How to Apply for a Visa to Portugal
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, meaning most short-term stays (up to 90 days) use the Schengen visa system. If you’re planning to study, work, retire, or live in Portugal long-term, you’ll need a National (Type D) visa and a residence permit after you arrive.
This guide explains who needs a visa, the main visa types, and the step-by-step process.
1. Do You Need a Visa?
- Visa-free entry:
Citizens of the EU/EEA, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and many others can enter Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism, family visits, or short business. - Visa required:
Nationals of countries such as India, China, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Nigeria, and most of Africa and Asia must apply for a Schengen visa before travelling. - Long-term stays:
Even visa-exempt travellers need a National (D) visa for stays longer than 90 days (study, work, retirement, residence).
✅ Check the official Portuguese government visa portal: https://vistos.mne.gov.pt
2. Main Visa Types
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) | Tourism, business, family visits | Up to 90 days in a 180-day period |
| National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) | Work, study, residence | More than 90 days, usually 1 year renewable |
| Student Visa | University or long-term studies | Duration of course |
| Work Visa | Employment with Portuguese company | 1–2 years renewable |
| Golden Visa / Investor Residence Permit | Significant investment in Portugal | 1–2 years renewable |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote work with foreign income | Up to 1 year (temporary stay) or 5 years (residence) |
| Retirement/Passive Income Visa | Living in Portugal without work | 1 year renewable |
3. Applying for a Schengen Visa (Tourism/Short Visits)
Step 1 — Determine Where to Apply
- Apply through the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate or an authorised visa centre (e.g., VFS Global) in your country of residence.
- If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply where you’ll spend the most time or, if equal, where you’ll enter first.
Step 2 — Book an Appointment
- Check your local consulate or VFS website.
- Book at least 4–6 weeks in advance (peak times can be busy).
Step 3 — Prepare Required Documents
Commonly required:
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Passport valid 3 months beyond your return date and issued within last 10 years
- Two recent biometric photos (35×45 mm)
- Travel itinerary (flights & accommodation)
- Travel insurance covering at least €30,000 across all Schengen states
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips)
- Visa fee (currently €80 adults; €40 children 6–12)
💡 If staying with friends or family, you may need an invitation letter or proof of sponsorship.
Step 4 — Submit Application & Biometrics
- Attend your appointment in person.
- Provide fingerprints and digital photo (stored for 5 years in the Schengen VIS system).
Step 5 — Pay the Visa Fee
- €80 for adults, €40 for children (under 6 free).
- VFS or other centres may charge a service fee.
Step 6 — Wait for Processing
- Standard time: 15 calendar days, but up to 45 days in busy seasons or if extra documents are needed.
Step 7 — Collect Your Visa
- Check validity dates, number of entries (single/multiple), and permitted stay.
4. Applying for a Long-Stay (National Type D) Visa
If you’re planning to live, study, or work in Portugal:
- Secure Authorization First (if required)
- Work: Your employer must request a work authorization from Portuguese authorities.
- Study: Provide acceptance letter from your school/university, proof of funds, and accommodation.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Show proof of remote income (currently €3,280/month minimum).
- Retirement/Passive Income: Show proof of stable passive income (pensions, investments).
- Apply at Your Local Consulate
- Complete the D visa form and submit all supporting documents (bank statements, criminal record certificate, insurance).
- Some categories (e.g., Golden Visa) require investment proof and legalised documents.
- After Arrival in Portugal
- Book an appointment with SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) to apply for a residence permit within 120 days of arrival.
5. Visa Fees (2025)
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Schengen short-stay (C) | €80 adults / €40 children 6–12 |
| Long-stay (D) | ~€90–€120 (varies by category & nationality) |
| Transit visa | €80 |
Fees are non-refundable even if your visa is denied.
6. Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply early: You can submit up to 6 months before travel (minimum 3 weeks recommended).
- Travel insurance is mandatory: Must cover €30,000 for the Schengen zone.
- Documents must be clear & translated: Non-Portuguese/English papers often need certified translation/legalisation.
- Show ties to your home country: Job, property, or family proof helps for short-stay visas.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Portugal’s requirements include remote income of ~€3,280/month; start preparing bank and tax documents early.
- Golden Visa: Requires a minimum €500,000 real estate investment or €250,000 cultural investment (rules may change — check updates).
Quick Pre-Travel Checklist
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond return, with 2 blank pages
- Completed visa application & biometric photos
- Flight & accommodation bookings
- Travel insurance €30,000 minimum
- Proof of funds & employment/study documents
- Criminal record certificate (for long-stay visas)
- Appointment booked early with consulate/SEF