Portugal D1 Visa (Subordinate Worker Visa)

The D1 Visa (often called Residence Visa for Subordinate Work Activity) is a long-term Portugal work visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who have already secured a paid job with a Portuguese employer.

Contact our team of immigration specialists for assistance on how to apply for the Portugal D1 Visa. You can call us via +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online.

Call Us

Request a call back from our immigration experts

What is D1 visa in Portugal?

The D1 Visa Portugal or the subordinate worker visa are visas meant for people who have a job offer to work in Portugal.

If the immigrant is a professional or has professional qualifications (eg, lawyer, doctor, nurse, etc), they will be eligible for a D1 professional worker visa. Meanwhile, if the immigrant is a subordinate worker, they will be eligible for a D1 subordinate worker visa.

In general, this Portugal Visa features an important contract for Portugal workers which is endorsed by the Employment and Vocational Training Institute.

D1 subordinate worker visas must also be applied for at the appropriate places such as the Portuguese consulate or embassy in your home country. Once the job offer has been settled, an immigrant can successfully secure a residence in Portugal and start working.

However, note that the D1 visa Portugal applicant employment offer must be valid for a minimum of one year before the visa can be approved.

A statement from the IEFP (Institute for Employment and Vocational Training) is also needed to complete the visa applicant’s registration.

Who can partake in Portugal D1 visa application?

Non-European Union citizens who have an employment contract in a Portuguese company can proceed to fill out a work visa form. This citizen or the family member of the citizen must also apply in any nearby embassy located at or nearer to their neighbourhood.

The citizen will be required to fill a particular vacancy that supports their profile in the embassy. The vacancy will be authorized by the IEFP. Professionals and subordinate workers from other countries can also apply for a work visa in Portugal.

In summary, the D1 Portugal visa is not for someone who wants to move into the country to search for jobs. Instead, the applicant must already have an employment offer in Portugal.

Can a Tourist apply for a Portugal D1 worker visa?

A tourist can apply for a D1 work visa depending on the conditions. If the tourist has been in Portugal for a while and can provide a valid employment contract, then they can obtain a work visa.

Tourists also need to meet some additional criteria before they can confidently apply for residence visas. These requirements include:

Proof of employment contract.
A valid residence address.
Proof of the previous contribution to social security.
An income that meets up with or surpasses the Portuguese minimum wage.

How to apply for the Portugal D1 subordinate worker visa?

To start processing the Portugal D1 visa, candidates should first make an online appointment with the appropriate visa-issuing embassies. Thereafter, some important procedures can be considered.

At times, SEF might summon candidates to gather more information for clarification of the visa application process.

So in a situation like this, SEF will direct questions and demand some documents from the applicants. Once this documentation can be presented, the visa will be approved and issued after some days.

Both the D1 subordinate worker visa and the D1 professional worker visa usually take about 30 to 90 days before they can be issued. The applicant can request their visa at the Portuguese consulate.

Note that the applicant is not allowed to secure a legal residence in Portugal unless the visa has been granted by the Portuguese consulate.

On arrival of applicants in Portugal, applicants must attend the SEF program for about three days to validate their documentation.

General requirements for Portugal D1 Visa

This section covers all the documents you need to process a Portugal Visa and other requirements.

The documents required for an immigrant to obtain a Portugal visa are:

A copy of an employment contract signed by both the candidate and the employer (or business company) in Portugal.
A letter from the Portuguese business company that spotlights why they need to hire the applicant.
One copy of the applicant’s curriculum vitae and other documents that displays the professional qualifications of the applicants.
A statement of approval endorsed by IEFP on the employment contract of the applicant.
A declaration signed by the applicant. This declaration document must contain the applicant’s estimated period of stay in Portugal, legal residence details, and the main reason for the visa application.
International medical travel insurance which is valid for the applicant’s period of stay in Portugal.
A Portuguese criminal record certificate with a maximum issuance lifespan of 3 months.
A valid passport of the applicant (not more than two).
A copy of the applicant’s recent or last income tax return.
An invitation letter of accommodation acceptance from someone with Portuguese nationality. This Portuguese citizen must also have a legal residence in the country.
A copy of the candidate’s birth certificate. However, in the case of a married candidate, a marriage certificate should be submitted along with the children’s birth certificates.

Allow our team of legal experts to help you. Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online.

