Portugal Work Visas | D1, D3, Job Seeker & AIMAPortugal replaced the SEF immigration service with AIMA in October 2023. All residence permits, biometrics, and long-stay visa follow-ups are now handled exclusively through AIMA — the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum.
Portugal has become one of Europe's most desirable relocation destinations — a booming tech ecosystem in Lisbon and Porto, Atlantic coastline, Mediterranean climate, and one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe. The government offers distinct visa categories based on your role, skills, and employment status.
The D1 Visa is for non-EU nationals who have a signed employment contract or a promissory contract with a Portuguese company. The employer must generally demonstrate the position couldn't be filled locally. Once in Portugal, your AIMA appointment converts this into a 2-year Residence Permit (Título de Residência).
Researchers, senior IT specialists, executives, and academics with specialized degrees use the D3 Visa. It bypasses standard labor market quota tests, offers priority processing, and allows your family to arrive simultaneously. Salary must be at least 1.5x the Portuguese national average or 3x the Index of Social Support (IAS).
Portugal's Job Seeker Visa grants a 120-day entry period (extendable by 60 days) to enter Portugal specifically to search for employment. Once you secure a contract within the validity period, you can apply for your residence permit directly from inside Portugal — without leaving to reapply.
Every foreign worker in Portugal needs two registration numbers before employment can begin: the NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) tax ID and the NISS (Número de Identificação da Segurança Social) social security number. Our team arranges both remotely before your arrival.
Step 1 — Consulate/VFS: Submit visa application at VFS Global or Portuguese Embassy. Receive 120-day visa.
Step 2 — Travel to Portugal: Enter Portugal with your pre-scheduled AIMA appointment.
Step 3 — AIMA Biometrics: Attend AIMA appointment, submit fingerprints, receive Título de Residência by post.
AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum) took over all SEF immigration functions in October 2023.
After 5 years of legal residency in Portugal, you may apply for Portuguese Citizenship and an EU passport.
D visas must generally be applied for from abroad. The exception is the Job Seeker Visa, which allows transitioning to a residence permit from within Portugal.
