The Complete Guide to Portugal’s D1 Work Visa

Portugal’s D1 visa is a residence visa for subordinate (employed) work. You typically apply from your country via the Portuguese consulate/VFS, enter Portugal on a visa valid for 4 months (120 days) with two entries, and apply for your residence permit during that validity window.

Why the D1 visa matters (and who it’s for)

If you already have a job offer from a Portuguese employer, the D1 is often the “cleanest” path: job offer → residence visa → residence permit. Many consular/VFS checklists describe D1 as the residence visa for foreign nationals with a valid job offer/employment contract with a Portuguese company.

Best fit for you if:

• You’re a non-EU national with a Portuguese employer ready to hire you now

• You want a standard employed-worker route (not entrepreneurship or remote work)

What you must have before applying

Most D1 applications fail on “missing basics,” not on the big idea.

1) A compliant job offer/employment contract

Many VFS/consular checklists require an employment contract lasting at least 12 months (this can vary by post—always verify the checklist for your jurisdiction).

2) Proof you can legally stay while your residence permit is processed

Residence-visa documentation commonly includes means of subsistence, travel insurance, and proof of accommodation (often for the 120-day visa validity).

3) Clean criminal record + correct legalization

VFS checklists commonly request a criminal record certificate issued within a recent window and, where applicable, apostilled/legalised.

Important: Exact requirements and ordering can differ by consular post. Treat this as a master list and then reconcile it with your local VFS/consulate checklist.

Document

What “good” looks like

Notes/gotchas

National visa application + photos

Completed, signed, correct photo spec

Follow your VFS post’s formatting rules

Passport

Valid beyond travel; copies included

Some posts specify minimum validity buffers

Employment contract/job offer

Signed contract (often ≥12 months)

Some frameworks accept a promise of a contract; check your post

Proof of accommodation

Lease, deed, or host responsibility term

Some posts ask for coverage for 120 days

Means of subsistence

Bank statements/employer support, etc.

Align with the EU portal framing on sufficient means

Travel medical insurance

Covers medical + repatriation

Required in EU portal + VFS checklists

Criminal record certificate

Recent + legalized where required

Timelines + apostille rules vary

Regulated profession proof (if applicable)

Recognition/licence evidence

Asked in the national visa documentation guidance

Visa fee + VFS service fee

Paid as instructed

The national visa fee is listed as 110€ on the visa portal; VFS service fees vary by country

Step-by-step process: Consulate/VFS → entry → residence permit

Step 1: Apply via your consulate / VFS post

You generally submit in person, following the checklist and ordering rules used by your consular post/VFS.

Step 2: Receive a residence visa and travel to Portugal

Portugal’s visa portal explains that residence visas allow two entries and are valid for 4 months (120 days).

Step 3: Apply for the residence permit during the visa validity window

The same portal states you must apply for a residence permit during that validity period. For employed work, AIMA provides the residence permit pathway aligned to Article 88 (subordinate work).

What happens after landing

NIF (tax number) basics

Portugal’s government service page explains the NIF is needed to buy goods/services, make contracts, open accounts, etc.

NISS (social security number) basics

Segurança Social explains that the NISS uniquely identifies you with Social Security. Also, for subordinate work residence permits, the legal framework ties eligibility to being registered with social security.

Benefits of the D1 route (what you’re really buying)

• Legal employment + lawful residence pathway through the standard “employed worker” route

• Residence permit validity/renewals: AIMA notes that temporary residence permits for work are valid for 2 years and renewable for 3-year periods.

• Long-term residence concepts (EU): EU rules describe long-term resident status after 5 years of legal residence (exact national conditions still apply).

Common mistakes that trigger delays or refusals

1. Checklist mismatch (you used another country’s VFS checklist)

2. Contract doesn’t match post expectations (duration/role/employer details)

3. Accommodation proof weak (missing lease/host docs; not covering 120-day window)

4. Criminal record timing/legalisation errors

5. No clear “means of subsistence” story (inconsistent statements)

FAQs

Q: How long is the D1 visa valid?

A: Portugal’s visa portal states residence visas are valid for 4 months (120 days) and allow two entries.

Q: When do I apply for the residence permit?

A: During the 4-month (120-day) residence visa validity window.

Q: Do I need a 12-month contract?

A: Many VFS/consular D1 checklists require a contract lasting at least 12 months, but requirements can vary by consular post—confirm your jurisdiction’s checklist.

Q: Can I apply with a “promise of contract” instead of a signed contract?

A: The EU Immigration Portal notes eligibility can be shown via a signed work contract or a promise of a work contract, among other routes. Your consular checklist controls what’s accepted for your application.

Q: Who processes the residence permit after I arrive?

A: Residence permit processes are handled by AIMA (Portugal’s migration agency).

Q: What does Article 88 require for subordinate work residence permits?

A: The legal framework for subordinate work requires a work contract and registration with social security (among general requirements).

Q: Do I need accommodation proof?

A: Many D1 checklists request proof of accommodation, sometimes explicitly for the 120-day visa period.

Q: What fees should I budget?

A: The national visa fee is listed as 110€ on the official visa portal; VFS service fees vary by country.

Q: What’s the validity of the first residence permit?

A: AIMA indicates that temporary residence permits for work are valid for 2 years and renewable for 3-year periods.

Q: Can I work immediately after arriving?

A: The D1 is a residence visa for subordinate work; your right to work is tied to your lawful status and the employed-worker framework. Confirm the exact start conditions with your employer and competent authorities.

Q: What if my residence permit appointment is delayed past the 120 days?

A: Don’t ignore it—document your attempts and follow official guidance/updates from AIMA/competent services (processes and portals evolve).

Q: What’s the difference between the D1 visa and the residence permit?

A: The D1 is your entry residence visa; the residence permit is your in-Portugal residence authorisation obtained after arrival.

If you have a Portuguese job offer, the D1 route is usually: contract → D1 residence visa (120 days / two entries) → apply for residence permit in Portugal. Use a master checklist, then reconcile with your VFS/consulate checklist to avoid delays.