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Residence Visa for Subordinate Work (Visto de Residência para Exercício de Atividade Profissional Subordinada)
PortugalPortugal•Europe
Open

Residence Visa for Subordinate Work (Visto de Residência para Exercício de Atividade Profissional Subordinada)

Skilled Migration Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €110

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Overview

Employment visa for non-EU workers with a Portuguese job contract; 2-year renewable residence permit with pathway to permanent residency and family reunification rights.

Portugal's D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work is a long-stay national visa for non-EU/EEA workers seeking employment-based residency. Applicants must hold a valid employment contract with a Portuguese employer and demonstrate professional qualifications and means of subsistence.

The visa is initially valid for 2 years and renewable for successive 3-year periods. Standard application fee is EUR 110. Holders gain full work authorization and family reunification rights; spouses can work unrestricted in Portugal. Permanent residence becomes available after 5 years of legal residence. Processing typically takes 60–120 days.

This visa is ideal for skilled or semi-skilled non-EU professionals with secured employment offers in Portugal who seek long-term residency with a pathway to permanent residence.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

D3 — Highly Qualified Activity Visa (D3)
Portugal flagPortugal

D3 — Highly Qualified Activity Visa (D3)

Validity2 years (renewable for 3-year periods)
Processing60 days
View Visa Details
EU Blue Card
Portugal flagPortugal

EU Blue Card

Validity2 years
Processing1–2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid employment contract or promise of contract

Proof of qualifications for the role

Proof of means of subsistence

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

11,040 EUR/yr

Min. Savings

11,040 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Photos

Criminal record

Proof of means of subsistence

Travel insurance

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Initial 2-year residence permit renewable for 3-year periods with pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
  • EUR 110 application fee is among the lowest for EU work visas
  • Spouse can work in Portugal without restrictions or separate work permits
  • Dual intent allowed—can pursue permanent residency while maintaining employment
  • Dependents qualifying for family reunification
  • Renewable permit structure provides stability for long-term employment planning
  • Work authorization granted automatically upon visa issuance

Worth Knowing

  • Requires binding employment contract with Portuguese employer before visa application
  • Minimum EUR 11,040 annual income (approximately minimum wage) required to demonstrate means of subsistence
  • Processing takes 60–120 days; timeline varies by consulate
  • Visa validity tied to employment—termination requires specific regulatory procedures to maintain status
  • Employment contract mandatory—cannot apply without a secured job offer from Portuguese employer

Application Process

1

Determine visa type

2

Check local consulate requirements

3

Gather documents

4

Complete application form

5

Schedule appointment

6

Attend interview and submit biometrics

7

Wait for processing

8

Register with AIMA upon arrival

Application Forms

National Visa Application FormFill online

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