Portugal D3 Visa From UAE

The D3 Visa, also known as the Highly Qualified Activity Permit, is designed for highly qualified, skilled professionals, including UAE citizens planning to work in Portugal on a long-term basis.

With the D3 Visa, you have the opportunity to travel to Portugal and apply for either the Blue Card or Residence Permit, granting you the ability to live, work, and stay temporarily in the country.

This permit is renewable for two consecutive periods of two years each, provided you continue to meet the visa criteria.

After five years of legal residence in Portugal, you have the option to apply for Portuguese nationality or citizenship.

However, it is important to note that the Portuguese D3 Visa requires you to have confirmed employment opportunities or a self-employed contract to provide services to a Portuguese company.

Page Contents

• Overview of the Portugal D3 Visa from the UAE
• What is a Highly Qualified Activity for UAE Nationals?
• Benefits of the Portugal D3 Visa for UAE Nationals
• Eligibility Requirements for the Portugal D3 Visa for Citizens of the UAE
• Documents Required for the Portugal D3 Visa for UAE Nationals
• Application Process for the D3 Visa Portugal for Citizens of the UAE
• Processing Times and Fees for the Portugal D3 Visa
• The D3 Visa Validity for UAE Nationals
• D3 Visa Portugal Refusal Reasons for UAE Citizens
• How Can Total Law Help?
• FAQs

In accordance with Portuguese immigration law, highly qualified activity refers to the performance of an activity that demands specialised technical skills of an exceptional nature or appropriate qualifications for the specific job role.

Highly qualified activities are typically undertaken by professionals falling into one of these two categories:

• Leadership and managerial positions, including executives, officers, legislators, senior public administration officers, directors, administrative and commercial managers, service managers, and company directors.
• Professionals in intellectual and scientific fields, such as engineers, scientists, healthcare professionals, educators, business and management experts, cultural specialists, legal professionals, and IT specialists. In IT specialist roles, there are two distinct application pathways for the D3 Visa: the general regime and the Tech Visa, with IT professionals qualifying for both.

If you believe you have a specialised skill but are unsure or unclear if it falls under a highly qualified activity, speak to an immigration expert.

Total Law can help you clarify any confusion you may have. Call us at +44 (0)333 305 9375  or chat with us online; we are happy to help.

One of the major requirements is to have a valid employment contract or a self-employed contract to provide services to a company based in Portugal. In addition, the following specific requirements should be fulfilled:

• Clean criminal record
• Engage in a highly qualified activity, demonstrating appropriate qualifications or experience for the role.
• Have a valid employment contract or a preliminary employment contract for an indefinite period or at least one year.
• Provide evidence of an expected annual salary that is at least 1.5 times the Portuguese national average gross annual salary or three times the Index of Social Support, which is €480,43.
• Evidence of professional qualifications or a professional certificate is mandatory.

If you intend to work in an unregulated profession, you must obtain a professional certificate appropriate for your field of work or sector, as stated in your employment contract or formal job offer.

Submitting an application for the D3 Visa requires the following documents:

• Two passport-sized photos
• Valid passport with an expiration date at least three months beyond the intended stay duration
• A valid employment contract from a Portuguese company
• Police clearance certificate from your country
• A completed form granting permission to the Portuguese Immigration and Border Service (SEF) to access your criminal record (not applicable to minors under 16)
• Proof of travel arrangements
• Documentation verifying your accommodation plans in Portugal
• Valid travel insurance, inclusive of health coverage
• Proof of financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Portugal
• An invitation letter from a professional training institution is necessary if you’re seeking admission to a Portuguese educational institution, such as for a teaching or research position
• Proof of qualifications enabling practice in Portugal is required for regulated professions
• For professions not subject to regulation, evidence of qualifications pertinent to the specified activity or sector in your contract is necessary

As a person residing in the UAE, you can apply for the D3 Visa through one of the following:

• The E-Visa Portal, operated by the Portuguese Consulate in the UAE
• VFS Global, a third-party appointment booking system

To apply for the Portugal D3 Visa, you must acquire a NIF and establish a bank account in Portugal. Acquiring an NIF can be accomplished online or in person at a tax office in Portugal, and opening a bank account can be done remotely. Furthermore, it is obligatory to designate a tax representative in Portugal as part of the procedure.

To obtain the D3 Residency Visa, you must submit your application to a Portuguese Consulate or Embassy, VFS Global, or a similar facility in your home country, the UAE. It is important to note that applications should not be submitted within Portugal.

Subsequently, you need to arrange an interview for your Portugal D3 Visa at a Visa Application Centre or the Portuguese Consulate. Upon successful completion of the process, a visa will be granted to you.

Once the visa is granted to you, it remains effective for 120 days and permits two entries into Portugal during its validity period.

When you arrive in Portugal, you are required to acquire a residency permit from the SEF. This permit grants you the ability to remain in Portugal for the complete duration of your visa.

To determine whether the D3 Visa aligns with your needs or if other alternatives like the Portugal Golden Visa Programme or a Startup Visa might be more suitable, schedule a consultation with Total Law today.

The processing time for the Portugal D3 Visa is 30 days, a relatively quick time frame when compared to other programmes like the Portugal Golden Visa and the D2 Visa.

The visa application fee is typically €90, and there is an additional €170 fee for processing and obtaining your residency permit from SEF in Portugal.

The D3 Visa allows entry into Portugal and requires applying for a residence permit at SEF within 4 months from the arrival date in the country.

After obtaining your D3 Visa, the next step involves applying for Portuguese residency. The residency permit is initially valid for 12 months, especially for a permanent employment contract.

Following this period, you can renew your residency for two consecutive 2-year terms through the local SEF branch. After completing five years of legal residency, you become eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalisation.

Please note that all documents, including the criminal record and marriage and birth certificates (if you’re applying for family reunification), must be apostilled and translated into Portuguese when applying for residency.