Work Visa (D1 - Subordinate Employment)
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 D1 visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who have secured employment with a Portuguese employer. A registered employment contract with a salary at or above the minimum wage (EUR 920/month in 2026) is mandatory. An IEFP (Instituto do Emprego e Formacao Profissional) declaration confirming the vacancy could not be filled by Portuguese/EU/EEA citizens may be required. After arriving in Portugal, the holder must apply for a residence permit at AIMA within 4 months. The residence permit is valid for 2 years, renewable for 3-year periods.
Eligibility
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Nationality
All non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a valid employment contract from a Portuguese employer.
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Employment
Must have a signed and registered employment contract with a Portuguese employer for at least 12 months. The salary must meet or exceed Portugal's minimum wage (EUR 920/month in 2026). The contract must be registered with Social Security (NISS) and the tax authority (NIF).
Required status: Employed with Portuguese employer, contract registered
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funds: bank statements for the last 3 months showing income at minimum wage level, and account balance of at least EUR 11,040.
Minimum funds: EUR 11,040
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Criminal record
Must have a clean criminal record from country of nationality and any country of residence for more than 1 year.
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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Bank statement
Minimum balance: EUR 11,040; Months required: 3
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements showing 3 months of income deposits at minimum wage level, or savings equivalent to 12 months of minimum wage; Minimum amount: EUR 920/month (EUR 11,040 annual)
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement (minimum 12 months) or notarized declaration from property owner; Must cover full stay: No
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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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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
Secure a job offer and signed employment contract from a Portuguese employer. The employer may need to obtain an IEFP labor market assessment. Gather passport, criminal record certificate with Apostille, bank statements, health insurance, and accommodation proof.
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Online application
Complete the National Visa application form.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
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Document submission
Submit all required documents in person, including the employment contract, IEFP declaration (if required), and all supporting documents.
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Fee payment
Pay the EUR 110 national visa application fee.
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Processing wait
Processing typically takes 30-60 days, depending on the consulate and application volume.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with D1 visa. Valid for 4 months with 2 entries. Upon arrival, schedule an AIMA appointment for biometrics and residence permit application.