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Portugal D3 Visa

Table of Content

  1. #About
  2. #Application
  3. #Visa Application conclusion
  4. #Appendix/misc

About

D3 visa is for highly skilled professionals

  • Salary at least 1.5 times the national minimum wage (€1800 at the time of writing 27/07/2024)
  • Requires higher education diploma or 5-6 years of experience. Although as of late, immigration office is tend to decline no-diploma applications that rely solely on work experience
  • If applying with promise of contract (means no contract yet, maybe just offer), then 10k EUR in savings
  • Since this is intended for more than 1 year stay, it is a national visa
  • The visa (once you obtain it) stamped on your passport will bear the properties
  • Two entries only, don't leave the country once you're in!
  • Valid for 120 days (the time to make residency application)
    • Though this can be extended by the government, since AIMA is overwhelmed with applications and has a backlog of 400K+ applications, news post about this. It was recently extended to one year for all those that posses the visa/documents.
  • You may obtain citizenship in 5 years of residency

Application

(These are for applying in Turkey)

Tags

  • [RELO]: Indicated by relocation partner
  • [EMBA]: Indicated by the embassy
  • [GUID]: Indicated by guides online

Obtaining visa appointment

  • Visa appointment is obtained from E-visa platform
  • If you ever log in, don't forget to log out when you're done. Because system allows only one active login session! If you forget to logout and close the tab/window, then you may not login for some hours until your session is cleared.
  • The appointment date selection/change page can be opened once every 12 hours. So be very careful when you open it, once you navigate to another page or close it, you will not be able to open that page again for 12 hours.
  • It's a clunky system and will make you quite frustrated and nervous, be prepared.
  • Only the days from Monday to Thursday (inclusive) are available to be reserved, and for certain times.
  • Swiftly obtain a visa appointment as soon as you have a confirmation or a binding document (contract, invitation letter etc.)
  • Because available appointments dates are usually so late
  • Last time I checked, there were free slots starting from 5 months from now
  • Many countries other than Turkey may request appointment via VFS Global
  • Originally, you may request an appointment at the embassy via emailing this address sconsular.ankara@mne.pt, but now it is invalid.
  • However, at the moment of writing (19/05/2024) embassy website indicates you may get appointment from the e-visa platform
  • https://pedidodevistos.mne.gov.pt/VistosOnline/
  • Interestingly, this announcement wasn't on the website a few days ago? Check the wayback machine for proof.
  • [RELO] routes you to apply to e-visa first for appointment (and application form), then email the embassy for appointment
  • In case of late appointment, or trouble getting any appointment at all. Consult your lawyers to kindly harass them a bit.
  • Embassy in Ankara receives about 7k emails a day (learnt it first hand in the embassy), so it might be difficult to get a response by email

Documents

  • All documents must be in A4 size. For those documents bigger than A4, photocopy them into A4
  • No paperclips, pins, folders (at the time of delivering the documents to the embassy)
  • No lamination for any document
  • All documents must be translated to English or Portuguese by a sworn translator. Although Portuguese is preferred, it could be processed faster.
  • If you bring a photocopy of a document, bring the original as well
  • If you're not sure where to get an apostille for a document, advise to the closest district governorship. They are responsible for applying apostille to documents. Apostilles are free of charge, don't forget that! Some translators might try to charge hefty sums for it.
  • Establish a new, empty folder because there is going to be a throng of documents.
  • Documents are separated into three categories, each category should be grouped in a file, contained in the folder. Files/categories follows as:
  • File #1: Documents to be handed to the consulate
  • File #2: Auxiliary documents, supportive material
  • File #3: Original documents and materials
  • Once submitted, all documents handed to the consulate will be gone, cannot be retrieved regardless of the outcome. Only the passport will be given back to you.

File #1

These are the documents that are to be handed to the consulate. Regardless of the outcome of the visa application, documents in this file will be lost, won't be recovered once submitted, except for the passport alone.

  • Visa type photographs [EMBA] [GUID] [RELO]
  • Total of two according to [RELO], though [GUID] claims it should be four, so be prepared
  • 35x45mm
  • biometric
  • non-smiling, no hat/cap, no glasses, no scarf except for religious reasons
  • white background
  • Taken in the last 6 months

  • Indicate the reason you're taking this photo to the photographer, they know the requirements well

  • Application form [RELO] [EMBA] [GUID]

  • filled in English with capital letters
  • Template can be found here
  • You may also acquire it filled by submitting your application to e-visa first. It provides you with the application form filled with your details.

