Portugal is facing a critical challenge: a long-standing brain drain. Many of the country’s highly educated and qualified professionals are leaving in search of better opportunities abroad, creating a significant skills gap in key industries.
To tackle this, the Portuguese government has launched multiple initiatives aimed at retaining national talent — including the most recent “Programa Voltar.” But what many don’t realize is that this national crisis may represent a golden opportunity for international professionals seeking to live and work in Portugal legally, and even benefit from tax incentives (such as the IFICI).
Here’s how.
A Residence Visa for Highly Qualified Workers: The D3 Visa
To address the shortage of skilled labour, the government has created a special immigration pathway — the D3 Visa — designed for highly qualified professionals who have a valid job offer or employment contract in Portugal.
The D3 Visa is a type of residence visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Portugal in fields considered to require a high level of technical expertise or specialised knowledge. Once approved, the visa grants the holder full residency rights, provided they maintain the minimum salary requirements established by law.
Even better: applicants can also bring their family members through a family reunification process, either at the time of the visa application, through an accompanying family member visa, or after entering Portugal through a family reunification process.
Are You a “Highly Qualified Professional”?
To qualify for the D3 Visa, your job must involve specialised or exceptional skills, usually backed by academic degrees, certifications, or professional experience. Some recognised categories include:
- Experts with certified qualifications and advanced degrees
- Senior management roles such as directors, executives, and high-level administrators
- IT professionals and software engineers
- Healthcare professionals
- University lecturers and academic staff
- Engineers and scientists
- Research and innovation specialists
This list is not exhaustive. Other professionals may also be considered highly qualified, depending on their background. A legal assessment is the best way to determine your eligibility and identify your strongest points of differentiation.
What You Need to Apply for the D3 Visa
In addition to the general documentation required for any residence visa, applicants must provide the following:
- Employment Contract or Job Offer:
A valid employment contract (or offer) with a Portuguese entity for at least one year. The annual salary must be at least 1.5 times the Portuguese gross annual average. Intra-company transfers are also eligible if the employment contract is amended to reflect the new work location in Portugal. - Proof of Qualifications:
Degrees, diplomas, or certificates that demonstrate your high level of expertise in your field. - Letter from the Employer:
A written statement explaining why your role is critical to the company and justifying the need for your recruitment.
How Does the D3 Visa Application Work?
The process is similar to other residence visa applications. You will need to gather the required documents, complete the necessary forms, and schedule an appointment at the competent Portuguese consular post or VFS Global centre, depending on your country of residence.
The good news? The D3 Visa has a shorter processing time compared to most other visa categories. While the standard timeframe for other residence visas is 60 days, the D3 Visa must be reviewed within 30 working days from the moment the Consulate receives your full application.
However, be aware that due to high demand, actual processing times may be longer. It’s also important to understand that immigration is not a fundamental right — meaning urgency is defined by the Portuguese government, not the applicant. This is why expert legal assistance and early planning are crucial for a smooth and successful process.
Is Portugal Looking for Someone Like You? Let’s Find Out.
If you think you might qualify as a highly skilled professional and want to explore the possibility of living in Portugal, book a consultation with FLOW Legal today. We’ll assess your profile, guide you through the process, and help you submit a solid visa application — ensuring your career move starts on the right foot.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal consultation.
