D1 Visa - Subordinate Worker
The D1 Visa is for foreign nationals who have secured a job offer from a Portuguese employer. This visa allows holders to work and live in Portugal under an employment contract, leading to residency permit and potential citizenship.
Key Highlights:
- ✓For employed professionals with job offer
- ✓Path to Portuguese residency
- ✓Work legally for Portuguese employer
- ✓Family reunification possible
This visa is the first step for those seeking long-term employment and residence in Portugal.
Benefits of D1 Visa
Legal Employment
Work legally with a Portuguese employer
Residency Pathway
Leads to temporary and permanent residency
Family Inclusion
Bring spouse and dependent children
Social Security
Access to Portuguese social security benefits
D1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
Employment Requirements
- •Valid job offer from Portuguese company
- •Employment contract signed by both parties
- •Salary meets minimum wage requirements
- •Position cannot be filled by Portuguese/EU citizen
Personal Requirements
- •Clean criminal record from home country
- •Valid passport with 1+ year validity
- •Health insurance valid in Portugal
- •Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Important Notes:
- Employer must prove efforts to hire locally first
- Job must be full-time (minimum 30 hours/week)
- Professional qualifications must be recognized in Portugal
Required Documents for D1 Visa
Employer Documents
- Employer declaration to SEF
- Company registration certificate
- Social security registration
- Proof of job advertisement (to hire locally)
Employee Documents
- Valid passport with copies
- Employment contract (minimum 1 year)
- Professional qualifications certificates
- Criminal record certificate (apostilled)
Application Documents
- Visa application form (2 copies)
- Two recent passport photos
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Important Notes:
- All foreign documents must be apostilled/legalized
- Portuguese translation required for non-English documents
- Documents must be submitted within 90 days of issuance
D1 Visa Application Process
Employer Pre-Approval
2-4 weeksEmployer submits job vacancy to SEF and proves local hiring attempts
Job Offer & Contract
1-2 weeksSign employment contract with Portuguese employer
Apply for Visa
2-3 weeksSubmit D1 visa application at Portuguese consulate
Enter Portugal
-Travel to Portugal with D1 visa (valid for 4 months)
Apply for Residency
3-6 monthsApply for residency permit at SEF within 4 months
Pro Tips:
- Start process 4-6 months before intended move
- Ensure employment contract meets Portuguese labor laws
- Secure accommodation before arrival
- Register with Portuguese tax authorities upon arrival
FAQs
No, the Portugal D1 Visa itself does not allow you to bring your family immediately. However, once you obtain a residency permit in Portugal, you can apply for family reunification. This process allows your spouse, children, and dependent relatives to join you in Portugal. Their residency status will be tied to yours, allowing them to stay as long as your permit remains valid and you meet the family reunification requirements.
The main drawback is that the D1 Visa is linked to a specific job offer. If you lose this job, you must find another one within a certain period or risk losing your residency status. This dependency on one employer can limit job flexibility and career mobility. Additionally, you must maintain valid employment throughout your stay in Portugal to keep the visa active.
No, speaking Portuguese is not mandatory for obtaining the D1 Visa. However, learning basic Portuguese is highly recommended as it can ease your daily interactions, help you integrate into the community, and make it easier to navigate public services.
Yes, if you have a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer, the process is relatively straightforward. In some cases, tourists in Portugal with a legitimate employment contract can also apply for the D1 Visa. However, the D1 Visa is specifically for those with a confirmed job offer and is not suitable for job seekers.