Software engineers, web developers, and data analysts are the three most sought-after professions for Portugal’s D3 High-Qualified Worker visa.
Portugal’s D3 visa aims to attract highly qualified professionals from non-European Union and European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland.
According to HAYMAN-WOODWARD immigration lawyer in Portugal, Vanessa Mororó, Portugal has a strong technology industry, and it is becoming a global technology hub, bringing a larger number of professionals and companies to the country.
Mororó highlighted that the high average salary and the implementation of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries Mobility Agreement are among the main reasons that led to an increase in requests for D3 visas.
Another factor that explains the increase in requests for D3 visas is the high average salary, especially for qualified IT professionals, which makes the country attractive to Brazilians looking for better financial conditions. Another relevant point is that the process of obtaining residence visas became more attractive after the implementation of the CPLP (Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries) Mobility Agreement.
She said that the implementation of the CPLP scheme has facilitated access to the Portuguese job market for citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Brazil.
Mororó revealed that the following professions were also among the most sought-after for obtaining a Portuguese D3 visa:
- civil engineers
- production engineers
- statisticians
- actuaries
- doctors
- economists
- administrators in senior management
According to the survey, those planning to apply for a D3 visa should know that the longest wait isn’t for the visa processing in their home country but rather for converting the residence permit once they are in Portugal, as reported by Mirian Gasparin.
It is essential to ensure that the process is conducted appropriately from the beginning, preferably by professionals specialized in immigration. This avoids possible interruptions due to extra requirements, which could further prolong obtaining a visa and moving to the Portuguese country.
The D3 visa can be made in the country of origin where the applicant has legal residence.
In order to benefit from this kind of visa, interested persons are required to hold a valid Employment Contract or the applicant must be involved in an independent activity that, among others, requires knowledge and skills for special needs.
The D3 visa is valid for four months to enter Portugal. After entering this country, the holders are required to convert the visa into a temporary residence permit, with the first temporary residence card valid for two years and the second card valid for three years.
Then, after a period of five years of legal residence, it is eligible to apply for Portuguese nationality due to the length of residence.
