D Visas in Portugal: What They Are and How Residence Visas Work
- FIO Legal Solutions
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
Author: Lidiane de Carvalho
Introduction
Moving to Portugal involves several important steps, and obtaining a residence permit is one of the most relevant.
For nationals of third countries (outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland) who intend to live in Portugal for more than 1 year, the general rule is to obtain a Residence Visa (D Visa) before entering Portuguese territory. This visa allows lawful entry into Portugal for the purpose of applying for a Residence Permit before AIMA – Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum).
The purpose of this article is to explain the legal framework of D Visas, the most common types and their general requirements, based on the Portuguese Foreigners Act (Law no. 23/2007, of 4 July) and Regulatory Decree no. 84/2007, of 5 November, both in their updated versions.
General classification of visas
Under the EU Visa Code and Portuguese national legislation, visas are classified as follows:
A Airport transit visa
B Land/sea transit visa (repealed in 2010 and integrated into type C)
C Short-stay Schengen visa (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
D National long-stay visa
Visas A, B and C are harmonized under EU rules (Schengen visas). D Visas, however, are national visas and are therefore regulated by each Member State.
In addition to these categories, Portuguese law also provides for the Temporary Stay Visa, applicable to stays of more than 90 days and up to 1 year, without an intention to reside in Portugal on a long-term basis (for example medical treatment, seasonal work, business, short-term study).
What is a D Visa?
The D Visa is issued by Portuguese consular posts abroad and is intended to allow entry into Portugal in order to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, where the holder intends to remain in the country for a period of 1 year or more. It is therefore the preliminary step before applying for a residence card before AIMA.
Unlike the C Visa, commonly known as the Schengen Visa, which is only for short stays, the D Visa is specifically designed for those who intend to establish long-term residence in Portugal.
D Visas, or Residence Visas, are valid for 120 days and allow two entries into Portuguese territory.
During this period, the holder is expected to apply for a Residence Permit. This is the administrative act granting a third-country national the right to reside in Portugal, materialized in a Residence Card, which is the physical identification document issued to foreign citizens residing in Portugal.
From Temporary Residence Permit to Permanent Residence Permit
The initial Residence Permit is temporary and, as a rule, is valid for 2 years. It may then be renewed for 3-year periods.
After 5 years of lawful residence, the holder may apply for a Permanent Residence Permit, valid for 5 years and renewable for equal periods, provided that the remaining legal requirements are met.
The most common types of D Visas in Portugal
According to the Portuguese Diplomatic Portal and AIMA, the main Residence Visas are:
D1 – Employed work
Employees who have an employment contract or a binding job offer for employed work in Portugal.
D2 – Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Professionals
Entrepreneurs or managers who intend to set up, manage or invest in a company in Portugal.
or
Self-employed professionals with a service agreement or an economic activity established in Portugal.
D3 – Highly qualified workers
Professionals with higher qualifications who have an employment contract, binding job offer or self-employment in highly qualified roles.
D4 – Higher education students
Higher education students who have been admitted to Portuguese institutions.
D6 – Family reunification
Family members of holders of a residence permit in Portugal.
D7 – Holders of own income and retirees
Individuals with sufficient passive income to reside in Portugal.
For further information: Portugal D7 Visa in 2025: Your Comprehensive Guide to Passive Income Residence
D8 – Researchers, higher education teaching staff and cultural activities
Researchers, higher education teaching staff and cultural professionals who have a link or invitation in Portugal.
Digital Nomad Visa (DN)
This category was introduced as a legal basis for a Residence Visa and a Temporary Stay Visa for remote work in 2022.
Although it was not formally given the label “D9”, as might be expected, it falls within the D Visa category and is aimed at remote workers who carry out their activity from Portugal for foreign entities.
It is important to stress that the labels D1, D2, D3, D4, D6, D7, D8 and DN are informal designations used as a matter of convenience and in administrative practice by consular authorities and may vary in practice. The applicable legislation is structured by purpose of stay (employed work, self-employment/entrepreneurship, study, family reunification, income, research/culture, etc.).
Specific cases
Golden Visa
The Residence Permit for Investment (Autorização de Residência para Investimento – ARI), commonly known as the Golden Visa, is not a D Visa. It is a special residence scheme for investment.
For further information: Golden Visa: A Life-Changing Investment
Visa for qualified job-seeking
An autonomous category created by the 2025 amendments to the Foreigners Act. It is not part of the D Visa system. These visas are valid only for Portuguese territory, have their own rules and are intended to allow the holder to enter and stay in Portugal in order to look for qualified employment.
Exceptional cases
Portuguese law also provides, in a closed and exhaustive manner, for exceptional situations in which it is possible to apply directly for a Temporary Residence Permit in Portugal, without a prior visa.
Examples of such exceptional alternatives include family reunification, higher education students and highly qualified workers.
General requirements for D Visas
Each category has its own specific requirements, but there are common documents across all types:
Valid passport
Travel insurance
Criminal record certificate from the country of origin/residence
Proof of subsistence means
Proof of accommodation in Portugal
Summary of the procedure
Visa application before the Portuguese Consulate in the country of origin or legal residence
Entry into Portugal with the D Visa (120 days)
Application for a Residence Permit in person before AIMA
Importance of the correct legal framework
The D Visa is the main route for those who wish to live in Portugal on a stable basis, whether to work, study, undertake an entrepreneurial project, live off their own income or even work remotely as a digital nomad.
Choosing the correct legal ground ensures:
documentary regularity from the visa to the residence card
predictability regarding renewals
access to rights granted to residents (education, healthcare, work, justice)
reduced risk of refusal due to inadequate or incomplete documentation
Conclusion
D Visas are the core legal instrument for entering Portugal with the purpose of residing for more than 1 year. Each type corresponds to a specific purpose set out in law, and understanding the respective requirements, documentation and deadlines is essential for a smooth transition to lawful residence in Portugal.
Note on legislative changes (2025)
The 2025 reform brought changes to procedures, deadlines and specific legal frameworks but did not create or abolish D categories.
For an analysis of the legislative process and its impact, see: Recent Overhaul of Portugal's Immigration Laws: A Comprehensive Transformation
Perguntas Frequentes (FAQ)
What is the D Visa in Portugal?
It is a national long-stay visa (more than 1 year), issued by the Portuguese Consulate, which allows entry into Portugal in order to later apply for a residence permit before AIMA.
How long is the D Visa valid for?
The D Visa is valid for 120 days and allows up to two entries into Portugal. Within this period, the holder must apply for a temporary residence permit.
What is the difference between the D Visa and the Schengen Visa (type C)?
The Schengen Visa (C) is a short-stay visa, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and is used for tourism, business or visits. The D Visa is intended for those who wish to live in Portugal for a longer period (work, study, passive income, digital nomads, etc.).
Is the Golden Visa (ARI) a D Visa?
No. The Residence Permit for Investment (ARI), known as the Golden Visa, is a special scheme for investors, separate from D Visas.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa?
It is a D Visa modality created in 2022 for remote workers who have an employment relationship or provide services to foreign entities, provided they can prove a minimum monthly income of 4 times the IAS in force (approximately EUR 3,280 in 2025).
Can I apply for residence in Portugal without having a D Visa?
In exceptional situations, yes. The law allows you to apply directly for a residence permit in Portugal, provided that you are lawfully in the country. Examples include family reunification, university students and highly qualified workers.
After the D Visa and the residence permit, when can I apply for a permanent residence permit?
After 5 years of lawful residence in Portugal, you may apply for permanent resident status, provided that the remaining legal requirements are met.
By: Lidiane de Carvalho