Get in touch with our expert immigration team to receive assistance on Portuguese D1 visa.

Medical requirements for D1 visa Portugal

When planning a trip to Portugal in respect of professional activity, a lot of people often underestimate the most important thing. It’s one’s health!

International Travel Insurance

One of the most significant medical requirements that you need while applying for a D1 worker visa is international travel insurance.

Every applicant who is not of Portuguese nationality must get this insurance in case of medical emergencies in Portugal.

Who needs International Travel Insurance?

As stated earlier, anyone who is not a Portuguese national needs it. In this case, any individual from the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia, the United States, and many others will need to secure insurance.

During visa application, an applicant may need to present some documents to enter Portuguese territory.

How does Travel Insurance work?

The international travel insurance must cover the entire period of your residence in Portugal.

Aside from that, the insurance must cover the costs of repatriation in cases of death or grievous accidents.

If you have any questions about Portuguese D1 visa, our team is happy to assist.

How much does the Insurance cost?

The cost of insurance varies based on several factors. The factors include:

Insurance plan.
Age
Professional activity.
Country of origin.
Duration of the trip and many other factors.

Travel insurance is expected to cover at least 4% of the total amount spent on your trip, especially the border services.

For instance, if the trip cost €4,000, travel insurance may cost a minimum of €160.

Do you need International Travel Insurance?

Most visa applicants mention the two documents interchangeably.

However, the truth is that international travel insurance and travel insurance are different documents. They offer peculiar incentives for different cases.

In any case, it depends on the duration of the applicant’s trip to Portugal. It also depends on one’s other needs.

If the visa applicant’s professional activity will last for a short period, travel insurance is recommended. This short period may imply about 1 to 3 months.

However, if the applicant wants to relocate to Portugal for more than a year, international travel insurance is recommended.

Upsides of International Health Insurance and Travel Insurance to Portugal.

International Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

It covers both emergency and routine healthcare in Portugal such as medical check-ups.

It is limited to travel-related situations such as flight cancellations.

It offers medical coverage in every country.

It offers medical coverage only in the country.

What are the ideal options of health insurance for Professionals in Portugal?

There are excellent options for international travel health insurance for professionals who have received job offers in Portugal. They are as follows:

Portugal Travel Insurance.
Allianz Travel Insurance.
Cigna Global Health Insurance and many others.

Cost Involved in Portugal D1 visa

The fee for processing a D1 work visa application is €110.

An applicant will also need to work around some incidental expenses that pertain to obtaining a visa. It may relate to the costs of presenting the documents required for residence permits.

The following categories of persons are exempted from paying any visa fee:

Applicants engaged in highly qualified research activities.
Applicants whose descendants hold a residency permit under the family reunification clauses and many others.

What to expect in a D1 professional worker visa Interview?

Persons who apply for resident permits or D1 visas need to attend a face-to-face interview at the Portuguese consulate in their country of residence.

There is a list of common questions that are often asked in a D1 visa interview.

Have you been to Portugal before?
Do you have relatives or friends currently in Portugal?
How long will you be staying in Portugal?
Are you married?
Do you have children? Who will take care of them while you are away?

The questions are not exhaustive. In any case, the consular office will also ask questions about your job offer or professional activity in Portugal.

For assistance with Portuguese D1 visa, get in touch with us today.

What to do after getting the Portuguese D1 Visa?

After the D1 visa has been approved, the applicant can take it along with the necessary documents to Portugal.

Upon arrival in Portuguese territory, the visa holder needs to reach the local immigration department. The immigration officer will work with the applicant through all they needs to know about the issuance of a residence permit and how to secure it.

The applicant can then apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence in the Portuguese territory.

How can IAS Help with Portugal D1 visa application?

IAS is a body of competent, experienced legal experts and immigration advisers who can supply you with all the necessary information you need to apply for a work visa in Portugal

Our immigration specialists can also suggest the general requirements you might need to apply for a D1 Visa Portugal. At IAS, we care about your future and we will not hesitate to help your situation in any way we can.

You can get in touch with our team today via +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online. After reaching out to our team, you’ll be assigned a personal advisor who will relieve the D1 subordinate worker visa application.

We offer immigration advice sessions as face to face appointments at all of our UK offices, or via the phone.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents will appear here.

Get clear, professional guidance for your immigration case.

Written by Immigration Advice Service

Editorial Team

This content was developed by a team of researchers, editors, and lawyers who provide valuable information to those with immigration queries.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.

