Vlad Shifter
Founder
Entrepreneur and corporate consultant with 10+ years of experience with PwC, P&G, Coca Cola, Unilever and others. TechCrunch 200 Alum.
Portugal D3 Visa 2026: Highly Skilled Work Permit, Employer Included
The D3 needs a qualifying employer. If you do not have one, we become it. Visa and Portuguese employer in a single coordinated setup, with IFICI 20% tax built in.
- Income from €2,100/mo
- IFICI 20% flat tax for 10 years
- No IEFP labour-market test
- Employer of record included
- 7,000+ cases handled
- 99.2% completed-case success rate
- Free re-file on directly handled Portuguese cases with a complete document set
- 30+ nationalities served
- HQ in Portugal
Every other provider files your D3 and leaves the hardest requirement to you: a Portuguese employer. Relovisa combines immigration case management with Portuguese payroll/EOR infrastructure for D3-qualified professionals: one team coordinates employment, visa dossier, payroll, and IFICI timing. If you already have an employer, we file the visa. If you do not, we are the employer.
Why the D3
No IEFP labour-market test
D3 is exempt under Article 90, saving 30 to 60 days versus the standard D1 work visa.
IFICI 20% flat tax
On Portugal-source income for 10 years, for qualifying highly-qualified activities.
Employer included when you need one
We run the Portuguese employer-of-record so your D3 has a compliant qualifying-employment basis. No autónomo workaround.
Clear residency ladder
4-month entry visa, then a 2-year permit, renewable for 3 years. EU Blue Card upgrade available after 18 months on D3.
Family on the same file
Spouse, minor children and dependent parents apply alongside you.
D3 vs the alternatives
| Portugal D3 | Portugal D8 | Germany EU Blue Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Skilled professional, employed | Remote worker / freelancer | Senior professional with EU offer |
| Income floor | from €2,100/mo | €3,680/mo (4x min wage) | €50,700/yr (€45,934 shortage roles) |
| Employer needed | Yes (we can be it) | No | Yes |
| Tax hook | IFICI 20% | IFICI 20% | German rates + partner payroll |
| Path to PR | 5 years | 5 years | ~33 months (or 21 with B1) |
| Free re-file | Yes (direct case) | Yes (direct case) | No (partner jurisdiction) |
Why Portugal for skilled work
-
IFICI 20% flat rate
For 10 years on qualifying activities (software, research, scientific and senior management roles).
-
English-fluent infrastructure
Lisbon and Porto have mature tech ecosystems and English-speaking legal, accounting and banking support.
-
Blue Card upgrade at 18 months
For EU-wide mobility.
-
EU residency ladder
Permanent residency at 5 years; citizenship at 10 years (7 for CPLP and EU nationals, under the reform effective 19 May 2026). We sell Portugal on residency in 5 years, not on fast citizenship.
How to get the Portugal D3 Visa with Relovisa
From eligibility review to residence permit, your dedicated case manager handles every step.
1. Eligibility review
We confirm your qualifying activity (Portaria 303/2019, ISCO Groups 1 and 2), role fit and salary threshold.
2. Employment setup
Payroll route: Portuguese employment contract via our employer-of-record, Segurança Social and IRS payroll. Standard route: dossier built against your existing employer.
3. NIF + bank guidance
We obtain your NIF; a Portuguese bank account is required for the dossier and we send a step-by-step guide.
4. AIMA dossier
Employment contract, salary proof, qualification documents, criminal-record certificate, health insurance, accommodation proof.
5. Consulate appointment
Booked and prepared; consulate visa typically issued in 30 to 60 days.
6. Biometrics + permit
After arrival, AIMA biometrics and permit issuance. Realistic 2026 timeline: 9 to 18 months end-to-end in Lisbon/Porto, roughly 5 to 9 months via regional offices. AIMA's legal target is 90 days.
Let your personal case manager and lawyer handle all the paperwork
No more dealing with bureaucracy, we take care of every detail.
1. Understand Your Immigration Options
During a consultation, our expert evaluates your profile and outlines pathways, helping you make an informed decision.
2. Tailored Strategy for Approval
Lawyer analyzes your case, identifies challenges, and creates a step-by-step roadmap to maximize success.
3. Complete Document Preparation
With minimal input from you, we handle certificates, translations, and applications.
4. Smooth Application Process
Your manager schedules appointments, ensures compliance, communicates with authorities, and tracks progress.
5. Bureaucratic Tasks Solved
We handle finding housing, tax registrations, and residence permits, eliminating paperwork stress.
Find out if D3 is your cleanest route.
Send your role, salary and whether you have an employer. We confirm eligibility, quote the end-to-end cost, and tell you whether the standard or payroll route fits. The €40 consultation secures a dedicated expert.
Ready to start?
D3 Standard
€2,490
+ €990 per family member
For applicants who already have a qualifying employer. Government fees are separate: consulate visa €110, AIMA permit €307.20 (effective 1 March 2026).
- Eligibility review and personalized strategy guide
- Preparation of all required documents
- Initial consultation
- Unlimited chat with a dedicated visa expert
- Lawyer consultation for complex cases
- All required forms completed by us
- Pre-submission document double-check
- NIF
- Consulate slot booking where the jurisdiction allows it, OR detailed step-by-step instructions where booking requires in-person face + passport verification by the applicant
- End-to-end case management through visa issuance
Recommended
D3 + Portuguese Payroll
€6,900 + €430/month
+ €990 per family member
Everything in Standard, plus the Portuguese employer-of-record setup. Government fees are separate: consulate visa €110, AIMA permit €307.20 (effective 1 March 2026).
