How can a skilled worker move to Portugal for a job?

For a non-EU professional with a job offer in Portugal, the right route depends on the nature of the role. The D1 visa is the standard route for salaried, subordinate (employee) positions, built around a signed employment contract or promise of employment with a Portuguese company. The D3 visa is for highly qualified roles — such as scientists, engineers, IT specialists, senior managers and teachers — and depending on salary and qualifications the resulting residence permit can take the form of the EU Blue Card.

Both follow Portugal's two-step pattern: apply for the visa at a consulate or VFS, then apply for the residence permit with AIMA after arrival, with the visa decision due within around 60 days. The D3 carries a salary threshold for highly qualified work, while the D1 relies mainly on the contract itself.

Because the choice between D1 and D3 affects your requirements and benefits, it is worth checking which fits your offer. ACME can review your contract and qualifications against both routes, and we always suggest confirming the current thresholds on vistos.mne.gov.pt before applying.