  • Consulate may elect to refuse your application form and may enforce you to fill out a blank one

  • Pay slips [EMBA] [RELO]

  • last 3 months (6 months according to [RELO]) from the employer
  • signed and sealed
  • Has to be translated to English or Portuguese, if it's not in these languages, like any other document

  • Notary or apostille is not necessary

  • Bank statement [EMBA]

  • at least 3 months
  • signed and sealed
  • Transactions are not really necessary ([RELO]), but according to [GUID] it is necessary
  • At least €9840 per person (if there is no contract) ([GUID] [RELO])

  • To acquire it:

    1. Go to your bank
    2. At the desk, tell them you want bank statement in English or Portuguese
    3. If it's not possible to obtain it in foreign language, get it either way and get it translated by a sworn translator
    4. Get the signature circulars from the bank along with it, signature circulars doesn't need to be translated at all

  • Authorization to consult criminal background in Portugal [RELO]

  • Essentially allows Portuguese police to perform criminal background search on you
  • Has to be signed as in passport

  • Consulate might ignore the copy you brought and make you sign the one that they'll provide you with.

    • This form is called Requerimento
    • You may find its template here

  • Applicant letter (cover letter) [RELO] [GUID]

  • A document indicating the purpose of your application

  • Has to be signed

  • Your binding work contract or job offer

  • Contract should be valid for period of 1 year [EMBA]
  • If you have both, present them both, it cannot hurt, though contract is far more decisive

  • If your contract has undergone an alteration as to start date, then present the addendum document as well

  • Invitation from your employer in Portugal [EMBA] [RELO]

  • Company letter, addressing the consulate/embassy

  • Job description [RELO]

  • Summary of your job responsibilities, functions, description
  • Issued by your company, the company which issued the job contract

  • It could also be included in your contract, if that's the case, there is no need for anything else

  • Criminal record certificate or PCC (Police Clearance Certificate) [EMBA] [GUID] [RELO]

  • Has to be with apostille, signed and sealed
  • E-apostil is not working correctly by the moment (15/05/2024), sign and seals are missing, also it lacks some TR characters, so refrain from using it. Also the officials in the courthouse don't recommend it. Guaranteed way is obtaining physical copy.

  • To acquire it:

    1. Go to your local courthouse
    2. Get your criminal record certificate from the corresponding desk. They provide it in any language you want. Get both English and Portuguese.
    3. Now you have to get it apostilled. For this, get a copy of your ID card.
    4. Go to the corresponding room (in the courthouse) for acquiring apostille. Give your criminal record certificates and your ID card photocopy.
    5. They'll most probably tell you to come tomorrow.
    6. Go and collect your documents. Check the signature, stamps and seals. Done.

  • Proof of address in country of origin [RELO] [GUID]

  • To acquire it (either one):

    • Identity register (civil registartion)
    • Get a reservation at population directorate (Nufus mudurlugu)
    • Acquire reservation for other category
    • Go to the population directorate
    • Get a number from queue ticket dispenser machine
    • Go to the desk, ask for a copy of civil registration document (Nufus kayit ornegi). Indicate its going to be given to the Portuguese Embassy.
    • Get it signed and sealed
    • Get it apostilled (from the district governorship)
    • Go to a translation office and get it translated to Portuguese
    • Get it notarized by the notary, following the translation. Cost is around 919~ TL at the time of writing (21/05/2024)
    • Certificate of residence (ikametgah)
    • Advise to e-devlet
    • Select the Yerleşim Yeri (İkametgâh) ve Diğer Adres Belgesi Sorgulama service
    • Fill the form and declare that it's going to be given to Portuguese Embassy
    • Download the document
    • Get it translated to Portuguse
    • Get it apostilled

  • Higher education diploma [EMBA] [RELO]

  • It has to be related to the field you're going to be working, otherwise it doesn't suffice for D3, you can apply for D1
  • Like all other documents, it has to be translated. Portuguese is preferred.
  • It's not clear for the order of approvals and translations, Embassy has an ambiguous description. Some translators claim its the first(1), others claim its the second(2) order. For example, Italy expect the order 1 to be done, otherwise they don't recognize. For Portugal, there is no clear information. But the first one is more guaranteed to be accepted, it won't hurt. Just a little more expensive. Two possible orderings:
    1. Notary->Apostille->Translation->Notary->Apostille
    2. Translation->Notary->Apostille
  • It should be done around 1-2 work days
  • Notary approval/seal costs for the original diploma (just as is) around 350~ TL at the moment of writing (17/05/2024)

  • Notary approval/seal cost for the translated and apostilled diploma is around 1125~ TL (21/05/2024)

  • Passport [RELO] [EMBA] [GUID]

