Portugal D3 Visa For South Africans

Key Benefits of the D3 Visa in Portugal

• The D3 Visa is for highly qualified professionals and senior public administration officers, allowing them to work and live in Portugal.
• Initially, the visa allows individuals to live, work, and reside in Portugal for one year. This permit can be renewed for two additional periods of two years each, provided the professionals continue their work in Portugal. After five years of legally authorised residence, individuals can apply for Portuguese nationality and citizenship.
• One of the standout benefits of the D3 Visa is the visa-free entry and free movement it offers within the Schengen Area and the European Union (EU), covering 26 European countries.
• The D3 Visa facilitates family reunification in Portugal with direct relatives, ensuring families can stay together.
• The D3 Visa application process is relatively swift, with visas typically processed within just 30 days.

Specific Advantages of the D3 Visa

• After legally residing in Portugal for 18 months under the D3 Visa, applicants become eligible for the EU Blue Card. This card grants access to work and live in 25 EU countries, excluding Ireland and Denmark.
• D3 Visa holders can apply for Portugal’s Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime. Additionally, they can benefit from being exempt from certain taxes under the Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with their country of origin, ensuring they don’t pay taxes twice.
• After five years, D3 Visa holders qualify for permanent residence or citizenship, granting them access to Portuguese residency rights, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, children born to legal residents for 12 months acquire EU citizenship by birthright.

Necessary Requirements for a D3 Visa Application

Highly Qualified Activity

According to the Portuguese Law on Foreigners, a highly qualified activity is “the exercise of an activity that requires specialised technical skills of an exceptional nature or an adequate qualification for the respective exercise of the function”. The European Commission further categorises highly qualified activities into two groups:

• The first category includes executives, officers, legislators, senior public administration officers, company directors, and various managerial roles.
• The second category includes professionals like engineers, scientists, teachers, health professionals, ICT specialists, cultural professionals, and legal experts.

Employment Contract

To be eligible, applicants must have either an employment contract or a promise of an employment contract with a Portuguese employer.

Education and Experience

Applicants must prove higher education or have 5-6 years of relevant work experience. If an individual’s work is not aligned with their education, they should demonstrate a work experience of 5 years and relevant profile courses.

Salary Requirement

The salary associated with the position in a Portuguese company should be at least 1.5 times the median. As of 2023, this translates to a minimum of €1800 per month or more.

Savings

If applying with the promise of a contract, applicants might need to show savings in a personal account of €9120 or more.

Required Documents for the D3 Visa Application:

• Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your intended return date. It should also have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker. Photocopies of used pages, such as previous visas, entry stamps, and the personal information page, may also be required.
• Every applicant must fill in and sign the Portugal Visa Application Form individually. For minors, a parent or legal guardian must sign.
• Passport-size pictures should be recent and meet the specifications set by the Portuguese Consulate.
• An attestation of a diploma of higher education or proof of 5-6 years of relevant work experience is required. If your work isn’t aligned with your education, you should provide evidence of 5 years of work experience and relevant profile courses.
• A long-term contract or promise of a contract with a Portuguese employer is essential.
• Documentation shows the salary from the Portuguese employer.
• Proof that you can financially support yourself during your stay. It should cover the entire duration of your stay in Portugal.
• Details of your travel plans, including entry and exit from Portugal.
• Evidence of where you’ll stay in Portugal, such as a hotel reservation or rental agreement.
• A letter of invitation would be from a company or individual in Portugal inviting you for a specific purpose related to your visa.
• Payslips, tax returns, or other documents prove your current employment status.
• A letter explaining the purpose of your visit, your plans in Portugal, and any other relevant details.

Instructions on Obtaining or Preparing These Documents

• Ensure your passport is up-to-date and has the required validity.
• The application form can typically be downloaded from the official website of the Portuguese Consulate or embassy in your country.
• Passport-size photos should adhere to the specifications set by the Consulate.
• Gather all employment-related documents, including contracts, payslips, and invitation letters.
• Obtain travel health insurance that covers your entire stay in Portugal.

Potential Challenges or Common Mistakes

• Ensure all required documents are submitted. Missing even one can lead to application delays or denials.
• Ensure that the salary from the Portuguese employer meets the stipulated minimum.
• An expired passport can lead to visa cancellation. Always check the validity before applying.
• Ensure all details in the application and supporting documents are accurate and consistent.

Application Process

Determine Eligibility

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes having a higher education or 5-6 years of relevant work experience and a long-term contract or a promise of a contract from a Portuguese employer.

Gather Necessary Documents

Prepare the necessary documents, which may include:

• An international passport.
• An attested diploma of higher education.
• Proof of the job position in a Portuguese company corresponding to your education.
• Proof of salary (at least €1800 per month in 2023).
• If applying with the promise of a contract, savings of at least €9120.

Online Application

Prospective applicants can apply for the D3 visa using the online E-Visa Portal. This is especially useful for those in countries not part of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.

Schedule an Appointment

After completing the online application, schedule an appointment with the Portuguese Consulate or visa centre in South Africa to submit your application and documents in person.

Pay the Visa Fee

The visa fee for the D3 (Highly Qualified Activity) visa for South Africans is €90. This fee is payable at the Consulate in South Africa.

Attend the Visa Interview

During your appointment at the consulate or visa centre, you’ll likely have an interview where you’ll be asked about your plans in Portugal, your qualifications, and other relevant details.

