Non-EU/EFTA citizens planning to visit Portugal will need a visa (travel permit) unless their country has a treaty. By August 2023, 61 nations, including Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US, will allow visa-free short visits. For stays beyond three months, a long-term national visa and a Portuguese residence permit are required.
Portuguese visa categories
Portugal offers three different categories of visas:
Schengen permits for short stays
For visits up to 90 days, a Short Stay permit, also known as a Schengen permit, is mandatory. EU/EFTA nationals and citizens of the 61 visa-free countries are exempted. This visa allows travel within the Schengen region for purposes like tourism, family visits, airport transit, and brief travel. Portuguese Schengen visas encompass various types, such as transit visas, general short-stay visas, and visas for seasonal employment.
National visas for temporary stays
To stay in Portugal for over 90 days, you need a Temporary Stay permit, granting a one-year duration. Within that period, you have the flexibility to enter the country as desired. This permit is not required for EU/EFTA citizens or their family members. For stays exceeding 90 days in Portugal, a Temporary Stay Visa is required, even for nationals of visa-free travel countries. There are many different sorts of temporary stay visas, including those for short-term employment, education, professional training or internships, medical treatment, youth mobility, self-support, and religious reasons.
Long-term visas for citizens (residency visas)
Long-term stays are permitted with a Long Stay National permit, often known as a Residency visa. Non-EU/EFTA individuals, despite visa-free travel agreements, must still apply for this permit to stay in Portugal for over a year. A resident permit application with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) precedes this permit request. You will need to provide evidence that you can sustain yourself financially throughout your stay. Long-stay national visas come in a variety of forms, including employment, study, professional training or internship, family reunion, Portugal Golden, Portugal D7, and D2 Entrepreneur visas.
How to get a Portugal visa
Here is information on how to get a visa for Portugal:
Choose a visa category
Decide which permit category best fits your trip needs, such as tourist, business, job, or education.
Determine eligibility
Review the prerequisites listed by the Portuguese government for the selected visa category. Ensure that each requirement is satisfied.
Gather paperwork
Gather all necessary paperwork. This could comprise:
- A current that is still valid after the expiration of the visa.
- Filled out the visa application.
- Fresh passport-size pictures.
- Flight schedule showing your intended route.
- Evidence of accommodations made in Portugal.
- Travel insurance that is valid and covers your stay.
- Evidence of your ability to support yourself financially throughout your vacation.
Additional papers will be required by your visa category, such as a letter of employment, proof of enrolment for students, or a business invitation for entrepreneurs.
Schedule an appointment
Visit the official website of the Portuguese consulate or embassy where you want to submit your permit application. Pay attention to the appointment scheduling guidelines since many diplomatic embassies want advanced notice.
Show up for the appointment
Attend your appointment at the consulate or embassy on time. For certain permit categories, be ready for a potential interview.
Remit the visa fee
Pay the requisite application cost for a visa. Please be aware that this charge varies based on the kind of permit and is normally non-refundable. For the precise amount and approved payment options, see the official website.
Get your visa
Application processing times for visas might vary. Hence, to allow for any unanticipated delays, it is suggested to apply well in advance of your anticipated departure date. You’ll be informed when your visa application is accepted. To get your travel permit, adhere to the guidelines provided by the consulate or embassy. For the distribution of visas, several nations could provide a postal service.
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