  • (valid for at least 1 year)

  • Photocopy of passport [EMBA] [GUID]

  • ID page
  • Visa page(s) that are not empty
  • Other pages that has signature or stamp

  • [GUID] claims it has to be notarized

  • Photocopy of ID [GUID]

  • CV [RELO]

  • Translate it to Portuguese
  • No need for notary or apostille,you may simply translate it via conventional tools (google translate, google docs auto translate etc.)
  • Print it out
  • Sign it

  • Scan it (for yourself, to keep a digital copy)

  • Power of Attorney (POA) [RELO]

  • Only if you have an immigration lawyer

  • For consular services, VFS, visa application, AIMA services, residency permit application

  • Solicitor Letter to the consulate [RELO]

  • Your immigration attorney/lawyer's letter designated for the consulate.

  • Basically includes/answers:

    • How you're qualified for "D3 Highly qualified professional" visa?
    • What's the proof of your qualification?
    • Bunch of references to the exact laws
    • Who is the applicant/client?
    • Why the applicant/client making this application?
    • Underlines what is requested from the consulate
    • Present's his/her self as available to be contacted

  • Travel medical insurance with 30k EUR coverage [EMBA] [GUID] [RELO]

  • Has to be valid for 122 days, should start 1 day before the designated travel date

  • Flight ticket reservation [EMBA] [GUID] [RELO]

  • Try to book direct flight into Portugal, otherwise there'll be additional steps to be taken or certain cumbersome requirements

    • [RELO] says: "If the entry is done in another Schengen country, it should be done the entry declaration within 3 days of arrival in PT, at the immigration Office (AIMA); this is a mandatory step"

  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal [EMBA] [RELO] [GUID]

  • Hotel reservation
  • Lease contract

  • Has to be for at least 4 months (120 days). The more, the merrier. Recommended amount is 6 months.

    • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Portugal indicates that 4 month is sufficient

  • National ID card photocopy [EMBA]

  • Visa application fee [EMBA] [RELO] [GUID]

  • In cash, in native currency (TRL)
  • Equivalent of €90, conversion rate is unknown so be prepared
    • It was live exchange rate
  • 441 TL indicated by the embassy, at the last time it was updated
  • Carry sufficient banknotes and coins, as you have to provide the exact amount
    • They had spare banknotes to exact amount wasn't that crucial
  • Some [GUID] claim national visa applications are free, it is also indicated on the application form as "This application is free". So you might not have to pay anything at all.

File #2

Auxiliary documents, supportive material and backups. These will be used only when needed/asked for. Optional.

  • Photocopy of previous visas [EMBA]
  • Previous passport that may've expired
  • Birth certificate
  • You may obtain in multi-language form from the population directorate
  • Needs to be apostilled
  • Proof of document for your previous job
  • Indicating work period or last title
  • Bank transactions of the last 6 months
  • As a rule of thumb, it should be translated. Though it is likely the transactions are more than 10 pages with a load of words, it will be hefty to get them translated.
  • Photocopy of Diploma supplement
  • Diploma supplement is explained in another section, keep reading
  • Photocopy of expired/previous passport's ID page
  • It would be better to have it notarized
  • Additional copies of visa and passport type photographs, identical

File #3

Original documents and materials. The originals. Embassy indicates originals of the documents should also be present at the visa appointment.

  • Higher education diploma
  • Diploma supplement
  • Diploma supplement is usually handed to you when you receive your diploma
  • It basically explains the education system/structure of the country where you took that program
  • It also includes the courses, your scores for each of them, and GPA
  • Contains information about the program you've completed
  • Usually compliant with a general format such as UNESCO/CEPES or Bologna.
  • It is good to have it since it essentially proves your qualification and accredited compatibility of it.
  • Expired/previous passport

Attending the visa appointment

These details for Portuguese embassy in Ankara

  • Be present at the time of the appointment
  • Address of the consulate (always check consulate's website for up-to-date information!): Kırlangıç Cad. n.º 39 - Gaziosmanpaşa (GOP), Çankaya - 06700 Ankara

  • You should be at the consulate at least 1 hour early, though I recommend being there at 8AM regardless of your appointment time. Consulate opens at 9AM

