Portugal D1 Work Visa (2025) Requirements, Process & Rights

Are you a non‑EU/EEA citizen with a job offer in Portugal? The D1 Work Visa in Portugal could be your legal route to live and work in Portugal.

What Is the D1 Work Visa in Portugal?

The D1 Work Visa in Portugal (also known as the National Long‑Stay Visa for Subordinate Work Activity) is designed for third‑country nationals who have a full‑time employment contract with a Portuguese employer. Once approved, it allows you entry into Portugal and sets the stage for applying for a residence permit through AIMA (Portugal’s immigration authority) 

Key Benefits

• The legal right to live and work in Portugal under your employment contract

• Access to public healthcare, social security, and education in Portugal

• Ability to bring close family members via family reunification

• A pathway to permanent residency and citizenship with the required duration and legal compliance

Eligibility & Requirements

To qualify for a D1 Visa, you must:

1. Have a signed employment contract with a Portuguese company (usually full-time)

2. Meet the salary requirements and working conditions under Portuguese law (at least minimum wage)

3. Portuguese employers must advertise the job locally, even if they may be granted quota exemptions in certain specialized roles by IEFP

   
   

4. Provide key documents:

   • Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity)

   • Criminal record certificate (recent)

   • Proof of accommodation in Portugal

   • Health/travel insurance before SNS enrollment

   • Proof of qualifications (if applicable)

   • Recently filed income tax documentation

   • Completed and legalized (apostilled) documents

   
   

Application Process – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Employer Submits Work Authorization

Your employer applies online to Portuguese labor authorities and AIMA, providing your contract, company tax data, social security registration, and evidence of IEFP job advertisement 

Step 2: Apply at the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate

Once authorized, you book a visa appointment at the Portuguese consulate in your home country. Prepare translated/apostilled documents in advance.

Step 3: Visa Approval & Travel

Standard D1 visa processing takes 30–90 days, depending on consulate backlog. Once approved, the visa is typically valid for 4 months, enough time for your AIMA (residence permit) appointment.

Step 4: Residence Permit via AIMA

After arrival, schedule an appointment with AIMA to submit biometrics and finalize your temporary residence permit, usually valid for two years, renewable thereafter.

Processing Time Expectations

• Embassies and consulates may take 30–90 days to issue the visa, depending on documentation and local queues

• Some applicants report waiting 4+ months for residence cards after arrival due to AIMA backlogs

D1 Visa vs D3 Visa: What’s the Difference?

Visa Type	Target Applicants	Salary Requirement	Typical Roles
D1 Visa	Standard employment roles	Portuguese minimum wage	Administration, sales, hospitality, etc.
D3 Visa	Highly qualified specialists	~€1,305–€1,740/month	Engineers, researchers, healthcare professionals, tech experts

Post-Arrival Obligations

After landing in Portugal:

• Attend your AIMA appointment before visa expiry

• Register for a NIF (Tax Number) and NISS (Social Security Number)

• Enroll in public healthcare (SNS) using your NISS

• Ensure your employer registers you with Social Security for contributions

• Follow salary and employment terms under Portuguese labor laws

SEO Keywords to Optimize

• Portugal D1 work visa 2025

• Portugal employment visa for non-EU

• How to get a D1 Visa for Portugal

• Portugal work permit for a third-country resident

• Portuguese residence permit work contract

Final Thoughts

The D1 Visa offers a solid, legal foundation for non-EU nationals to enter Portugal under employment contracts. It grants access to social systems, family reunification, and a path to residency.

Though the process can be complex, proper preparation ensures a smoother transition.

If you qualify and have a job offer from a Portuguese firm, the D1 Visa may well be the easiest path to legally working and living here.

Would you like help with preparing your documentation, tracking deadlines, or understanding post-arrival requirements? Let us know!