D3 – Highly qualified activity visa

Skilled professionals, researchers, academics, EU Blue Card.

Figures last checked 2026-10-14. Items marked check could not be fully confirmed on an official page.

Who it's for: 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 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: Per MNE fee table. Not confirmed on an official page; check the source.check [MNE Vistos – Fees]
Processing time: 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. [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]
Family members: 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. Highly qualified roles are a core IFICI category. [EBF art. 58.º-A (IFICI)]
Where to apply: Consulate, then AIMA. [MNE Vistos – Type of visa]

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