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D3

Highly Qualified Activity Visa

Highly Qualified Activity Visa

The Highly Qualified Activity (HQA) Visa or D3 Visa is aimed at professionals specialized in their fields. It is aimed at those who carry out an activity with specialized technical skills, of an exceptional nature or an adequate qualification for the respective exercise.

Overview

The D3 Visa is designed for professionals with specialized skills who intend to work or conduct activities in Portugal. This visa targets individuals engaged in highly specialized fields, requiring advanced technical skills, exceptional qualifications, or specialized expertise. 


The D3 Visa is particularly relevant for those who wish to work in Portugal in areas such as Information Technology, Engineering, Healthcare, Legal, Cultural, and Educational sectors. Additionally, the visa provides an option to apply for the European Union Blue Card, offering further mobility within the EU.

River landscape in Porto. D3 HQ activity visa
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Elegibility

To be eligible for the D3 Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria:

  • Highly Qualified Professionals: Individuals must be recognized as highly qualified in their respective fields. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • IT and Communication professionals
    • Doctoral students in higher education
    • Professionals in teaching positions at Portuguese higher education institutions
    • Management roles such as Directors and Heads
    • Science, Engineering, and Health professionals
    • Legal, Social, Cultural professionals
    • Scientific researchers
  • Employment Requirements: Applicants intending to engage in a highly qualified subordinate activity must have:
    • A valid employment contract or a promise of employment with a duration of at least one year.
    • The employment must offer an annual salary that is at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary or three times the social support index (IAS) in Portugal.
  • Application Pathways: The visa application can be initiated in two ways:
    • In Portugal: For those entering Portugal legally (e.g., with a Schengen visa), the visa application can be submitted directly to the immigration office (AIMA).
    • In the country of residence: The process starts at the Portuguese Embassy in the applicant's country of residence, where a residence visa valid for four months is issued to allow the applicant to enter Portugal and complete the residency permit process.
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Benefits

  • Residency and Renewal: Upon approval, the residence permit is initially granted for two years and can be renewed for successive periods of two years.
  • Minimum stay requirement: holders may be out of Portugal for up to 6 consecutive or 8 non-consecutive months during each permit’s validity. Longer absences are allowed if they are due to professional, business, social, or cultural activities abroad.
  • Path to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: After five years of holding the D3 Visa, residents can apply for permanent residency and/or citizenship.
  • Avail of Visa-free travel to any one of the Schengen countries.
  • Apply for family reunification (spouse, dependent children and parents)
  • Enjoy Portuguese residency rights including education and healthcare
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Requirements

  • Highly Qualified Professional: You must be recognized as a highly qualified professional in fields like IT, science, engineering, teaching, research, or management.
  • Employment Contract: You need a valid employment contract or a job offer in Portugal for at least one year.

  • Salary: The job must offer a salary at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary in Portugal or three times the social support index (IAS).

  • Education/Experience: Proof of qualifications, such as higher education degrees or significant professional experience in your field.

  • Application Submission: You can apply either through the Portuguese Embassy in your home country or at the immigration office (AIMA) if you are already legally in Portugal.

  • Supporting Documents: A valid passport, health insurance, criminal background check, proof of accommodation, and financial stability may also be required.

Additional services

Tax advisement

Expert guidance on optimizing your tax obligations in Portugal.

Investment advisement

Expert guidance for your investment opportunities, in Funds and Arts. 

Property search

Professional help in finding and securing your ideal property in Portugal.

Concierge services

Personalized support to ease your transition to Portugal.

Legal assistance

Comprehensive legal support for all your immigration and residency needs.

Learn more

Frequently
asked
questions

Who is eligible for the D3 Visa?

The D3 Visa is for highly qualified professionals, including IT and Communication specialists, doctoral students, teachers at Portuguese higher education institutions, managers, directors, scientists, engineers, health professionals, legal and social experts, and researchers. To be eligible, applicants must have a valid job offer or employment contract in Portugal for at least one year, with a salary that is at least 1.5 times the average gross salary or three times the social support index (IAS).

How do I apply for the D3 Visa?

To apply for the D3 Visa in Portugal, you must be a highly qualified professional, such as an IT expert, researcher, academic, or manager, with a valid employment contract or a job offer for at least one year. The salary must be at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in Portugal or three times the social support index (IAS). You can apply for the visa through the through the Portuguese Embassy in your home country or apply directly for the residence permit in Portugal (AIMA), if you are already in Portugal.

What are the benefits of the D3 Visa?

The D3 Visa allows for an initial 2-year residency,  After 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency and/or Portuguese citizenship.

Other programs


ARI Golden Visa

Looking to invest in Portugal and obtain residency? Through eligible investment routes like capital transfers or creating new jobs in Portugal you can do it!


D7 Visa

If you are a retiree or have a stable passive income and are willing to move to Portugal, this might be the visa for you.


D8 Visa

If you are a Digital Nomad employed by a company outside Portugal or are self-employed with clients outside Portugal, you might be eligible for a D8 visa.

Why choose us?

At SjF Immigration & Investments, we stand out as your premier choice due to our unique blend of personalized, tailor-made solutions and comprehensive services. As a one-stop shop, we offer everything from immigration assistance to tax advice and concierge support. Our client-centric approach means we build personal relationships, providing expert guidance tailored to your specific needs. Our commitment to excellence guarantees that you receive the highest quality service. Choose SjF for expert assistance.

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