D1 visa: The Work Visa Guide
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Relocating to Portugal will answer all of your inquiries. Portugal, a country that effortlessly combines safety and cultural richness, has become a magnet for investors and expats alike, thanks to its affordable living expenses and warm and welcoming nature.
If you just landed a job in Portugal, the Portuguese D1 Visa is the way to go.
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Quick resume about D1 Visa Portugal
Time for Application:
⌛ Processing time: 2 to 3 months*
Financial Requirements:
💶 Minimum monthly income: +820€
🙎♀️ Skilled workers
Individuals who have obtained a job offer from a Portuguese employer.
🏢 Intra-company transfers
Employees of companies being transferred to a branch or subsidiary in Portugal.
Get to know the D1 visa
The Portugal D1 Visa, also referred to as the Subordinate Worker Visa, offers non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens the opportunity to obtain legal Portuguese residency when they are recruited for a position in Portugal.
What is the D1 visa?
Individuals with a job offer are eligible to apply for the Portugal D1 Visa, provided they have received a position from a company based in Portugal.
Substantial evidence is needed to demonstrate the availability of job opportunities and the challenges faced in recruiting within the EU.
What are the benefits of the D1 visa?
The D1 visa grants you the opportunity to enter Portugal and freely travel within the Schengen Area, without any limitations on visas or time constraints. Additionally, it provides the advantage of establishing a business in a country with highly favorable business conditions.
Living in Portugal on a D1 visa comes with the added benefit of having access to affordable Portuguese education and medical care. After a period of five years, you will have the opportunity to obtain Portuguese citizenship, along with any family members who accompanied you during the application process. Additionally, you will be granted permanent residency status.
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What are the main requirements for the D1 visa?
To be eligible, it is necessary to have no EU, EA, or Swiss citizenship and a clean criminal record. Furthermore, you must provide evidence of a job offer from a Portugal-based company that meets the criteria of the subordinate worker visa.
⚠️ This is not a job seeker visa. This visa is suited only for those with a job offer in Portugal that fits the criteria.
What are the roles that meet the requirements for a D1 visa position?
Any role!
There is no rule regarding what category the position should be.
What is the criteria for a D1 visa position?
There are several aspects that need to be addressed:
- The role needs to be registered and advertised at IEFP - 'Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional' or Institute of Employment and Vocational Training.
- No Portuguese nationals or European citizens could be found for the role.
- The annual wage must align with the required salary level.
- Evidence of qualifications (if applicable).
- A contract or promise to commit for a minimum of 1 year.
How much is my D1 visa application salary threshold?
The Portuguese monthly minimum wage, 820 euros in 2024.
How much is my D1 visa application funds threshold?
For an individual, the amount is equivalent to the annual minimum wage in Portugal, which is €9,840.00.
Provide evidence of the required amount in a Portuguese bank account.
⚠️ Please note that if you have not been officially hired and only hold a 'Promise' contract, proof of funds will be required.
What will I need to present with my D1 VISA application?
For the successful issuance of your D1 visa, you will need to provide several necessary documents. Prior to your arrival in Portugal, it is necessary to submit specific documents, such as the Portuguese NIF, to your visa appointment.
How can I get ready for my D1 visa application?
Thorough preparation is essential for an excellent D1 visa application.
1
Obtain a position in a company based in Portugal that requires your skills.
2
Ensure that you review the expiration date of your passport.
3
To complete your D1 Visa application, you will need to obtain the NIF Portugal.
4
To complete your Subordinate Worker visa, it is necessary to establish a Portuguese bank account.
🏦 Prestige bank
5
It is imperative that you transfer the required D1 visa threshold into your Portuguese financial institution.
6
Locate your ideal residence and utilize it as evidence of accommodation for your D1 visa application.
7
To proceed with your subordinate worker visa application, please find your nearest VFS office or Portuguese Consulate and schedule an interview.
⏳ To Anticipate
8
Arrange your flight to Portugal.
🏦 We are the best
9
Ensure that you have arranged travel insurance for your D1 visa application.
10
Please check that you have a few passport pictures ready for your D1 visa application.
