D1 – Residence Visa for the Exercise of Subordinate Professional Activity.

• It is a work permit that allows a foreigner to work in a Portuguese company as a subordinate employee.

• To obtain the visa, you need a valid job offer or employment contract, and the financial means to cover your stay in the country must come from an employment contract or promise of an employment contract. Additionally, you must have health insurance.

• Specific requirement: A document proving that you are authorized to practice professionally in Portugal must be included (if applicable).

D3 – Visa for “highly skilled” worker.

• The visa for highly qualified individuals, also known as the "HQA" visa in Portugal, is aimed at people with exceptional training and/or extensive experience in activities related to culture, the arts, research, and teaching. Applicants must have an employment contract or service agreement with a Portuguese institution or organization operating in Portugal in the field of education, research, or culture.

• In addition, applicants are expected to possess exceptional skills and relevant experience in their field of work.

• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay in the country. This can also be demonstrated by submitting a liability waiver signed by the host organization.

(D3) Teaching, highly qualified or cultural activity

• Employment contract or promise of employment contract or service contract.
• Letter of invitation from an educational or vocational training institution.
• Certification from a government-qualified company.
• Letter of invitation from a company or cultural entity recognized by the government.
• Letter of invitation from a research center.

(D3) Highly skilled activity performed by a subordinate worker

• To obtain a work visa in Portugal, a valid employment contract of at least one year is required with an annual remuneration of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the indexed value of social support (IAS).

• In addition, proven high professional qualifications are needed to work in a regulated profession or qualifications appropriate to the activity or sector specified in the employment contract for unregulated professions.

• For certain professions particularly in need of national workers from third states, a lower salary threshold of at least 1.2 times the national median gross salary or twice the IAS value is required.

D2 – Visa for Independent Workers, Entrepreneurs / Startup Visa.

The D2 visa is a type of residence visa for self-employed professionals or entrepreneurs who wish to settle in Portugal to develop an economic activity on their own account or as a member of a company. This visa is designed for people who have a viable business project (they must submit their business plan) and the intention to contribute to the country's economic growth.

Specific requirements:

• Company contract or business plan for the creation of the company that describes the business activity, its economic viability and its potential impact on the local economy.

• Proof that you have carried out investment operations, or the intention to proceed with an investment operation in Portuguese territory, duly described and identified in the business plan; or proof that you possess sufficient financial means to establish and maintain business activity in Portugal. Investing a certain amount of money in the country, either through opening a current account, along with the creation of a company; or investment in an existing company; or the purchase of real estate.

• For the specific case of Start-Up Visa: the declaration of the IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation, IP) will also be requested, along with proof of the conclusion of an incubation contract with a certified incubator, as indicated by the legislation.

The residence visa for independent professional activity, intended for entrepreneurial immigrants or the "startup visa," is aimed at people who wish to settle in Portugal to develop an economic activity on their own account or create a company, either as a sole proprietor or as a member of a company. These visas are designed for people who have a viable business project and the intention of contributing to the country's economic growth.

Specific requirements:
• Partnership agreement/contract/written proposal for a service provision contract.

• Where applicable, a declaration issued by the competent body for the verification of the requirements for the exercise of a profession which, in Portugal, is subject to special qualifications.

For immigrant entrepreneurs:

• Proof that you have carried out investment transactions; or,

• Proof that you have available financial resources in Portugal, including those obtained jointly with a financial institution in Portugal, and of your intention to proceed with an investment transaction in Portuguese territory, duly described and identified; or,

• Declaration from IAPMEI (Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation, IP), proof of the execution of an incubation contract with a certified incubator, according to the legislation.