  • Security

  • There are so many good comments on the security at the gate, people claim she is really helpful.
  • You'll be instructed to leave your belongings at the security, you'll be given a number/ticket to get them back
    • They only took electronics and ID card, nothing else
  • Security (in the premises, indoors security) will do the preliminary checks of your documents
  • Do not do loitering! It is not exquisite to this embassy, you cannot loiter/idle around embassies. Don't attempt to sit on the curb right in front of it.
  • Everyone who has appointment will be taken in at the same time, regardless of appointment time slot
  • Be careful on your wording and your behaviors around and inside the embassy, don't talk unless you have to, don't state personal opinions and believes
  • Preliminary checks
  • You'll be prompted to fill GDPR/KVKK forms
  • Documents needs to be ordered per guideline, order them properly
  • About the application form
  • Do not touch the right hand side column of the form, that is for the consulate to fill
  • Either fill a new form or do redaction on your existing form. Redaction is simply crossing the text/info with a line and writing a correct data

  • If you got the application form from e-visa, you'll have to alter certain sections, this is due to the fact that at the time of applying for visa appointment certain details and info might not be available (accommodation, travel date etc.)

    • I had to fill/alter (as far as I can recall):
    • Fields about inviting company/temporary accommodation (section 30)
    • National ID number (section 11)
    • Home address (section 19) (was missing district and city)
    • Estimated arrival and estimated departure (section 27)
    • Place and date section (at the end of the form), altered the date to the date of the appointment

  • Application date on the form has to be the time of the appointment

  • Revise the travel dates and days of visa requested on the form, you most probably need to change it
  • Don't forget to input your national ID number
  • Sign the form
  • Inside the premises there is a WC and a drinkable water dispenser
  • Interview
  • This is the actual visa application part, the visa desk, the consulate
  • Consulate will ask for the purpose of your application, maybe some basic details about you as well
  • State the visa type you're applying for and the purpose of your visit correctly and clearly
  • Consulate may ask details about your documents to cross validate you do know the details
  • They may also do small talks and chit-chats, I mean they are human beings after all
  • You might be prompted to have your photo taken if the photos you brought are not up to par with the standard. As well as fingerprints.
    • They took photos of every applicant, no fingerprint was taken
  • D3 visa application is subject to visa fee of €90 in local currency cash, bring sufficient banknotes and coins. Though they change if they have it.
  • Consul didn't ask specific documents or documents categories, he simply said: "give me the documents". So be prepared.

  • Overall it was a pleasant experience for me, they weren't rude or anything. Pretty easy going, actually.

  • You'll be asked how you want to receive back your passport:

  • Via shipment to your address
    • You'll have to fill a UPS form. It is a carbon form with three copies. One copy is for you to keep, another is for the security, another is to be handed to the visa desk
    • On the UPS form, it is indicated you'll pay for the shipment on delivery, you won't make any payment for this during the application
    • It'll be delivered to the address in 2-3 business days once the application is concluded
  • In person
    • You'll have to personally visit the embassy once more when it is concluded

Visa Application conclusion

  • Consulate's legal decision time is up to 60 days
  • Consulate has the right to request additional documents that are not officially listed beforehand
  • Result of your application will be relayed to you via e-mail
  • Following the application, you can collect your passport by the method you choose earlier
    • If you opted for UPS shipment as a delivery method, you'll pay for it when you receive it

Visa processing times

List of data I gathered from various resources. For respecting privacy, real names are shortened.

This is a good example of survivor bias (or rather those did not survive) so don't lose your marbles over the data. Think it like this; if someone got their visa in time, why would they reach out or share their visa timeline, or ask for help?

  • Most applicants express disparity between conclusion dates. Their spouses somehow got it earlier even though they applied later.
    • Some say wife got it in 25 days but husband's application is taking more than 3 months

Timelines database for Golden Visa (D9): - https://nomadgate.com/portugal/gv-timeline/ - https://nomadgate.com/portugal/gv-timeline/main/

Statistics

  • Total of 22.000 work visas are issued between 2024 January-August period.
    • 33% of these are for Brazilian applicants, around 7.200~
    • Another source claims it is 9262 work visas, not 22k
  • As of August 2024, there are about 350k~ visa applications waiting to be processed, source
  • In June, July and August 2024 period, Portugal issued only 1266 work visas

Warnings and incidents

AIMA updating the software
  • Why would they decide to update the software on peak season?

Almost all the embassies around the world report technical problems currently (August 2024) with visa system, forewarning for delays: - UAE 26/07/2024 - Qatar 15/07/2024 - USA 05/08/2024 - Egypt 26/07/2024 - Senegal 27/07/2024 - ZAF 23/07/2024

List of nationalities that may experience longer delays: - https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/portugal/usa/english/pdf/Port-Except-country.pdf

Appendix/misc

Visa guides

These are guides for all types of visas, not limited to D3.