1
Compose your Declaration of Intent for your D1 visa application.
FREE D1 checklist
What are the other steps for my D1 Visa?
Unlock for FREE your visa D1 checklist step by step and access to your personal dashboard.
What's the cost of the D1 visa?
At present, the cost stands at 90 euros per person, in addition to the administrative fees imposed by local offices, which may differ based on the specific office.
What is the expected processing time for a D1 visa?
The wait time can differ depending on the specific office. There will be variations in the waiting times, with some areas experiencing a shorter wait of around four weeks, while others may require a few months.
Following the submission of your application, there is usually a waiting period that can last for several months. Take advantage of this period to make necessary preparations and collect the required documents for your upcoming appointment at AIMA in Portugal.
Why should I prepare documents for my AIMA appointment?
During your appointment, it will be necessary for you to provide updated documents. It is possible that your criminal record may fall outside of the required timeline set by AIMA, which is the same as the visa requirement of no more than 3 months old.
Also, it is important to note that certain offices may retain your visa interview documents. So, it is advisable to make necessary arrangements to obtain duplicate copies before your departure to Portugal.
⚠️ Please make sure to have all the required documentation in your home country. It is advisable to leave a power of attorney with a trusted individual and bring copies of important documents such as birth and marriage certificates, house-owning titles, an extra copy of your power of attorney, and vaccination cards. These copies will be useful to have readily available if needed.
What factors could cause my D1 visa application to be rejected?
There are multiple factors contributing to that. These are the most common:
- Lack of funds.
- Position documentation is not valid.
- Record of past legal incidents with additional notes.
- Documentation is lacking.
⚠️ If you require any further information or assistance with the D1 visa application process, AnchorLess is available to help you. We offer a complimentary consultation service to address any inquiries or concerns you may have.
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D1 visa ready? Head to Portugal!
Once your visa has been approved, it is now time to make arrangements for your relocation.
- Prepared for departure: Ensure that all your travel arrangements are confirmed, that relevant parties (such as tax authorities in your home country) are notified, and that all necessary documentation is organized, particularly the materials you will need to provide to AIMA.
- Inquire about the items you are allowed to bring into Portugal. Certain items, such as hoverboards, may be subject to restrictions due to their composition, while other items, such as kitchen tools, may require a baggage certificate from the Portuguese consulate in your vicinity.
- Upon your arrival in Portugal, it is necessary to provide the local government with your address (NIF address).
Arrived in Portugal? Schedule an AIMA appointment for your D1 visa
Your D1 Visa will grant you a generous 120-day duration period, allowing you ample time to settle down and establish yourself in the beautiful country of Portugal. Please ensure that you have confirmed your intention to stay at your new home, registered for Portuguese health insurance, established financial affairs, and become a tax resident by moving your NIF address to your new home in Portugal.
Please ensure that you schedule your AIMA appointment within the designated 120-day period. This will allow you to convert your D1 visa into a residence authorization. It is important to provide the required documentation that demonstrates your settlement in Portugal and your ability to support yourself, as per the visa requirements (values explained at the beginning of this article).
Path to citizenship with the D1 visa
| Duration since issue | Maximum time you can be outside of Portugal | Renovation qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | End of 1st Year | Residency card with 2 years duration |
| 2 years | End of 2nd Year (or 3rd year in total) | Residency card with 2 years duration |
| 2 years | End of 2nd Year (or 5th year in total) | Residency card with 2 years duration, Permanent residency card, or Portuguese Citizenship |
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The journey towards becoming a citizen
After just five years of residing in Portugal with a D1 visa, you have the opportunity to apply for Portuguese citizenship. This will grant you the freedom to travel and reside in any country within the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
What are the requirements for citizenship through a D1 subordinate worker visa?
In order to meet the requirements, it is necessary to have resided in Portugal for a period of five years, either consecutively or non-consecutively within the past 15 years. Additionally, proficiency in Portuguese at an A2 level is expected, along with a clean criminal record in both Portugal and any previous countries of residence.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my family with me?
Can I change jobs while in a D1 visa?
Can my family work or study in Portugal?
Can I become a Portuguese citizen with a D1 visa?
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