D1 vs D3: D1 – Subordinate work visa vs D3 – Highly qualified activity visa
Figures last checked 2026-10-14. Items marked check could not be fully confirmed on an official page.
| D1 – Subordinate work visa | D3 – Highly qualified activity visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Non-EU nationals with an employment contract or promise of contract with a Portuguese employer. [MNE Vistos – Residency visa documents] | Holders of a contract for highly qualified work, teaching or research (includes the EU Blue Card route). [MNE Vistos – Residency visa documents] |
| Minimum income / savings | Means of subsistence: at least the minimum wage, €920/month (100%), +50% per extra adult, +30% per child. A contract normally covers this. [MNE Vistos – Means of subsistence] | Means at least €920/month baseline. Salary thresholds for the EU Blue Card are set separately and are not reproduced here.check [MNE Vistos – Means of subsistence] |
| Fees | National (residency) visa fee per MNE fee table; AIMA permit fees extra. Not confirmed on an official page; check the source.check [MNE Vistos – Fees] | Per MNE fee table. Not confirmed on an official page; check the source.check [MNE Vistos – Fees] |
| Processing time | Consular decision deadlines are published by MNE; real waits vary by consulate.check [MNE Vistos – Deadlines] | D3 is processed with priority according to MNE; check deadlines.check [MNE Vistos – Deadlines] |
| Initial permit & renewal | Residency visa: 4 months, 2 entries; then apply to AIMA for a residence permit. Temporary permit then renewals (durations per Lei 23/2007). [MNE Vistos – Type of visa] | Residency visa: 4 months, 2 entries; then apply to AIMA for a residence permit. [MNE Vistos – Type of visa] |
| Path to PR / citizenship | Permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence; citizenship by naturalisation after 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU nationals) under rules in force since 19 May 2026 [Justiça – new nationality rules from 19 May 2026] | Permanent residence after 5 years of legal residence; citizenship by naturalisation after 10 years (7 for CPLP/EU nationals) under rules in force since 19 May 2026 [Justiça – new nationality rules from 19 May 2026] |
| Family members | Family reunification generally after 2 years of valid residence (Lei 61/2025), with exceptions (e.g. minor children). [Lei 61/2025 (Diário da República)] | Highly qualified/Blue Card holders may have reunification exceptions to the 2-year rule (Lei 61/2025).check [Lei 61/2025 (Diário da República)] |
| Tax notes (IFICI / NHR 2.0) | May qualify for IFICI ("NHR 2.0"): 20% flat IRS on eligible Portuguese-source employment/self-employment income for 10 years, if the activity is eligible [Portal das Finanças – IFICI leaflet] | May qualify for IFICI ("NHR 2.0"): 20% flat IRS on eligible Portuguese-source employment/self-employment income for 10 years, if the activity is eligible. Highly qualified roles are a core IFICI category. [EBF art. 58.º-A (IFICI)] |
| Where to apply | Portuguese consulate / VFS-BLS-TLS centre in your country, then AIMA in Portugal. [MNE Vistos – Type of visa] | Consulate, then AIMA. [MNE Vistos – Type of visa] |
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