# Portugal Work Permit Routes (2026) > Which Portugal work visa route fits you: D1 employed worker, D3 highly qualified, D7 passive income, D8 digital nomad, D2 entrepreneur or EU Blue Card. By Jules de Bruin ยท URL: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/moving/work-permit-routes Non-EU workers usually apply for a **D1** (employed), **D3** (highly qualified), **D7** (passive income), **D8** (digital nomad) or **D2** (entrepreneur) visa at a consulate, then collect an AIMA residence permit. The AIMA residence fee is **EUR 170.08**. EU citizens do not need a work permit but should request a CRUE after three months. ## Which Work Route Is Right for You? | Route | Who it is for | Key requirement | | --- | --- | --- | | D1 | Employed workers with a Portuguese job offer | Work contract or binding offer | | D3 | Highly qualified specialists and managers | Higher education or proven specialist experience | | D7 | Retirees and people with regular passive income | Income of at least EUR 920/month | | D8 | Remote workers and digital nomads | Remote income from outside Portugal | | D2 | Entrepreneurs and independent professionals | Viable business plan or investment | | EU Blue Card | Highly qualified non-EU nationals | University degree and high-salary contract | Illustration of a passport, an entry stamp, and a document, for Portuguese visa and residence permit applications.Passport, stamp, permit: your Portuguese immigration path. ## What Is the D1 Employed Worker Visa? The D1 is the standard route when a Portuguese employer offers you a job. The employer may need to show that the role could not be filled by an EU worker, depending on the profession. Once the consulate issues the visa, you attend AIMA to collect your residence permit. ## What Is the D3 Highly Qualified Activity Visa? The D3 targets specialists, researchers, teachers, senior managers and certain tech professionals. It normally requires a relevant university degree or documented professional experience and a contract with a salary above a threshold set by AIMA. ## What Is the D7 Passive Income Visa? The D7 is for people with stable passive income such as pensions, rentals, dividends or royalties. The main applicant must show income at least equal to the Portuguese minimum wage, currently **EUR 920 per month** in 2026, plus 50% for a spouse and 30% per child. ## What Is the D8 Digital Nomad Visa? The D8 lets remote employees and freelancers with clients outside Portugal live in the country. You must prove a steady remote income, health insurance and accommodation. Tax treatment should be checked with a fiscal adviser. ## What Is the D2 Entrepreneur Visa? The D2 is for people starting a business or working as independent professionals in Portugal. You must present a credible business plan, proof of investment or expected income, and show the activity adds economic value. ## What Documents Do All Work Routes Require? - Valid passport - NIF - Proof of accommodation in Portugal - Proof of means or employment income - Criminal record certificate, apostilled or legalised - Health insurance where required - Visa application and fee payment ## How Long Does the Work Permit Process Take? Consular processing typically takes 1 to 3 months. After entering Portugal you must attend AIMA to collect your residence card. AIMA appointment availability varies by region; book as soon as you receive your entry visa. ## Related Guides [### Proof of Funds Income and savings requirements for each route.](/moving/proof-of-funds)[### Job Platforms Where to find a job offer for the D1 or D3 route.](/moving/job-platforms)[### Address Registration How to prove your Portuguese address.](/moving/address-registration)[### NIF, NISS and SNS Set up your tax and social numbers.](/moving/tax-number-social-security-health-card) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do EU citizens need a work permit in Portugal? No. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work freely. After three months they should request a CRUE. ### What is the D1 visa? The D1 is for employed workers who have a job offer from a Portuguese employer. ### What is the D3 visa? The D3 is for highly qualified activity, including specialist roles in tech, science and senior management. ### Can remote workers move to Portugal? Yes, the D8 digital-nomad visa is designed for remote workers with income from outside Portugal. ### How long does the work permit process take? Consular visa processing commonly takes 1 to 3 months, followed by an AIMA appointment in Portugal to collect the residence card. --- Source: https://www.how-to-portugal.com/moving/work-permit-routes Last updated: n/a Format: LLM-readable Markdown twin (.md) of the canonical HTML page.