Are you familiar with the visa for qualified professionals in Portugal?

Portugal has solidified its reputation as one of the most attractive destinations for professionals seeking opportunities in Europe. Among the various migration pathways available, the Portuguese visa for highly qualified professionals , formally known as the D3 visa, stands out. This visa offers an efficient legal route to settle in the country and advance professionally within the European context.

What is the D3 Visa and who is it for?

It is a residence permit intended for highly qualified people who have a job offer or an employment contract with a company established in Portugal. 

This visa allows both the applicant and their family to enter the country and subsequently apply for a residence permit or even the EU Blue Card , which facilitates mobility within the Schengen area.

According to Law 23/2007 on foreigners, a “highly qualified activity” is considered to be “an activity that requires specialized technical skills of an exceptional nature or an appropriate qualification for its exercise.” 

As an example, these are some of the eligible professions:

Management and leadership positions : Executives, officials and legislators, senior public administration officials, directors, administrative and commercial managers, service managers and similar, and company directors.

Specialists in intellectual and scientific activities : Engineers and scientists, healthcare professionals, teachers, administrative and management professionals, cultural professionals, lawyers, and IT professionals. In the case of the latter, they can apply for the D3 visa under two different regimes: the general regime and the technology visa.

This list is NOT exhaustive and is provided only as an example.

Visa requirements for highly qualified professionals from Portugal

To obtain this type of visa, it is necessary to meet several fundamental requirements:

• Employment contract or offer letter with a Portuguese company, with a minimum duration of one year.
  
• minimum salary equivalent to 1,5 times the average national salary or three times the IAS (Social Support Index, which in 2025 corresponds to €522,50)
  
• Accredited training or experiencethrough a university degree.
  
• Health insurance valid during your stay in Portugal.
  
• Complementary documentation: valid passport, proof of accommodation, criminal record certificate, and completed and signed application form.
  

Processing and benefits

Generally, a D3 visa is required before entering the country. However, Portuguese law allows for exceptions, permitting direct entry into the country, provided the applicant entered legally and meets the applicable criteria.

An interesting benefit for which applicants are eligible is the tax regime Scientific Research and Innovation Tax Incentive Program (IFICI), better known as NHR 2.0 , referring to the former Non-Habitual Resident regime.

The IFICI regime allows access to preferential tax treatment for up to 10 years. Among the most notable benefits is the application of a flat rate of 20% on income earned in Portugal through professional activities.

Another benefit of this visa is the possibility of family reunification . This includes spouses or partners, minor or dependent children, dependent parents, and even minor siblings under legal guardianship.

The application for family reunification is submitted directly in Portugal. Once accepted, family members will receive a residence permit with a validity period similar to that of the primary holder.

Professional advice with AIM Global

The Portuguese visa for highly qualified professionals represents a strategic opportunity for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of residing in the European Union. However, the application process involves a series of formal requirements that must be handled precisely.

At AIM Global, we provide specialized legal advice on international mobility. Our team can assist you with this process or any other residency or citizenship program in Portugal, as well as in Croatia, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus. 

Schedule an exploratory meeting with us and start planning your international future today.