What our clients are saying

Immigration Advice Service4.7

Based on 2001 reviews

Ridley

1 day ago

Laura Christian has been very helpful in giving me advice and the information I needed. Immigration law is very strict and confusing, but this service breaks it down in manageable chunks and hiring them makes the application process a lot smoother and without too much stress.

Mohammed Fhaid

2 days ago

I would like to thank Mark for taking the time to review my case and provide detailed legal advice. He was professional, respectful and took the time to explain the relevant immigration options and limitations clearly. I would also like to mention that my initial contact with IAS was with Nadeen Taylor. From the beginning, I explained that my main concern was not simply obtaining a Student visa, but finding a possible lawful way to leave Gaza and continue my studies in the UK. I specifically asked whether IAS could assist with this particular aspect of my situation, and I was reassured that this could be looked into. While the advice I ultimately received clarified a number of important points, I had hoped that the specific issue of possible evacuation from Gaza, including whether there might be an exceptional or alternative legal mechanism, could be explored further. Overall, I appreciate Mark’s professionalism and the time he spent considering my circumstances. I am grateful for the assistance provided and for the clarity of the advice I received.

peter mccann

4 days ago

Very helpful and knowledgeable

Eddie O'Neil

6 days ago

Highly recommend this service. My caseworker, Charlene Phillips, was very knowledgeable, professional & was able to answer all of our questions & put our minds at ease. She helped my partner & I with the guidance we needed to make a plan which would finally see us re-locate together.

Noah Izadpanah

6 days ago

I am incredibly grateful to Clare for all the support and hard work she has given me throughout my asylum case. After everything I have been through, receiving my Visa was an incredibly emotional and unforgettable moment for me. Clare was always patient, supportive and understanding, and she stood by me throughout a very difficult period of my life. I truly appreciate all the time, effort and care she put into my case. Her support meant more to me than I can put into words, and I will never forget her kindness. Thank you so much, Clare, for everything you have done for me. ❤️

David C

7 days ago

Ms Saimah Razzaq assisted me in successfully obtaining my wife's settlement, having helped on her prior visas also. She has always been professional, efficient and helpful in advising exactly what documents and other information is required that she then checks prior to finally submitting the application. She will answer any questions that you you may have, and gives feedback along the way. I can highly recommend Saimah to assist you.

David Morley

1 week ago

Carina gave me great advice and guidance, really easy to talk to

King Hashim

1 week ago

5/5 Stars — Exellant service "I cannot thank Saima Razzaq enough for all her hard work and support throughout our ILR application process. From start to finish she was professional, patient, and kept us updated every step of the way. We faced delays and extra checks due to being self-employed, which made the process longer and more stressful than expected. Saima was there through it all — giving clear advice, helping us chase things up, and guiding us on making formal complaints and claiming a refund when the service took far longer than promised. She fought our corner properly and never gave up. My husband has now had his application approved and we are absolutely over the moon. We couldn’t have got here without Saima’s help. If you need assistance with immigration applications, Saima Razzaq is the person to go to. Thank you so much!"

C.M. Jacob

1 week ago

Han Wei was an incredible source of knowledge, support and expertise for my settlement application. I could not have acheived a positive outcome without her and her team

Robert Scheer

1 week ago

I would like to say thank you so much for all your help and support. I couldn't have been happier with the outcome.

Hilary LeFur

2 weeks ago

My immigration enquiry was rather unusual and complex. I spoke to Mark Rigby an Immigration Advice Lawyer who was patient, understanding and offered clear, detailed advice. A comprehensive explanation of future procedures required and associated fees was given. This conversation was helpful and reassuring.

Adenike

2 weeks ago

Rachel was really attentive, calm and encouraging. She took the time to listen and explain everything clearly. I definitely recommend this service; it was worth the investment.

Vanshika Agrawal

2 weeks ago

Working with Abdul on our spouse visa extension has been an absolute pleasure. He’s been incredibly professional and meticulous with our paperwork. He helped us navigate the complex process of visa extension and moved so quickly whenever we needed extra help - even drafting custom letters to prove my right to work and rent while we wait for the decision. His warm, collaborative approach made this process incredibly easy. I can't thank him enough and highly recommend him to anyone looking for a brilliant immigration lawyer!

