Portugal Visas 2024

Types of Portuguese Visas

There are two main categories of Portuguese visas: short-term and long-term. These visas have different types under them which serve different purposes depending on the length of your trip and your reason for entering Portugal. Let’s take a look at them: 

The Short-Term Portuguese Visas (Schengen Visa)

This category is also known as the Schengen visa. The Schengen Visa is a permit given by a Schengen country to transit through an airport or stay briefly in its territory. It is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement signed in the village of Schengen in Luxembourg. It lets you go to a border entry point to ask for permission to enter the Schengen country.

The Schengen visa simplifies travel for visitors who want to visit multiple European countries on the same trip without needing a visa for each country. With a Schengen visa, you can cross internal borders within the Schengen Area without being subjected to border checks.

Having a short-stay or Schengen visa does not guarantee entry into the Schengen area. It simply allows you to request entry at the border [based on Article 30 of the Visa Code, Article 5 of the Schengen Agreement, and Article 6 of the Borders Code].

The Schengen visa is for short visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be issued for various reasons such as tourism, visiting family, business, seasonal work, or transit. There are three types and they include:

1. Type A Schengen Visa or Airport Transit Visa: The type A Schengen visa allows citizens not from Schengen countries to wait for their connecting flights in the international zone of an airport located in a Schengen country. So, if you are travelling from a non-Schengen country to another non-Schengen country and your connecting flight is in an airport in Portugal, you must have this visa. Having this visa does not mean you are allowed to enter Portugal. You’re only allowed in the international zone of the Portuguese airport.
    
2. Type B Schengen Visa: The type B Schengen visa was used for journeys lasting less than five days. It was replaced by the type C Uniform Schengen visa in 2010 but has the condition “transit” indicating that you are only in transit. The Type B visa was discontinued in 2010 after the implementation of the EU Visa Code. This change was part of a broader effort to streamline visa policies within the Schengen Area.
    
3. Type C Uniform Schengen Visa: The Type C Uniform Schengen visa is the most common short-term visa in Portugal. It is issued by the visa services of a country in the Schengen area.  It allows you to stay in Portugal and other Schengen countries for a short time, usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period. 
   
   Depending on the purpose of your trip, the short-stay category C Schengen visa can be: 
   
   - A single-entry visa: This is indicated as “1” on the visa sticker and allows you to enter the Schengen area only once. If you leave the area, the visa automatically expires even if the validity period isn’t over yet. 
   - A double-entry visa: This is indicated as “2” on the visa sticker and allows you to enter the Schengen area twice during the validity period of the visa. This means you can leave the Schengen area and re-enter it during that period. When you leave the second time, your visa expires.
   - A multiple-entry visa: This is indicated as "MULT" on the visa sticker and allows you to enter and leave as many times as you wish for a maximum of 90 days over a 180-day period.
    
4. Seasonal Work Visa: The Portuguese Seasonal Work Visa is for people who wish to travel to Portugal for seasonal employment. It is specifically for seasonal jobs or industries that require increased labour at certain times of the year like:

• Agriculture, forestry, hunting, or fishing
• Hospitality
• Food, liquor, or tobacco industries
• Retail
• Construction
• Land transport

What Countries Can I Visit With a Schengen Visa?

The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border controls at their mutual borders. These countries include: 

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Czechia
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Countries

• Norway
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Switzerland

Some non-Schengen countries allow you to enter with a valid Schengen visa, such as:

• Albania
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Colombia
• Cyprus
• Georgia
• Gibraltar
• Kosovo
• North Macedonia
• Montenegro
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Serbia
• Turkey
   

Who Needs a Portuguese Schengen Visa? 

Portugal is one of the 29 countries in the Schengen Area of Europe. Because of this, most of its visitors must apply for a Schengen visa if they intend to stay up to 90 days. This, however, depends on where they’re coming from. 

Travellers That Need a Schengen Visa to Visit Portugal:

• Citizens of countries that don’t have a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

Travellers That Don’t Need a Schengen Visa to Visit Portugal: 

• Travellers who are nationals of the Schengen area and/or EU member countries.
   
• Travellers who are citizens of non-EU countries and territories that have signed visa exemption agreements with the EU. The citizens of these countries will be able to visit Portugal visa-free by applying online for travel authorisation through the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). 
   
• Travellers who have a visa from one of the member countries of the Schengen area.

How to Get a Schengen Visa in Portugal

Put in an Application 

To request a short-term Schengen visa for Portugal, you can apply online or in person. If you are applying online, use the E-Visa Portal system which allows you to submit your application and upload necessary documents electronically. If you are making an in-person application, you can apply at Portuguese embassies and consulates. If there is no Portuguese consular office in your area, you can apply at the consular office of another EU country that has jurisdiction over your region. In some countries, you can apply through external service providers that handle visa applications.

Prepare the Required Documents and Information

To apply for a Schengen visa, you must present a set of documents to support your application. You need to prepare these documents carefully to ensure your visa application process goes smoothly. Always consult the Portuguese consulate or visa application centre for any specific local requirements or updates. The documents you will need to submit include: 

• A fully completed and signed visa application form. For minors or individuals with disabilities, the form must be signed by their legal guardian.
   
