Portugal National Visas (Long-Term)
The Portugal National Visas are long-term visas, which lead to residency in Portugal, either temporarily or permanently (by means of a Residence Permit). The main types of Portuguese National Visas are:
- Portugal Work Visa. This type of visa is issued for non-EU nationals who have found employment with a Portuguese company. Usually, in a skilled position.
- Portugal Student Visa. This type of visa is issued if you are accepted into a Portuguese educational institution.
- Portugal Family Reunification Visa. You can apply for this type of visa if you are not an EU citizen and want to join a family member who lives in Portugal, as a citizen or resident.
- Portugal Retirement Visa. This type of visa allows you to live in Portugal as a resident, even if you do not work/study, provided you have enough funds to sustain your stay.
- Portugal passive income visa. This type of visa if issued to freelancers who want to work for a foreign employer while in Portugal.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Portugal?
In September 2021, the visa requirements for visiting Portugal depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area, which means that if you are a citizen of a country that is also a member of the Schengen Area, you generally do not need a visa to enter Portugal for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Citizens of certain countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and many countries in the European Union, are typically allowed to enter Portugal and the Schengen Area for tourism or business purposes without a visa for up to 90 days.
However, please note that visa-free entry applies to stays for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. If you plan to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days, work, study, or engage in other activities that require a long-term stay, you will likely need to apply for a visa or a residence permit.
It is essential to check the visa requirements for your specific nationality by consulting the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country or the website of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF). These sources will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements for visiting Portugal.
Please keep in mind that visa requirements can change over time, and it is always advisable to verify the latest requirements before your planned trip to Portugal.
Portugal Schengen Visa
If you want to visit Portugal for a short period of time (and you are from one of the visa-required countries) you will have to apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa. You can get a Portugal Schengen Visa for short-term visits, such as for tourism, business, family visit, etc.
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, along with 25 other European countries. These countries have established free travel within their borders and have a common visa, known as the Schengen Visa. This means that if you get a visa for any Schengen country, such as Portugal, you can travel to the other countries in the Schengen Agreement as well.
If you want to go to Portugal for a longer period of time (e.g. if you will work or study there), then you need a Portugal National Visa, not the Schengen Visa.
Portugal Visa Requirements
The specific visa requirements for Portugal depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. As visa requirements may change over time, it is important to consult the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country or the website of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements for visiting Portugal.
Here is a general overview of the visa requirements for Portugal:
- Schengen Visa: If you are a citizen of a country that is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, you will likely need to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Portugal for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes. The Schengen visa allows you to enter Portugal and travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Visa Application: To apply for a Schengen visa for Portugal, you will typically need to submit the following documents:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity that extends beyond your intended stay
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation details
- Travel medical insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Portugal
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host
- Proof of ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property ownership
- Depending on the purpose of your visit, additional documents may be required, such as an invitation letter for business visits or proof of enrollment for study purposes.
- Visa Fee: A non-refundable visa fee is usually required when submitting your application. The fee amount may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
- Application Submission: You will generally need to submit your visa application and supporting documents in person at the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country. Some countries may require you to schedule an appointment in advance.
- Visa Processing Time: The processing time for visa applications can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates. The embassy or consulate will inform you about the decision on your visa application.
It’s important to note that the above information is a general overview, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary. It is recommended to consult the official sources mentioned earlier for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Portugal visa requirements.
How to Apply for a Portugal Visa?
To apply for a Portugal visa, you will generally need to follow these steps:
- Determine the type of visa: Identify the specific type of visa that corresponds to the purpose and duration of your visit to Portugal. Common visa types include tourist visas, business visas, study visas, and work visas. Each visa type has its own requirements and application process.
- Check the requirements: Visit the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country or the website of the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) to determine the specific requirements for your visa category. Review the required documents, application forms, and any additional instructions or guidelines.
- Complete the application form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. Provide all the necessary information, ensuring it matches the details on your supporting documents. Some embassies or consulates provide online application systems, while others require physical forms to be filled out.
- Gather the required documents: Collect all the required documents as per the checklist provided by the Portuguese authorities. These may include:
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity that extends beyond your intended stay
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of travel medical insurance
- Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation details
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Portugal
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Additional documents based on the purpose of your visit (e.g., invitation letter, enrollment proof, employment-related documents, etc.)