  • https://vistos.mne.gov.pt/en/national-visas/necessary-documentation/residency#teaching-purposes-highly-qualified-or-cultural-activity-or-highly-qualified-subordinate-activity
  • https://www.migrun.tech/portugal/d3
  • https://medium.com/@furkankadioglu/portekize-göç-rehberi-d7-d8-nomad-vizesi-için-detaylı-anlatım-d8be8830012b
  • https://www.alperden.net/portekiz-vizesi-nasil-basvuru-yaptim-ve-vize-aldim/

News sources

  • https://schengen.news/schengen/portugal/

Contacting the consulate

By email

  • It is virtually impossible to get a response, I hardly heard about just a few people who got a response.
  • Tried contacting them by email using both English and Portuguese, no luck
  • Only time I received a response was about getting an appointment, which was somewhat of an automated response
  • Those that got response claim that they sent the email in the morning or at noon

By phone

  • Consulate section of the embassy has two phone numbers
  • Both numbers are not being picked up
    • It just opens up with automated voice recording for instructions on language selection
    • After choosing a language with a number, it just plays some elevator music for a minute or two, then closes with no response

By mail

Format

  • Sender's info
    • Top left side of the letter
    • Full name, address, phone number, email address
  • Date
    • Right below the sender's info, one or two lines of spacing in between
    • DD Month YYYY format, e.g: 22 September 2024
  • Consulate's info
    • Following the date section, with a line or two of spacing, aligned left as well
    • Consulate's name, address, postal code
  • Subject
    • One line below consulate info, aligned left
    • Starting with Subject:
  • Salutations
    • Dear Sir/Madam
  • Closing
    • Yours faithfully

Example

[Your Full Name]  
[Your Full Address]  
[City, Zip Code, Country]  
[Phone Number]  
[Email Address]

[DD Month YYYY]

Consulate of Portugal  
Consulate Section  
[Embassy Address]  
Ankara, [Postal Code]  
Turkey

Subject: [subject]

[body]

Yours faithfully,  
[Your Signature] (if physical letter)  
[Your Full Name]

Attachments:  
- Copy of Visa Application Receipt  
- Copy of Passport (if applicable)

Resources

  • https://iss.ucmerced.edu/sites/iss.ucmerced.edu/files/documents/student_sample_letter.pdf
  • https://app.formspal.com/pdf-editor/letter-to-embassy-for-visa?DocumentUID=5e8ba96e-36e3-4a81-b828-bcdb76f011fe
  • https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/770326711240828954/

Requesting appointment from the embassy

Format-1

Answer/include these in your email.

1. Passport copies for all
2. Residency permits in turkey for all
3. Name and Surname
4. Nationality
5. Where do theylive in Turkey or KKTC
6. What do you do in Turkey or KKTC
7. Do they have a valid Turkish or KKTC residence permit ?
8. If yes, what is the exact validity date of the residency? (You need to write the exact date.)
9. What is the purpose of the visit to Portugal?
10. For how long are they intended to stay in Portugal?
11. What are the traveling dates to Portugal?
12. Will they go to another Schengen countries other than Portugal? If yes, please write to each country´s name and how many days they will stay in?
13. The relationship between the people ; father, mother,…

Format-2

Also include the ID page of the passport as attachment.

    To whom it may concern,

    I want to get an appointment from your consulate for D7 Visa application. I accept the closest appointment date.

    NAME AND SURNAME : 

    Nationality / Nacionalidade: 

    Passport Number : 

    Questions answered bellow

    1. Your Name and Surname / Seu Nome e Sobrenome:

    2. Your nationality / Sua Nacionalidade:

    3. Where do you live in Turkey or KKTC / Onde você mora na Turquia ou na KKTC?

    4. What do you do in Turkey or KKTC / O que você faz na Turquia ou na KKTC?

    5. Do you have a valid Turkish or KKTC residence permit / Você tem uma residência Turca válida?
    I have Turkish citizenship. Passport Number: <PASAPORT Number> — Turkey ID: <T.C ID number>

    5.1 If yes, what is the exact validity date of the residency? (You need to write the exact date.) / Se sim, qual é a data EXATA de validade da residência?
    Permanent.

    6. What is the purpose of your visit to Portugal? / Qual é propósito da visita a Portugal?

    7. For how long are you intended to stay in Portugal? / Por quanto tempo você vai ficar em Portugal?

    8. What are the traveling dates to Portugal? / Quais são as datas de viagem para Portugal?

    9. Will you go to another Schengen countries other than Portugal? / Irá outros Schengen países na Europa?

    9.1 If yes, please write to each country´s name and how many days you will stay in? / Se sim, por favor escreva o nome de cada país e quantos dias você vai ficar?