Wait for Visa Processing

The D3 visa takes about 60 days to process. However, D3 visa candidates are given a priority application turnaround of 30 days for a decision to be made on their visa application.

Visa Approval and Collection

Once approved, you’ll be notified, and you can collect your visa from the consulate or visa centre where you applied.

Travel to Portugal

With the D3 visa, you can enter Portugal and establish residence. Remember, once the visa has expired, you can apply for a Portuguese Residence Permit and the European Union Blue Card.

Estimated Processing Times

• D3 visa application processing: Approximately 30-60 days.
• Portuguese residence permit (after arriving in Portugal): Application should be made within 4 months.

Validity Period of the Visa

The visa allows the holder to apply for a residence permit that is initially valid for two years. After this period, the visa holder can apply for extensions, leading to potential permanent residency and even Portuguese citizenship.

Process and Requirements for Renewing the D3 Visa

• After the initial two-year validity of the D3 Visa, holders can apply for a temporary Portuguese residence permit or the European Union (EU) Blue Card.
• For successful renewal, it’s essential to prove the continuity of your professional activities in Portugal.
• The residence permit can be renewed for successive periods of three years.

Specific Documents or Forms for Renewal

While the exact documents can vary based on individual circumstances, generally, you would need:

• Proof of continuous professional activity in Portugal.
• Updated work contract or promise of work contract.
• Proof of residence and financial stability in Portugal.
• Any other documents that were initially required for the D3 Visa application.

Potential Challenges or Common Issues During Renewal

• Not providing all the necessary documents or providing outdated information.
• Any significant gaps in employment or professional activity in Portugal can be a hindrance.
• Not meeting the financial requirements, such as a significant drop in salary or savings, can pose challenges.

Tips for a Successful Renewal Process

• Begin the renewal process well in advance to account for any potential delays or additional documentation requirements.
• Keep all your professional and financial records updated and organised. This will expedite the renewal process.
• Regularly check for any changes in the renewal requirements or processes. Immigration laws can change, and it’s important to stay on top of them.
• Consider consulting with Total Law, an experienced team of immigration lawyers well-versed in the D3 Visa renewal process. They can offer invaluable guidance, ensuring you meet all the requirements and navigate the process seamlessly.
• Ensure you stick to all the legal and professional requirements during your stay in Portugal. Any legal issues or discrepancies can complicate the renewal process.

Overview

Once the D3 Visa is Approved:

• South African applicants receive permission to enter and reside in Portugal.
• The visa is tailored for highly qualified professionals.
• Visa holders can work and establish their residence in Portugal.
• They benefit from visa-free movement within the Schengen Area.
• This allows for easier travel and business opportunities across Europe.
• The visa holder can start the family reunification process in Portugal.
• Immediate family members can join the visa holder in Portugal.
• The D3 Visa application process is efficient, typically processed within a month.

Information on Applying for the Residency Permit

• It is essential to ensure you have all the required documents, including a valid passport, proof of income or employment, accommodation details in Portugal, a criminal record certificate from your home country, and valid health insurance.
• Schedule an appointment at the nearest SEF office in advance.
• Accurately fill out the application form provided at the SEF office.
• Provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, as part of the application process.
• If called upon, attend an interview at the SEF office to verify the provided information.
• Pay the application fee of €85, which is essential for the processing of the residency permit.
• The initial residency permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for three years.
• The processing time for the residency permit typically ranges from 6 to 8 months.
• Successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of €6522.
• Upon approval, collect the residency permit from the SEF office and keep it safe as proof of legal status.
• Monitor the expiration date of the residency permit and initiate the renewal process well in advance, considering the permit’s validity and renewal periods.

Process and Requirements for Obtaining a Residency Permit for Family Members

• D3 Visa holders can apply for a Portuguese residence permit for themselves and their families upon arrival in Portugal.
• The application for the residence permit should be made within 4 months of entering Portugal.
• Family members of the D3 Visa holder, including spouse, children, and dependent parents, can also apply for a residence permit, allowing them to live, work, and study in Portugal.
• The initial residence permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for subsequent periods, provided the primary visa holder maintains their status.
• Applicants must provide proof of relationship to the D3 Visa holder, such as marriage or birth certificates.
• Financial stability is essential. Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves without relying on public assistance in Portugal.
• The D3 Visa facilitates family reunification, streamlining the application process for family members.
• Once the residence permit is nearing expiration, the holder can apply for renewals, and after a certain period, they may be eligible for permanent residency or citizenship in Portugal.
• The European Union Blue Card is another option for D3 Visa holders after 18 months of legal residence. It provides additional benefits and mobility within the EU for the primary visa holder and their family.
• The Portuguese government offers healthcare and tax benefits to D3 visa holders, which can extend to their families.

Documents and Information Required for Family Members

Here are the key documents typically required for family members when applying for a residency permit in Portugal:

• Proof of relationship to the D3 visa holder, such as marriage or birth certificates.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Financial statements or proof of sufficient funds to support the family in Portugal.
• Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as a rental agreement or property deed.
• Criminal record certificates from the country of origin or previous residence.

Restrictions or Limitations on Family Members’ Residency Permits

The residency permits for family members are likely tied to the status of the primary D3 visa holder. This means if the D3 visa holder’s status changes or if their residency permit is not renewed, the family members’ permits might also be affected.