- Eligibility review and personalized strategy guide
- Preparation of all required documents
- Initial consultation
- Unlimited chat with a dedicated visa expert
- Lawyer consultation for complex cases
- All required forms completed by us
- Pre-submission document double-check
- NIF
- Consulate slot booking where the jurisdiction allows it, OR detailed step-by-step instructions where booking requires in-person face + passport verification by the applicant
- End-to-end case management through visa issuance
- Portuguese employment contract via our employer-of-record
- Segurança Social registration and IRS payroll with payslips
- IFICI application
- Ongoing payroll compliance
About “Relovisa Advisors”
Relovisa is a premium full-service immigration consultancy (HQ Portugal, "Made in Portugal"). It is not a law firm: it works with licensed immigration lawyers and tax advisors per jurisdiction. Relovisa delivers EU/UK/US residency and citizenship to founders, skilled professionals, investors, and remote workers, handling the paperwork end-to-end. Distinctive: its own Portuguese EOR/payroll entity, packaged with the Portugal D3 and Spain DNV routes, plus deep specialist depth on the France Talent (Passeport Talent) innovative-project route, including DRIEETS dossiers and the no-incubator route with two letters of support.
99.2%
Average success rate
99.2% of clients get their visas and residence permits
7000+
Cases · 30+ countries
Clients across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the CIS
80+
Experts and lawyers
Professionals from around the world
8 years
Average experience
In immigration law & consulting
Our team, lawyers and partners
Our legal experts and professionals take care of everything, from document preparation to final approval, with 24/7 support, so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Olia Nemirovski
COO
10+ years specialist in client and partner relations, driving innovation through deep customer understanding.
Evgenia
Immigration lawyer
Licensed lawyer with deep knowledge of UK immigration law, she excels as a case manager for Talent Visas with 99.8% success rate.
Vladimir
Immigration consultant
Over three years of project management experience in German work immigration processes.
Daniela
Immigration Lawyer
Her expertise includes legal representation in court proceedings, expedited solutions for delayed residence processes, and all visa programs.
Petra
Immigration consultant
Specializes in D visas: Digital Nomad, D7, D2, D3, etc. She has experience working with various types of income.
Marilia
Immigration Attorney
Lawyer with 4 years experience works with global mobility processes for self-employed individuals through D8, D2, or IT workers through D3/Blue Card.
Thiago
Immigration Attorney
Relocated more than 300 high-qualified professionals to Portugal since 2018. Currently holding 100% success in lawsuits against AIMA (200+).
Vladislav
Tax Advisor
A licensed tax consultant with thousands of cases handled worldwide, from EU countries to Hong Kong and the USA. Specializes in finding solutions in the most unique and challenging situations.
Thomas
Tax Advisor
Thomas specializes in crypto business consultancy, with notable projects including market research for Bit2Me, a major Southern European cryptocurrency exchange.
Reviewed by the Relovisa immigration team. Published 2026-07.
Sources: Law 23/2007 Article 90 , Portaria 303/2019 , IFICI legislation
FAQs
Who qualifies for the D3?
Your role must map to a qualifying occupation under Portaria 303/2019 (ISCO Group 1 managers or Group 2 professionals), and you must meet one of two tests: a higher-education degree (EQF Level 6+) relevant to the role, or at least 5 years of documented senior experience in the field. Both AIMA and the consulate assess substance over title. Read the full Portugal D3 Visa 2026 guide for a step-by-step breakdown.
Do I need a job offer before applying?
You need a qualifying employer relationship. If you have one, we file against it. If you do not, our Portuguese employer-of-record provides the compliant employment basis, so you are not blocked by the lack of an offer.
How long does AIMA realistically take in 2026?
The legal target is 90 days. Realistically, 9 to 18 months end-to-end in Lisbon/Porto and roughly 5 to 9 months via regional offices. The complete-application-only rule (in force since 28 April 2025) means a missing document triggers immediate rejection, so we get everything in before submission.
What is the income requirement?
The legal floor is the lower of 1.5x the national average gross salary or 3x IAS, which puts the legal minimum near €1,611/month. In practice we recommend about €2,100/month for professional roles to avoid consular friction, and €2,500 to €3,000/month for managerial roles. Portuguese law mandates 14 payments per year.
How does IFICI 20% work?
IFICI is the successor to the NHR regime. Qualifying highly-qualified activities get a 20% flat IRS rate on Portugal-source employment income for 10 years, plus exemption on most foreign passive income. You apply by 15 January after your first full Portuguese tax-residency year. First IFICI approvals were confirmed operational on 31 March 2026. We handle the application; we do not promise the tax authority's decision.
How much does the whole thing cost?
Government fees are modest (consulate €110, AIMA permit €307.20, effective 1 March 2026). Our service fee is €2,490 for the standard route or €6,900 + €430/month for the payroll route, plus €990 per family member. See the full Portuguese payroll product for what the payroll route includes.
Can my family come?
Yes. Spouse, minor children and dependent parents apply alongside you, following your timeline, at €990 per family member.
Why use your employer of record instead of my own employer?
Three reasons. Your existing employer may not want to run Portuguese payroll and Segurança Social. We have multi-year operational experience running Portuguese EOR engagements, which matters now that AIMA scrutinizes employer substance. And we build IFICI timing into the setup, which a non-specialist employer would not do.
D3 or D8, which is mine?
D3 needs a qualifying employer, role and salary and starts near €2,100/month. D8 needs no employer but requires €3,680/month of remote income. For a remote worker above €3,680 from one foreign employer, D8 is often simpler. For someone earning less, or who wants structured employment and clean IFICI, D3 with our payroll is the cleaner route. See the D8 page.
What happens if my visa is refused?
For Portuguese cases we handle directly, if a refusal follows a complete document set you provided, we re-file once at no additional service fee, subject to the conditions in your engagement. There are no guarantees of approval; the decision is the authority's.