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Every Type D Visa in Portugal: A Comprehensive Guide

Navigating the Type D Visas for Portugal

Are you considering making Portugal your new home? The Type D Visa for Portugal might be your ideal route. This picturesque European country is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and growing appeal to entrepreneurs, retirees, and digital nomads. However, understanding the path to residency is essential before making the move.

Let’s explore what you need to know to turn your dream of living in Portugal into reality.

The Type D Visa is not just a travel document; it’s your gateway to starting a new life in one of Europe’s most enchanting countries. This guide will break down the different categories of the Type D Visa, such as the entrepreneur-focused D2, the retiree-friendly D7, and the digital nomad D8, helping you understand which one suits your needs best.

 Table of Contents:

  1. What is a Type D Visa for Portugal?
  2. Exploring the Variations of the Type D Visa: Which One is Right for You?
  3. Applying for a Residence Permit in Portugal
  4. Frequently Asked Questions about Type D Visas in Portugal

What is a Type D Visa for Portugal?

So, what exactly is the Type D Visa for Portugal? It’s a long-term visa designed for those planning to stay in the country for over three months, and it serves as the first step toward obtaining a residence permit. Unlike short-stay visas, it is specifically intended for long-term purposes such as work, study, retirement, or other significant activities.

What makes the Type D Visa different is that applicants must enter Portugal as part of the process. This requirement plays a crucial role in integrating new residents into Portuguese life and culture, emphasizing the country’s welcoming approach toward its foreign residents.

In the sections below, we’ll break down the different types of Type D Visas, helping you find the one that aligns with your goals for living in Portugal.

Exploring the Variations of the Type D Visa: Which One is Right for You?

Portugal’s Type D Visa covers a wide range of needs, catering to various individuals with different personal and professional aspirations. Below, we explore each variation in detail to help you identify which one suits your specific situation.

 D1 Visa (Work Visa)

The D1 Visa is the go-to option for professionals who have secured an employment offer in Portugal and plan to reside in the country for more than a year. This visa allows individuals to start their professional journey in Portugal.

  • Purpose: For those with a confirmed employment contract or a promissory contract in Portugal.
  • Duration: Valid for long-term stays, typically two years.
  • Employment Condition: The position must have been advertised in Portugal, and the D1 Visa applies if the job cannot be filled by a Portuguese or EU national. This aspect is important for both employers and potential employees.

D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa)

The D2 Visa is tailored for entrepreneurs planning to establish innovative businesses in Portugal. It is part of Portugal’s strategy to attract fresh talent and new ideas to the country.

  • Purpose: Designed for entrepreneurs launching original and innovative ventures.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must present a strong business plan and demonstrate adequate capital to support the feasibility of their project.
  • Incentive: Portugal offers this visa to stimulate its economy by welcoming entrepreneurial ideas that drive growth and innovation.
 

A detailed guide about the D2 Visa can be found here.

D3 Visa (Highly Qualified Activity Visa)

The D3 Visa is aimed at highly skilled professionals across various industries, part of an initiative to attract top talent to Portugal’s economy.

  • Purpose: For highly qualified foreign nationals in specific professional fields.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • Employment Offer: Must include a contract for 12 months or longer with a salary of at least 1.5 times the national minimum wage.
    • Specific Professional Qualification: The applicant must possess professional qualifications relevant to non-regulated professions.
  • Suitability: Ideal for those seeking to leverage their high-level skills in Portugal’s dynamic job market.

D4 Visa (Student Visa)

The D4 Visa, or Student Visa, is for non-EEA nationals who plan to pursue educational activities in Portugal for more than three months. It covers a broad range of academic pursuits, making it the go-to option for students and interns.

  • Purpose: For individuals engaged in academic programs, professional internships, or voluntary work.
  • Eligibility: University students from non-EEA countries, provided there is no visa waiver agreement between their home country and Portugal.
  • Duration: For stays exceeding three months. For shorter stays, a C-Type Schengen Visa is required.
  • Suitability: Perfect for those enrolled in educational institutions in Portugal.

D5 Visa (Higher Education Visa)

The D5 Visa is specifically designed for college or university students who wish to pursue higher education in Portugal, including undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral programs.

  • Purpose: For students accepted into higher education institutions in Portugal.
  • Eligibility: Non-EEA nationals must provide proof of enrolment, adequate financial means for their stay, and accommodation.
  • Duration: Corresponds to the academic program’s length, with renewal options based on continued academic progress.
  • Suitability: Ideal for international students seeking a quality education in Portugal’s renowned universities and colleges.