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
   
• A valid passport or other travel document, valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area. Include photocopies of your passport and any previous visas.
   
• If you are not a citizen of the country from which you are applying, you need to provide evidence of your legal status in that country.
   
• A reservation for a round-trip transportation ticket.
   
• Proof of travel medical insurance covering the duration of your stay. If you are applying for a multiple-entry visa, you must also submit a signed declaration stating that you will have valid travel medical insurance for each trip.
   
• Proof of employment and salary (such as a letter from your employer), along with the last three bank statements showing sufficient funds for the duration of your stay and for the return journey.
   
• If applicable, a travel authorisation signed by both parents or legal guardians, or a court decision specifying the arrangement.
   
• Hotel reservation, or a disclaimer if not applicable. If you’re staying with a family member, provide proof of the relationship and possibly proof of accommodation conditions. If the host is not Portuguese, proof of their legal status in Portugal may be required.
   
• For business trips: An invitation letter detailing the purpose of the visit, including arrival and departure dates, the host entity, and the contact person.
   
• For event participation: Proof of event participation such as registration or entry tickets.
   
• For medical trips: Official documentation from the healthcare establishment detailing the need for medical care, and proof of financial means to cover medical expenses.
   
• If your trip involves transit through another country, provide the entry visa for that country if required.
   
• If you’re applying in a country with a harmonised table of general and specific documentation requirements for visa applications, consult this list to ensure all necessary documents are included.

At the border, or any other checkpoint, you may have to present additional documentation to prove that you meet the requirements for entering the Schengen area, Here’s the list of supplementary documentation that may be requested in Annex I of the Borders Code: 

For Business Trips

• An invitation letter from a company or organisation to attend meetings, conferences, or events related to business, industry, or professions.
   
• Proof of professional relationships with the company or organisation in the Schengen area.
   
• Access cards or entries for trade fairs and conferences, if participation is planned.

For Educational Trips:

• Enrollment form from an educational institution for professional or theoretical training as part of basic or ongoing education.
   
• Proof of student status such as student cards or certificates of course attendance.

For Tourist or Private Visits:

• An invitation from a host a document from the accommodation provider, or any other suitable document that confirms where you will stay.
   
• Confirmation of a travel package or any other document that outlines your travel plans.
   
• A return ticket or a ticket for a tour circuit indicating your planned departure from the Schengen area.

For Participation in Events:

• Invitations, tickets, or programs that show participation in political, scientific, cultural, sporting, or religious events. These should include details like the name of the hosting organisation and the length of your stay.

All documents submitted for your application must be accompanied by a certified Portuguese translation if they are in another language. Accurate certified translation services are necessary for the success of your application. 

With Translayte, you have access to certified translation services in Portugal, handled by professional Portuguese translators that are qualified and enrolled with Portuguese courts. Our services are easy to order and delivered quickly, with 100% guaranteed acceptance at the Portuguese embassy in your country and immigration authorities within Portugal.

Upload or Submit Your Application

After filling out the form and gathering your documents, submit them to the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate or, if you are applying online, submit them on the visa application system. 

Pay the Visa Fees

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may be able to pay for your visa online. If you are unable to pay online you can make your payment during your visa interview. The costs of getting Schengen visas in Portugal are as follows: 

Schedule Your Visa Interview

On the online platform, schedule a day for your interview at your Portuguese mission. You can also schedule your appointment by reaching out to the embassy, consulate or visa application centre in person or by email or phone.

Attend Your Visa Interview

Go early for your interview and take all the required documents. At your interview, you will submit the documents and your biometric information will be taken. You will be asked some questions to determine if you are fit for the visa you are applying for. After this process, you will either be granted a visa or receive a rejection.

Things to Note When Applying for a Schengen Visa in Portugal:

• You have to apply between 6 months and 15 days before your planned entry into Portugal.
   
• In urgent and justified cases, you may apply less than 15 days before your intended entry.
   
• You may need to attend an interview, which should be scheduled within two weeks of being requested. In urgent cases, the consulate might waive the interview or schedule it immediately.

The Portuguese Long-Stay (Schengen) Residency Visas 

Portugal offers different types of long-stay visas for various purposes, such as study, work, medical treatment, internships, and a unique visa for job seeking. Let’s review them. 

Temporary Stay Visas

These visas are suitable for people who plan to stay in Portugal for one year or less. They are versatile and can be issued for various reasons, including study for students enrolled in short courses or educational programs that do not exceed one year, temporary internship programs, medical treatment or work for up to one year. It is a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to leave and re-enter Portugal as needed during the visa validity period. These visas allow you to engage in activities that do not necessarily lead to permanent residency. A temporary stay visa in Portugal costs €75. The visas under this category include: 

• Work Visa: For individuals who have a job offer from a Portuguese employer for a short-term contract or seasonal work. It is valid for up to one year and is renewable as long as the work conditions remain the same.
   
• Entrepreneur Visa: For entrepreneurs who intend to establish a startup or an investment in Portugal, which is expected to be of economic, social, scientific, technological, or cultural relevance. It is valid for one year and renewable for two more years if the business activity continues.
   
