Highly Qualified Activity Visa (D3 - Tech Visa)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 120 days
- Processing time
- 30-60 days
- Validity
- 4 months (must apply for residence permit upon arrival)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The D3 visa is Portugal's route for highly qualified professionals, particularly in STEM, IT, medicine, higher education, and R&D fields. Eligible roles are those classified under shortage occupations or highly qualified activities. The employer must typically be certified under Portugal's Tech Visa program or demonstrate the role qualifies under highly qualified activity criteria. Leads to a 2-year residence permit.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with highly qualified professional skills in shortage occupations.
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Employment
Must have a work contract or binding job offer from a certified Tech Visa employer or for a role classified as highly qualified activity (STEM, IT, medicine, higher education, R&D, cultural activities).
Required status: Employed or with binding offer in highly qualified role
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photos, 35x45mm, white background
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, employment contract showing salary; Minimum amount: EUR 11,040 minimum
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Police clearance
Countries required: Country of nationality and countries of residence for more than 1 year; Validity months: 3
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National Visa Application Form; Form url: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/images/formulario_visto_nacional_en.pdf
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Varies by consulate; Amount: EUR 110
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Professional license
Accepted licenses: University degree, professional certifications in STEM/IT/medicine, or equivalent qualifications; Must be translated: Yes
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Portugal; Minimum coverage: Full medical coverage
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain work contract or job offer from a certified employer. Gather professional qualifications, degree certificates (translated), criminal record certificate, health insurance, and financial documentation.
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Document submission
Submit all documents at the Portuguese embassy/consulate.
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Fee payment
Pay the EUR 110 national visa fee.
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Processing wait
Processing takes 30-60 days.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with D3 visa. Apply for residence permit at AIMA upon arrival.