional licences, if the profession is regulated
- Owned or rented accommodation 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
Documentos necesarios
Documentos personales y financieros4
- 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)
Documentos de alojamiento2
- Rental contract or employer accommodation statement
- Health insurance with coverage in Portugal
Documentos de trabajo2
- Employment contract, promise of employment contract, or individualised expression of interest from the employer
- Proof that you are qualified to practise the profession, when it is regulated in Portugal (if applicable) (Opcional)
Otros documentos2
- Portuguese NIF (recommended before applying)
- Dependent documents (if applicable) (Opcional)
Procedimiento completo
- 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.
Resumen y plazos
Variable — legal visa processing period: 60 days; then the residence-permit procedure with AIMA follows
€110 visa + approx. €247.30 AIMA + documentary/VFS costs when applicable
Visa validity: 4 months / 2 entries. Initial residence permit: 2 years. Successive renewals of 3 years. Permanent residence: eligible after 5 years of temporary residence, subject to legal requirements
As a rule, after 7 years for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries or 10 years for other nationalities, subject to the remaining legal requirements
The visa does not automatically grant any special tax regime. Tax status depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Professionals with an employment contract or promise of employment contract in Portugal
- Employer cooperation remains 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
- Apostille, translation and legal feesVariable