- Schedule an appointment: Contact the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country to schedule an appointment for submitting your visa application and supporting documents. Some embassies or consulates may require appointments in advance, while others may accept walk-in applications during specific hours.
- Pay the visa fee: Pay the required visa fee at the time of application. The fee amount will depend on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. Payment methods may vary, so check with the embassy or consulate for accepted payment options.
- Submit your application: Attend your appointment at the embassy or consulate and submit your completed visa application form and supporting documents. Biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, may be collected during this process.
- Track your application: The embassy or consulate will provide you with information on how to track the status of your visa application. The processing time can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.
- Collect your visa: Once your visa application is approved, collect your passport and visa from the embassy or consulate. Verify that the details on the visa sticker are correct.
Please note that the above steps provide a general outline of the visa application process, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary. It is important to consult the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process for Portugal visas.
Where to Submit the Portugal Visa Application?
You have to submit the application for the visa at the nearest Portuguese Embassy or Consulate, or at a Visa Application Center. In certain cases, when there is no Portuguese Diplomatic Representation where you live, you will have to submit the documents at the Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country.
Portugal Visa Fees
The visa fees for Portugal can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, your nationality, and the specific requirements of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country. It is important to consult the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa fees for Portugal.
In September 2021, the following are the general visa fees for Portugal:
- Schengen Visa Fees:
- Adults: The visa fee for adults (12 years and above) is typically around €80.
- Children: The visa fee for children between 6 and 12 years of age is usually reduced, ranging from €40 to €60.
- Children under 6 years of age are generally exempt from visa fees.
- National (Long-Term) Visa Fees:
- The visa fees for national (long-term) visas can vary depending on the specific visa category and duration of stay. These fees are generally higher than Schengen visa fees.
Please note that these visa fee amounts are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the embassy or consulate, the visa category, and any additional services or optional fees.
It is recommended to check the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country or contact them directly to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa fees for Portugal. The embassy or consulate will provide you with the specific fee amount applicable to your situation and instructions on how to pay the visa fee.
How Long Is the Portugal Visa Valid?
The validity of a Portugal visa depends on the type of visa issued and the specific conditions specified on the visa sticker or in the visa approval letter. Here are some general guidelines regarding the validity of Portugal visas:
- Schengen Visa: A Schengen visa issued by Portugal allows you to enter and stay in Portugal and the entire Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The visa is typically valid for a specific duration, which may range from a few days to several months. The validity period begins from the date of issue, not from the date of entry into the Schengen Area.
- National (Long-Term) Visa: National visas for Portugal, also known as Type D visas, are issued for long-term stays exceeding 90 days. The validity of national visas can vary depending on the purpose of stay. For example, work visas or study visas may be issued for the duration of the employment contract or the study program. Family reunion visas may have a validity corresponding to the purpose of the reunion. The specific validity period will be indicated on the visa sticker or in the visa approval letter.
It is important to note that the duration of stay allowed in Portugal or the Schengen Area is separate from the validity of the visa. You must comply with the authorized duration of stay regardless of the visa’s validity. Additionally, the validity of a visa does not guarantee entry into the Schengen Area. Entry is subject to the discretion of the border control authorities.
When planning your visit to Portugal, ensure that your visa remains valid for the entire duration of your stay and that you do not overstay the authorized period. Overstaying the allowed duration or using an expired visa can result in penalties, difficulties with future travel, and even potential bans from reentering the Schengen Area.
It is important to consult the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the validity of Portugal visas. They will provide you with the specific information based on the type of visa you are applying for.
Can I Extend a Portugal Visa?
Yes, it is possible to extend a Portugal visa under certain circumstances. However, visa extensions in Portugal are granted only in exceptional cases and are subject to the discretion of the Portuguese authorities. It’s important to note that a visa extension should not be considered as a means to extend a tourist stay or prolong a visit beyond the maximum allowed duration.
Portugal Airport Transit Visa
In September 2021, Portugal does not require an airport transit visa (ATV) for travelers who are transiting through a Portuguese airport without leaving the international transit area.
