D1 visa (employed work)

The D1 visa is for non-EU citizens who have a valid job offer from a Portuguese employer. The minimum salary required is the national minimum wage — €920/month gross in 2026. The process requires prior employer involvement: the vacancy must be posted with IEFP and a favourable IEFP authorisation obtained (30–60 days). Occupations on the shortage list benefit from simplified IEFP procedures.

Required documents include: signed employment contract, IEFP favourable authorisation, apostilled qualifications and experience certificates, apostilled criminal record (issued within the last 90 days), valid passport, proof of accommodation in Portugal, and health insurance. All applications are submitted in person at VFS Global. Consulate processing typically takes 60–90 days.

After entering Portugal on the D1 visa, the worker attends an AIMA appointment to formalise the residence permit. The full process including the IEFP phase generally takes 3 to 5 months. The first permit is valid for 2 years, renewable on proof of continued or new employment.

The regime changed with Law 61/2025. Always verify the current situation with a lawyer before starting.