D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work
Non-EU nationals with an employment contract from a Portuguese employer for salaried (subordinate) work.
The D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work is a Portuguese work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit) and processing time (~60 days (legal maximum)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work is for
Non-EU nationals with an employment contract from a Portuguese employer for salaried (subordinate) work.
After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship.
D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work - eligibility criteria
- Signed employment contract or binding job offer
- Qualifications matching the role
- Proof IEFP job-offer publication requirements are met (where applicable)
- Accommodation in Portugal
- Clean criminal record
D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work (Portugal) is ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit, with an indicative processing time of ~60 days (legal maximum). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at AIMA (Portugal).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Portuguese consulate abroad, then AIMA in Portugal |
| Length of stay | Visa valid 4 months/2 entries, then residence permit 2 years, renewable for 3 |
| Work rights | Employed work with the sponsoring employer |
| Study rights | Study permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit |
| Processing time | ~60 days (legal maximum) |
| Route to PR | After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship.
Many applicants also compare D3 · D3 Residence Visa for Highly Qualified Activity, EU Blue Card · EU Blue Card (Portugal), Job Seeker · Job-Seeking Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Portuguese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work pitfalls we fix
D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work - frequently asked questions
How much does the D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work cost?
The D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work government fee is ~€110 visa + ~€170 AIMA residence permit. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at AIMA (Portugal) before applying.
How long does the D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~60 days (legal maximum). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work lead to permanent residence?
After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residence and then citizenship.
Can I work on the D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work?
Work rights: Employed work with the sponsoring employer.
Who can apply for the D1 Residence Visa for Subordinate Work?
Non-EU nationals with an employment contract from a Portuguese employer for salaried (subordinate) work.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Portugal government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- AIMA (Portugal) - official Portugal immigration authority