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a Schengen visa to enter the Schengen Area, including Portugal, and you are transiting through a Portuguese airport to a non-Schengen destination, you generally do not need an ATV as long as you stay within the international transit area.
However, please note that if you plan to leave the transit area, enter Portugal, or stay in Portugal for a period exceeding the allowed transit time, you will need to have a valid Schengen visa or a national visa for Portugal, depending on your specific circumstances and purpose of travel.
It is important to check the latest information and requirements regarding airport transit visas for Portugal, as rules and regulations can change. I recommend consulting the official website of the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country or contacting them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding transit visa requirements for Portugal.
If you are from one of the following countries, you will need to apply for an Airport Transit Visa if you will change flights in a Portuguese airport, even if you do not leave the international transit area:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Iran
- Iraq
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Senegal
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
You should apply for an airport transit visa by submitting the following documents:
- Portugal Visa Application Form
- Your passport
- Your flight tickets
- Passport-size pictures in line with Schengen requirements
- The visa for your destination country (if a visa is required)
- Certificate of being in a regular situation when the applicant is from a different nationality than that of the country where the visa is being requested;
- Your employment certificate and salary
- Bank statements for the last three months
To be able to leave the international transit area of the airport, then you should apply for a visa to transit in Portugal if you are from one of the countries that do not have a visa-free agreement.
Quick facts about Portugal
Here are some quick facts about Portugal:
- Location: Portugal is located on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula in Southern Europe. It shares its border with Spain and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean.
- Capital City: The capital and largest city of Portugal is Lisbon. It is a vibrant cultural and historical hub known for its picturesque streets, colorful tiles, and stunning viewpoints.
- Population: As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Portugal has a population of around 10 million people.
- Language: The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. It is spoken by the majority of the population, and it is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world.
- Currency: The currency used in Portugal is the Euro (€).
- Government: Portugal is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system. The President is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government.
- Climate: Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild, rainy winters. The country also experiences a significant Atlantic influence, especially along the coast.
- Famous Landmarks: Portugal is home to many famous landmarks and attractions, including the historic district of Belém and its iconic Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, the Alfama neighborhood in Lisbon, the Douro Valley wine region, the coastal town of Cascais, and the beautiful beaches of the Algarve.
- Explorers: Portugal has a rich history of exploration and is known for its great explorers. Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Prince Henry the Navigator are some of the notable Portuguese explorers who played significant roles in the Age of Discovery.
- Cuisine: Portuguese cuisine is diverse and influenced by both Mediterranean and Atlantic flavors. Traditional dishes include bacalhau (salted cod), pastel de nata (custard tart), grilled sardines, francesinha (a hearty sandwich), and the famous Port wine from the Douro Valley.
Is Portugal visa open for Pakistan?
Anyone applying for Portugal (Schengen) Visa for Citizens of Pakistan can choose among the three given plans for selecting the processing time and visa application amount. Standard process time: this is the basic plan that has a nominal fee and the visa processing takes a considerable time.
How can I get Portugal appointment from Pakistan?
Consular Section: For information or other matters, please use the email address sconsular.islamabad@mne.pt. Please mention in your email: your name, contact number and email address. Any appointment held at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Portugal in Islamabad is always confirmed prior to the scheduled day.
Is work visa open in Portugal?
New amendments in Portuguese Immigration Plan
The new immigration measures include: Establishing a visa for limited period for the legal entry of immigrants who are seeking jobs in Portugal. Extension of the visa for 60 days if the individuals couldn’t find the right job within the country.
Does Portugal offer work visa?
A Portugal Work Visa is the most common work visa for employees working in Portugal. It is a standard residence permit that is valid for 1 year and is renewable for up to 5 years. If you have a work contract that exceeds 1 year, you will most likely apply for a Portuguese Work Visa.
Is Portugal visa difficult?
In general, obtaining a visa for Portugal is not too difficult—the country is known as the gateway to Europe for a reason. In this section, we focus on work and employment-based visas, so read on to learn about the requirements and application process. Temporary residence visas are covered further in this guide.
Can a Pakistani go to Portugal?
Visas – Consular section – Embassy of Portugal in Pakistan
If you want to travel to Portugal for: tourism; family visit; business purposes, development of business contacts, meetings or medical treatments for less than ninety (90) days – must apply for a Schengen Visa.