• Study Visa: For students enrolled in educational institutions in Portugal for courses lasting longer than three months but not exceeding one year. It is valid for the duration of the academic course, up to one year, renewable if the course continues.
   
• Professional Training Visa: For attending professional training, internships, or volunteer programs in Portugal. It is valid for the duration of the training or internship program, up to one year.
   
• Scientific Research Visa: For researchers or faculty invited by Portuguese research institutions to engage in research activities. It can be issued for up to one year and is renewable depending on the length of the research project.
   
• Health and Medical Treatment Visa: For long-term medical treatment in Portuguese medical facilities. It is valid for the duration of the treatment, up to one year, with possibilities for extension depending on medical advice.
   
• Amateur Sports Activity Visa: For amateurs who are invited by Portuguese sports clubs to train and participate in sports activities. It is valid for up to one year, reflecting the sports season or duration of the training program.
   
• Cultural or Volunteer Visa: For participating in cultural activities or volunteer projects that do not qualify for short-stay visas. It is valid for the length of the project or activity, up to one year.
   
• Religious Visa: For members of religious orders or congregations attending religious activities or assignments in Portugal. The religious visa is issued for up to one year, with renewals possible if the religious activity continues.
   
• The Digital Nomad Visa: The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers and digital nomads who wish to live in Portugal while continuing to work for companies or clients that are based outside of Portugal. You must prove that you have a stable and sufficient income from remote work, at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage (around €2,820 per month). It is valid for one year and renewable as long as the conditions for eligibility are maintained.
   
• The Golden Visa: The Golden Visa in Portugal is a residence permit program designed to attract foreign investment into the country.
   

Residency Visas

Residency visas are designed for those who intend to stay for longer periods and potentially settle in Portugal. They are the first step towards getting a residency permit. It is valid for four months with two entries allowed. During these four months, you must apply for a residency permit with the Portuguese Immigration and Border Services (SEF). It can be issued to you for different long-term reasons like long-term study programs, family reunification, or permanent employment. Let’s review some Portuguese residency visas. 

• The Self-Support Visa: It is also known as the D7 Visa and is designed for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who wish to reside in Portugal and have a reasonable passive income. This visa is particularly popular among retirees, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who can demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves without needing to work in Portugal.
   
• The Family Reunification Visa: It is also known as the D6 Visa. It allows family members of legal residents or Portuguese citizens to join them in Portugal. This visa aims to keep families together when one or more members are living in Portugal under a valid residency permit. The main applicant must hold a valid Portuguese residency permit. Eligible family members include spouses or legal partners, minor children, dependent children under 26 (if they are students and unmarried), parents (if dependent), and minor siblings under the guardianship of the resident. After holding this visa for five years, you can then apply for permanent residency in Portugal. 
   
• The Golden Visa: The golden visa program is a residency-by-investment scheme that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens to get a residency permit in Portugal through different kinds of investments. It was launched in 2012 to attract foreign investment and has since been very popular among investors because of its benefits and the relatively straightforward pathway it offers to get residency in Portugal. It offers several investment options, including:
  
  
  • Low minimum investments of just €500,000.
  • Right to live, work and study in Portugal.
  • Visa-free travel in the EU Schengen zone.
  • The minimum stay requirement of just 14 days every two years.
  • No tax on worldwide income.
  • No interview or language test is required.
  • Non-Habitual Tax Residency (NHR) is available.
  • Pathway to permanent residency after five years and citizenship after six years if all conditions have been met.

The Job Seeker Visa

This is a new category of Portuguese visas. It is for people who wish to move to Portugal to find employment. It does not permit you to work but it allows you to stay in Portugal to look for a job. The specific duration isn't outlined, but it is understood that the visa is valid long enough to allow for job searching and can be converted into a work permit or residency permit after you have secured employment. 

What Documents Will I Need for a Portuguese Long-Stay Visa?

The documents for a long-stay visa in Portugal vary depending on which visa you are getting. Here is a list of the documents that apply to all applicants. Make sure to check the document list on the Portuguese Foreign Affairs website to confirm the documents that apply to your specific visa. 

• A filled and signed national visa application (A legal guardian should sign for minors and the incapacitated).
   
• 2 recent passport photos in good condition.
   
• International passport or other travel document, valid for 3 months after the estimated date of return and a photocopy of passport data page.
   
• Proof of regular status, if you are not from the country where you are applying for a visa from, valid for more than the date of expiry of the visa you are applying for. 
   
• Valid travel insurance, covering necessary medical expenses, including urgent medical assistance and possible repatriation.
   
• Criminal record certificate, issued by the competent authority of the country where you have lived for over a year (except for applicants under sixteen), with the Hague Apostille (If applicable) or legalised.
   
• Proof of funds. 
   
• When minors are travelling alone or are travelling with someone else, a travel authorisation of one or both parents is required, or a court order as well as a copy of the parent’s identity card.

 Remember to translate every foreign document that is not in Portuguese with a certified translation service to avoid your application being rejected.

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