The D3 is aimed at High-skilled and qualified individuals who are non-EU/EAA/Swiss citizens. The definition states those eligible are as follows: “That work whose exercise requires specialised technical skills of an exceptional nature, or an adequate qualification for the respective exercise.”
Some examples are listed below.
- Information and communication technology professionals
- Company management, such as Directors and Chief Executive Officers
- Science Professors, Researchers and PhD Students
- Science, Healthcare and Engineering professionals
- Legal, Social and Cultural Professionals with expertise
Professionals that want to apply for a D3 Visa must have an employment contract or a promise of employment with a recognised establishment, with operations within the Portuguese territory.
Portugal's 'Highly Qualified' Visa
Highly Qualified Activities Visa. A viable pathway for highly-qualified individuals looking to relocate to Portugal. Option to apply for an ‘EU Blue Card’
Path to Portuguese Residency
Valid for 12 months the D3 Visa offers pathway to Portuguese Residency which can be exchanged for a 2-year residency permit
Acquire Portuguese Citizenship
Portuguese Citizenship and Passport after five years for you and your family through naturalisation
Visa-free Schengen Travel
With Portuguese residency, benefit from access to the 26-nation European bloc, EEA, and visa-free travel to 183 nations around the world
There are several forms you need to submit along with your application for a D3 Visa. It’s important to have all this information readily available before your appointment. The required documents are as follows:
- Completed and signed D3 application form
- Valid Passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Request for criminal record enquiry by the Immigration and Border Services (SEF)
- A criminal background check from your home country, where you have resided for more than one year
- Proof of accommodation, valid for a period of 12 months or more
- Proof of means of subsistence as stipulated by law
- Proof of subsistence means can be made through a statement of responsibility, signed by a Portuguese national or by a foreign national legally resident in Portugal.
Once you receive your D3 Visa, the next step is to apply for Portuguese residency. Your residency permit will be valid for a period of 12 months, on the assumption your employment contract is permanent. After 12 months, you can renew your residency for two consecutive 2-year periods through your local SEF Branch. After five years of legal residency, you can then apply for citizenship through Naturalisation.
How does the D3 Visa Application work?
Step 1 – Obtain a work contract or promise of work agreement with at least one year duration in a highly qualified profession
Step 2 – Gather necessary documents, including criminal background check and proof of accommodation in Portugal for a minimum of 12 months
Step 3 – Complete D3 Visa Application form and submit it to the Portuguese consulate in your home country, along with necessary documentation
Step 4 – Attend an interview with Visa Application Centre at the Portuguese Consulate
Step 5 – Once your D3 Visa has been issued, you may legally enter Portugal. The D3 is valid for 4 months
Step 6 – In Portugal, book an appointment with SEF, (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras), Portugal's Border Agency
Step 7 – SEF upgrade your D3 Visa to a HQA Residency Card or European Blue Card
Step 8 – Both residence permits have an initial validity of 1 year and are renewed for successive periods of 2 years, with their renewal subject to the maintenance of the conditions of entry and residence.
Requirements for Madeira’s D3 Visa
To apply for the D3 Visa at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate, the applicant must already have an employment contract, or a promise of an employment contract, and must also fulfil the following specific requirements:
What does it take to qualify for a D3 Visa?
- That the activity to be developed be framed as a highly qualified activity and that the professional proves adequate qualification or experience for its exercise;
- That the contract is for an indefinite period or at least for one year;
- That the expected salary corresponds to an annual salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary or three times the social support index (IAS)*. However, for employment in professions considered to be particularly needy by third-country nationals, 1.2 times the national average gross wage or twice the IAS value is required.
*The IAS is the reference value for calculating Social Security in Portugal and its value in 2020 is 438.81 euros.
If the visa applicant wishes to obtain the EU Blue Card as a follow-up, the salary envisaged should be slightly higher, corresponding to an annual salary of at least 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary.
Other documents required for the application:
- Photocopy of the proof of the applicant’s academic and professional qualifications, accompanied by a curriculum vitae;
- Declaration signed by the applicant, explaining the reasons for the application and objectives (recommended);
- Proof of means of subsistence: proof of income or photocopy of the last income tax return, term of responsibility signed by the employer or host entity;
- Proof of accommodation: rental contract, letter of invitation made by a citizen legally residing in Portugal or hotel reservation;
- Health insurance valid for the period you will remain in the country.
- Criminal record check;
- Authorisation to consult the Portuguese criminal record;
- Two Passport sized photographs;
- Copy of passport;
- Declaration of the applicant agreeing to receive the passport by post at his/her residence or to have it withdrawn at the consulates
- Declaration that you should not travel to Portugal without a visa;
- Simple copy of the marriage certificate, if married;
- Simple copy of the children’s birth certificates, if any;
- Printed, completed and signed visa application and form (also available on the SEF website).
Why Madeira?
One of Europe’s most popular Island destinations
Just 900km from Lisbon, Madeira is an island paradise providing a high quality of life, low cost of living, sub-tropical climate and low crime rate. An ideal destination for your family, during your retirement, or to move your company operations.
Tax Incentives for new company formations in Madeira’s IBC
The Madeira International Business Centre (MIBC), or Madeira Free Trade Zone as it is commonly referred to, offers a series of benefits for new companies formed in Madeira, predominantly tax benefits approved by the European Union and guaranteed until at least 2027. Learn more about Madeira’s IBC in our Blog.
Our Services
Company Formation
Madeira Company specialises in the incorporation and registration of new businesses and companies in Madeira and Portugal. We have an experienced team ready to assist you with all aspects of company formation. Whether you choose a Public (S.A) or Limited (LDA) company, our team offer thorough guidance and expert support with name registration and approval, certificate of incorporation, fiscal number, and opening a company bank account.
Tax Consulting
Our dedicated team offers advice on compliance with local taxation requirements, and assistance in tax refunds and tax litigation. Madeira Company works with you to mitigate your tax risks and improve the efficiency of your local and international operations in Madeira. Our in-house team of experienced tax professionals are ready to assist with Personal Income Tax, Non-Habitual Residency and Fiscal Representation.
Accounting
Madeira-based Bookkeeping and accounting services, including VAT, Profit Tax returns and the preparation of financial statements. Our expert team can discuss the level of support required for your business. We will assist you with VAT and tax returns to your local authority, periodic and annual reporting as well as your End of Year accounting. Contact us today to find out how our team of experienced accountants can help you and your business.