Ahmed Mansoor

2 weeks ago

I did my Spouse Visa Application inside the UK with the help of IAS and my case worker was Abdul Mutee who helped me throughout the process from documentation to the application and finally after the application I got a positive response from the home office.

Nesrine Shalabi

2 weeks ago

My residency was renewed promptly and without glitches.

Stephanie Shoemaker

2 weeks ago

My experience with IAS has been fabulous so far Laura Christian was very helpful in taking the time to research what my options were based on my needs and wants can’t recommend her enough

Katende Moses

2 weeks ago

I appreciate the professional handling and advice by counsel Shazia Ershad and the Immigration advice service as a whole.

Man Chung CHAU

2 weeks ago

Staff are nice, solicitors are reliable and helpful.

adeniyi esther oluwatobi

2 weeks ago

Shazia Ershad, was very helpful and informative while she stayed very professional during the consultation.

Josephine

3 weeks ago

I am so grateful to Immigration Lawyer Saimah Razzaq and the team at Immigration Advice Service (IAS) for helping me secure my ILR! From our very first consultation, they were professional, patient, and completely clear about what documents I needed. ILR applications can feel overwhelming, but Saimah Razzaq went through everything with incredible attention to detail and kept me updated at every step. Thanks to thier hard work and expertise, my application was approved immediately a day after my biometrics! I coudn't recommend them enough to anyone navigating the UK immigration system!

Tawanda Matonga

3 weeks ago

I spoke with Saima Jabeen about the areas where I needed assistance. She was very helpful and provided me with clear and useful information. I was satisfied with the support and guidance she provided.

Nicholas Peasgood

3 weeks ago

Very positive professional experience. My immigration advisor Mariam Adebayo helped my wife successfully obtain her Spouse visa extension. At the very start we had a face to face meeting at their Oldham office to discuss our needs, explain the process and what evidence we would need. We later received a written confirmation of advice laying out everything from timeframes, fees and documentation needed. Through out we had video calls and regular emails for updates and when our input was needed, Mariam even uploaded all of the extensive evidence as part of the application process which I was very happy with as I know from my own experience this can take a while. I would definitely use IAS again, don't be fooled in to opting for cheaper options, I came to IAS after a poor experience with a different company and so came back as I'd had a good experience with IAS way back in the 90's so know that they have been around for a years. Thank you IAS Oldham and Mariam Adebayo.

Fatima Babar

3 weeks ago

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Abdul Mutee for everything he has done throughout my visa process. The past year was incredibly stressful, especially after facing two Canada visa refusals. During this difficult time, Abdul Mutee did not simply provide guidance; he actively worked on my case and supported me every step of the way when I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about my future. Thanks to his dedication, hard work, and continuous support, my UK visa has now been approved. This approval allows me to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a dentist. I truly believe that this achievement would not have been possible without his assistance and commitment. Abdul Mutee played a significant role in making this outcome possible, and I am deeply thankful for the relief, hope, and opportunity he has given me. His efforts have made a lasting impact on my life, and I will always be grateful for everything he has done. I will never forget the support, encouragement, and professionalism he showed throughout this journey. Abdul Mutee's help has made a real difference in my future, and I sincerely appreciate all of his hard work and dedication.

Elizabeth chuks

3 weeks ago

I had a great experience with Anna Claridge. She was professional, friendly and very helpful throughout our consultation. She explained everything clearly, answered all our questions and made sure we understood the options available to us. I really appreciate her support.

Sami Abdi

3 weeks ago

I would like to say a huge thank you to Lauren Blommel for all her help and support with my case. She has been absolutely amazing from start to finish. Lauren was very kind, professional and patient. She explained everything clearly and always made sure I understood what was happening. She worked very hard on my case and did everything she could to help me. I am extremely grateful for everything Lauren has done for me. I am very happy with the service I received and would definitely recommend Lauren to anyone who needs immigration advice and support. Thank you so much, Lauren, for everything. I truly appreciate all your hard work and support. I wish you all the best for the future!

We are the UK’s leading immigration specialists

IAA Accredited UK Immigration lawyers

We’ve had over 25,000 applications approved

We are open Mon–Fri, 8:30am–8pm & Sat–Sun, 10am–4pm.

How our UK Immigration Lawyers can help

At the Immigration Advice Service our lawyers specialise in a wide range of UK visas, nationality and asylum applications and have represented clients in various successful complex and high-profile cases.