D1 vs JS: D1 – Subordinate work visa vs Skilled job-seeker visa
Figures last checked 2026-10-14. Items marked check could not be fully confirmed on an official page.
| D1 – Subordinate work visa | Skilled job-seeker 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] | People with specialised technical skills (to be defined by Portaria) coming to look for highly qualified work. [MNE Vistos – Job-seeker visa replaced (Lei 61/2025)] |
| 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 of subsistence apply (baseline €920/month); return ticket required.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] | 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] | MNE said applications open only once the new type is regulated. Check current status.check [MNE Vistos – Job-seeker visa replaced (Lei 61/2025)] |
| 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] | Visa includes an AIMA appointment within 120 days; if you start qualified work in that window you can apply for residence. [Lei 61/2025 (Diário da República)] |
| 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 (after converting to a residence permit). [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)] | Not applicable at visa stage.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] | General IRS; IFICI possible once in eligible work. [Portal das Finanças – IFICI leaflet] |
| Where to apply | Portuguese consulate / VFS-BLS-TLS centre in your country, then AIMA in Portugal. [MNE Vistos – Type of visa] | Consulate. [MNE Vistos – Job-seeker visa replaced (Lei 61/2025)] |
Related tools
Every Portuguese residency visa requires valid health/travel insurance. Compare expat insurance →
- VisaFetch: Visa guides for many countries
- PortugalFetch: Relocation directory & change tracker for Portugal
- Expat Insurance Comparison: Compare health insurance accepted for visas