The “D3” Visa allows you to obtain a residence permit, as well as family reunification, with the possibility of the entire family traveling to national territory at the same time.
The “D3” visa presents itself as an opportunity to work and reside in Portugal for foreign citizens from third countries, that is, those not belonging to the European Union. However, not all professions are eligible to obtain it: you need to be a highly qualified professional and, for this reason, the “D3” visa is also known as the “High Qualified Visa”.
In an increasingly diverse and demanding world of work, the “D3” visa presents itself as an excellent option for those who want to take advantage of and contribute to a more capable, technically and academically qualified Portugal.
Therefore, the “D3” visa is intended for highly qualified professionals who wish to work and live in Portugal, carrying out a highly qualified activity and also reuniting their family members.
The law is clear and defines who is considered a highly qualified professional. In short, this will be someone who carries out a professional activity where specialized skills are required. However, the candidate will have to meet three cumulative requirements: i) according to ISCED, have a minimum qualification level of level 6; ii) if you have the minimum level 5 qualification according to ISCED, that is, a higher professional technical course, you must have specialized technical skills of an exceptional nature proven by a minimum professional experience of five years; iii) Have an employment contract (or a promise of an employment contract) with a minimum duration of twelve months.
Any candidate for this type of Visa needs, first of all, a work contract (or a promise of work) in Portugal. However, the promise of work or the employment contract will have to comply with some criteria, of which we highlight the duration – at least a minimum period of twelve months must be stipulated – and the remuneration must already be earned, at least less than 1.5 the national average gross salary, in an amount that should be around €1800.
Once this first step has been ensured, it is necessary to gather all the necessary documentation for the visa application. It should be noted that the entire process begins in the candidate’s country of residence, before the Portuguese consular mission.
Once the documentation is received, the Portuguese Consulate services have up to 60 days to analyze the Visa application. However, it is necessary to combine this period with the four-month validity period of the Visa. Once the visa application is approved, it will be stamped on the passport and an appointment will be indicated with the Foreigners and Borders Service, already in Portugal, ideally within that four-month period, to collect biometric data and obtain the title. of residence. However, only after obtaining the residence permit is the candidate legally entitled to remain in Portugal for the purposes of residence. You may subsequently renew your authorization for successive periods of two years.
There are two types of residence permit through highly qualified activity: the highly qualified activity, with the same name, and the European Union blue card. The difference is essentially based on the fact that the first is a residence permit mechanism of national origin and regulatory scope, while the blue card is an invention of the Union itself, to which almost all member states have adhered.
Like any other residence permit, the residence permit to carry out highly qualified professional activity allows family reunification. Family reunification is requested after the candidate has obtained a residence permit – however, when applying for a visa at the Portuguese Consulate, an accompanying visa may be requested for family members who can be reunited, allowing the family to travel to national territory at the same time.