Work Visa - D1 - Flow Legal

Hire globally. Work locally. We handle the legal path.

Work Visa (D1 Visa)

Whether you’re growing a startup, scaling a factory, or hiring international talent for your hospitality team — the D1 Visa gives you a clear and legal route to bring non-EU professionals to Portugal under a full-time contract. At FLOW Legal, we guide both employers and employees through every step with compliance, speed, and clarity.

Hire Non-EU Professionals Legally

Bring foreign employees to work full-time in Portugal under a compliant contract.

End-to-End Immigration Support

FLOW Legal handles the full process for both companies and hired employees.

Access to Green Lane (Fast Track)

If eligible, your company may qualify for Portugal’s expedited hiring pathway.

What is the D1 Visa?

The D1 Visa is a Portuguese residence visa designed for non-EU professionals hired by a Portuguese employer.
It allows foreign talent to relocate legally and work under a valid employment contract.

The contract must be signed before the visa application is submitted.
FLOW Legal supports both sides: the hiring company and the foreign employee.

Key Requirements for Employers

To sponsor a D1 Visa, companies must:

Provide a signed employment contract
Offer a salary equal to or higher than the Portuguese minimum wage
Be registered in Portugal (NIF, Social Security, Labor Authority)
Show financial capacity and company compliance
Submit corporate documentation (e.g., certificate of incorporation, proof of activity)

Employee Requirements Overview

Signed Employment Contract: Must clearly state the role, salary, working conditions, and duration
Proof of Qualifications or Work Experience: Diplomas or experience aligned with the job. For regulated jobs, validation may be needed
Valid Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond expected entry date
Proof of Accommodation: Lease, property deed, or declaration of hospitality (can be signed by the employer)
Proof of Means of Subsistence: The employment contract generally suffices
Clean Criminal Record Certificate: Translated, apostilled, and recent (less than 90 days old)
Travel Health Insurance: Minimum coverage €30,000 valid for the Schengen zone

How FLOW Legal Supports Companies

Contract Compliance: Ensure the employment contract meets Portuguese and immigration legal standards.
Visa File Preparation: We organize, review, translate, and submit the full application file for the employee.
Company Legal Setup: Help with your company’s documentation, compliance, and HR immigration checklist.
Post-Arrival Legal Services: NIF, Social Security registration, AIMA appointments, and residence permit issuance.
Green Lane Application: We help eligible companies in tech, tourism, agriculture, and construction apply for Portugal’s fast-track hiring program.

Find the Right Level of Support for Your Visa Journey

Whether you’re confident preparing your own application but want expert guidance, or you prefer full legal assistance every step of the way — FLOW Legal has the right service for you.

One-Time Visa Review

Perfect for independent applicants who want peace of mind before submitting.

Includes:

→ Request a Visa Review

Complete Visa Assistance

Ideal for applicants who want full legal support — from first step to final approval.

Includes:

NIF issuance
Portuguese bank account setup
Visa document checklist
Application and interview preparation
Completion of all visa forms
Personal statement review
Updates and follow-up throughout the process
AIMA checklist
AIMA appointment preparation
Monitoring of residence permit issuance

→ Get Full Visa Support

Thinking of Submitting Your Visa Application on Your Own?

Before you dive into the process, make sure you’re not missing anything important.
We’ve created a free step-by-step visa guide to help independent applicants like you avoid common mistakes and delays.

→ Download our Free Visa Guide

Legal Expertise

Experienced immigration lawyers, no guesswork.

Personalized Support

Real humans, real solutions. No bots.

Global Reach

We assist clients in English, Portuguese, Italian and Spanish

Let’s Build Your Future in Portugal

FLOW Legal is here to turn your business idea into a legally approved visa and successful relocation. Let’s create your strategy, set up your company, and file your visa with confidence.