D6 Visa (Family Reunification Visa)

The D6 Visa facilitates family reunification, allowing legal residents of Portugal to bring their close family members to live with them.

  • Purpose: Designed to help legal residents in Portugal reunite with their immediate family.
  • Eligibility: Spouses, dependent children under 18, and financially dependent parents over 65 are eligible.
  • Requirements: Proof of the family relationship, such as marriage and birth certificates, as well as evidence of financial stability and adequate living arrangements in Portugal.
  • Duration: Typically aligned with the residency period of the sponsor.
  • Suitability: Ideal for residents who wish to bring their immediate family to Portugal.

D7 Visa (Retirement or Passive Income Visa)

The D7 Visa, often referred to as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, is a popular choice for individuals who want to live in Portugal and can demonstrate sufficient income from outside the country, such as pensions or investments.

  • Purpose: For those planning to reside in Portugal without working.
  • Income Requirement: The minimum income requirement for a single applicant is €820 per month (€9,840 per year).
  • Stability Matters: While meeting the minimum income is necessary, showing income higher than the minimum can improve the chances of visa approval.

 

A detailed guide about the D7 Visa can be found here.

D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa)

The D8 Visa is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers who wish to live in Portugal while continuing their work online.

  • Purpose: For remote workers or freelancers seeking to live in Portugal.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must earn at least four times the national minimum wage in Portugal, which is €3,280 per month.
  • Duration: Two options are available:
    • Temporary Stay: Allows residence in Portugal for up to one year.
    • Residence Visa: Enables a stay of up to five years, with the option to apply for permanent residency after this period.

 

A detailed guide about the D8 Visa can be found here.

D9 Visa (Golden Visa)

The D9 Visa, or Golden Visa, is a unique residency-by-investment program for non-EU citizens.

  • Purpose: For individuals making significant investments in Portugal, with a minimum requirement of €500,000.
  • Residence: Provides long-term residency without the need for frequent renewals.
  • Work: Allows the visa holder to work in Portugal.
  • Physical Presence Requirement: 7 days per year or 14 days per 2 years. Making it convenient for investors who prefer not to reside in Portugal full-time.

 

A detailed guide about the D9 Visa can be found here.

DP Visa (Job Seeker Visa)

The DP Visa, or Job Seeker Visa, is a unique single entry visa for non-EU citizens, intended to help foreigners seek employment in Portugal who have not yet secured a job contract.

  • Purpose: For individuals who want to look for a job in Portugal.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must have at least three times the national minimum wage in Portugal as savings, which is €2,460.
  • Duration: Valid for 120 days and extendable for an additional 60 days.

 

A detailed guide about the DP Visa can be found here.

Applying for a Residence Permit in Portugal

After obtaining your Type D Visa and arriving in Portugal, the next step is to apply for a residence permit. While the visa grants you entry into Portugal, the residence permit is essential for staying long-term.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Initial Preparation:
    • Ensure you have a valid Type D Visa.
    • Gather necessary documents, including proof of accommodation, financial stability, and health insurance.
  2. Scheduling an Appointment:
    • Contact the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum (AIMA) to schedule an appointment.
    • It’s recommended to do this soon after arriving, as appointments can be in high demand.
  3. Submitting the Application:
    • During your appointment, submit the required documents.
    • You may need to provide biometric data.
  4. Awaiting Approval:
    • Processing times may vary, so there may be a waiting period.
  5. Receiving the Residence Permit:
    • Upon approval, you will be issued a residence permit.
    • Be mindful of the renewal requirements, as the permit must be periodically renewed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Type D Visas in Portugal

 

What are the D2, D3, and D7 visas in Portugal?

D2: Entrepreneur visa for starting a business in Portugal.

D3: For highly qualified professionals.

D7: Designed for retirees or individuals with passive income.

 

What’s the difference between the D2 and D7 visas?

D2: For entrepreneurs.

D7: For those with sufficient passive income.

 

How long is the Type D visa valid for?

The duration depends on the specific visa type but can range from several months to years.

 

What’s the difference between a C-type and a D-type visa?

C-type Visa: Short-stay visa for up to 90 days (Schengen Visa).

D-type Visa: Long-term visa for stays longer than 90 days, used for work, study, family reunification, or residency purposes.

Resettlement

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