Darrel FroelichApr 14, 2026“Viv Europe helped my wife and I apply for a D7 Portuguese visa and residence cards. They were extremely helpful at every step. I'd recommend them to anyone.”
Back to Portugal
D3 Visa.
For skilled professionals with a qualified job offer from a Portuguese employer.
Who it’s for.
About the D3 Visa
Portugal's visa for highly qualified professionals with a job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese employer - tied to your role, with a path to permanent residency and citizenship.
Who’s eligible
Skilled professionals with a qualified job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese employer.
What you can do
- Work in Portugal in your qualified profession
- Live in Portugal as a legal resident
- Use the public healthcare system (SNS)
- Travel freely across the Schengen area
- Bring your family through reunification
- Build toward permanent residency (after 5 years) and citizenship
Key facts & documents.
Our approval rate98%+
Typical duration3–6 months
ComplexityMedium
- Requirement
- Qualified job offer
- Initial permit
- 1–2 years, renewable
- Pathway
- 5 yrs → PR · 10 yrs → citizenship
Documents required
- A job offer or employment contract from a Portuguese employer
- Recognised qualifications (apostilled and translated)
- NISS (Social Security number)
- NIF (Portuguese tax number)
- Criminal background certificate
How it works
A clear, guided process.
Six simple steps from first call to fully settled, so you always know what's next.
Two ways to start
⏱️ ~2 minGet an instant proposal
Answer a few questions about your situation and we build your personalised proposal from your answers, emailed to you and ready to sign online.
Take the eligibility test⏱️ 15 minBook a free call
A free 15-minute call with a relocation specialist to go through your options together, no pressure.
Schedule my callGet your plan
🗺️ Within daysYour dedicated case manager maps out the steps, documents and timeline, tailored to your situation.
We handle it
⚙️ We drive itWe do the legwork and coordinate every party, keeping you updated in your client app at each stage.
Your secure client app
🔒 AnytimeAccess our app to exchange information and documents safely, with all the security required at every step.
We meet you there
🤝 On arrivalOnce you arrive, your case manager meets you in person in your destination country, to welcome you and help you find your feet.
You're settled
🎉 Move completeYou arrive ready to live, not just survive, with the essentials in place and us a message away.
What’s included.
Everything we take care of for you with your D3 Visa.
Dedicated case manager
Your dedicated expert guides you through the entire process: always available, keeping you informed and handling every relocation task with you, hand in hand.
- Single point of contact
- Start to finish
- Personal follow-up
Do it with Viv, not alone.
The same move, two very different experiences.
On your own
With Viv Europe
Coordination
Paperwork
Appointments
Approval odds
Getting set up
Real Stories
Clients who made the move with us
Darrel FroelichApr 14, 2026Ellen LeonardFeb 02, 2026“They made me feel secure in a process that feels completely out of your control. We now have our D7 Visa, a bank account, NIF, and an apartment with working utilities.”
Kenneth ColeNov 18, 2025“I'm now a permanent resident of Portugal, coming from Canada. The Viv Europe team is clearly very knowledgeable as well as experienced.”
Olivia HughesMar 09, 2026“From the first call to collecting our residence cards, every stage was clear and on time. Moving from the UK felt genuinely manageable.”
Lucas AlmeidaJan 27, 2026“They handled my NIF, bank account and D7 application without a single hiccup. I always knew exactly what the next step was.”
Sophie BauerDec 03, 2025“Professional, responsive and genuinely caring. Viv Europe turned a daunting bureaucratic process into something I could actually enjoy.”
Why Viv EuropeWe treat your move
We treat your move
like it's the only one.
Expert guidance with a personal, human-centered approach, so you navigate the whole process feeling supported every step of the way.
Personal & Digital Approach
A dedicated representative plus a 24/7 client portal, a human touch backed by technology.
Pay Per Progression
You only pay as we advance through each stage, so you see value before any payment.
8 Years of Expertise
Immigration experience and deep knowledge of local regulations.
98%+ Success Rate
We handle any denials at no extra cost, appealing or restarting as needed.
Everything in one app
Your messages, documents and updates all live in your client app, so there are no emails to chase.
FAQ
Common questions.
Do I need a job offer first?
Yes. The D3 requires an employment contract or a binding job offer from a Portuguese employer, matched to recognised qualifications.
Is the visa tied to my employer?
Yes - the D3 is linked to the role and employer. The initial permit runs 1–2 years and is renewable; after 5 years you can seek permanent residency.
What documents prove my qualifications?
Apostilled and translated diplomas or certificates, plus a Portuguese Social Security number (NISS). We coordinate the recognition and translation for you.
Does the D3 lead to permanent residency and citizenship?
Yes. After five years of legal residence you can seek permanent residency, with citizenship possible in time.
Can my family join me on the D3?
Yes. Your spouse or partner, dependent children and dependent parents can be included through family reunification.
What kind of role qualifies as highly qualified?
Roles requiring specialised skills or higher qualifications - for example tech, engineering, science, health or management positions. We assess your specific offer.
Can I change employers later?
The initial permit is tied to your role and employer; changing jobs has its own process. We guide you through any change when the time comes.
Do I need to speak Portuguese for the D3?
Not for the visa itself. A basic level (A2) only becomes relevant later, if you choose to apply for citizenship.
Ready when you are.
Book a free 15-minute call and we'll map out exactly how this works for you.