Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms, Filling and Process in 2024 for Portugal


Portugal Flag


Portugal welcome total 105 countries visa free or visa on arrival and about 24.6 million tourist visit every year.

Embassy of Portugal

Apply Visa for Portugal

Embarking on a journey to Portugal, whether for the sun-kissed beaches of the Algarve, the historic streets of Lisbon, or the vineyards of the Douro Valley, begins with the essential step of obtaining a visa. The Portugal Visa Application Form Guide is designed to simplify this process for travellers.

This guide provides detailed instructions and invaluable tips on accurately completing the visa application form, understanding the various types of visas available, and gathering the required paperwork to guarantee an effortless application process. We aim to provide a comprehensive resource that will help you quickly navigate the complexities of the visa application, making your travel preparations as straightforward as possible.

Portugal Visa Application Form Guide

Portugal visa quick overview

Types of Portugal Visa

Eligibility Criteria for Portugal visa

For Schengen (Short-Stay) Visas:

For National (Long-Stay) Visas:

Additional Requirements:

What are the required documents for a Portugal Visa?

Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types

Need for a Portugal Visa

Visa-Free Countries

Visa-Required Countries

Long Stay Visas

Schengen Visa

Some of the major benefits of a Portugal visa

How do I apply for a Portugal E-visa?

Portugal Visa Fee Details:

Processing of a Portugal Visa

Validity of Portugal Visa

Simplified Portugal Visa Application Form Guide

Starting Your Visa Application

Quick Questionnaire Overview

If You're Staying Longer Than 3 Months

Filling Out the Visa Form: Tips & Rules

Personal Information You'll Provide

More About Your Travel

Invitations and Sponsorship

Purpose of Your Visit and Travel Plans

Document Uploads and Appointment Scheduling

How do I extend my Portugal Visa?

Short-Stay Visa (Tourist or Business):

Long-Stay Visa (Work Visa, Residence Permit):

Work Culture in Portugal

Portugal visa quick overview

Portugal's e-Visa is a digital visa for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) in Portugal and the Schengen Area. It is designed for tourists, business visitors, short-term students, or transit passengers from countries requiring a visa. The application process is completed online, including form submission, document upload, and fee payment. Once approved, the e-visa is sent electronically, streamlining entry into Portugal.

This modern approach facilitates easier access for international visitors, ensuring a smoother travel preparation. For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and policies, always refer to official sources.

Types of Portugal Visa

Portugal offers various types of visas to accommodate the different reasons individuals may wish to enter the country, each designed for specific durations and purposes of stay. Here is a summary of the main kinds of Portugal visas:

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)

These visas enable you to reside in Portugal for up to 90 days. They are valid for multiple entries within 6 months.

  • Tourist Visa: For those visiting Portugal for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting friends and family.
  • Business Visa: For individuals intending to engage in business-related activities.
  • Transit Visa: This is for travellers passing through Portugal to reach another destination.
  • Cultural/Sports Visa: For cultural, sports, or religious event participants.

2. National Visas (Long-Stay Visas)

These visas enable you to reside in Portugal for more than one year. They are for people who intend to reside in Portugal permanently.

  • Work Visa: This is for individuals who have obtained a job in Portugal.
  • Student Visa: For students admitted to a Portuguese educational institution.
  • Family Reunification Visa: This is for family members of Portuguese residents or citizens wishing to live in Portugal.
  • Golden Visa (Residence Visa for Investors): This visa is for non-EU/EEA citizens making a significant investment in Portugal, such as a real estate purchase or capital transfer.

3. Temporary Stay Visa

This visa is suitable for stays longer than three months but shorter than one year, catering to specific temporary purposes like medical treatment, scientific research, or seasonal work.

4. Visa for Medical Treatment

This is for individuals seeking medical treatment in Portuguese hospitals or clinics.

5. Visa for Retirement or Religious Purposes

This is for retirees or religious personnel planning to stay in Portugal for extended periods.

Eligibility Criteria for Portugal visa

Your application type will determine the eligibility requirements for a Portugal visa, however most categories have the same general requirements. Here's an overview of the key eligibility criteria for obtaining a visa to Portugal:

For Schengen (Short-Stay) Visas:

  • Visit Purpose: Clearly indicate why you are there, be it for business, tourism, family time, education, or any other temporary objectives.
  • Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave the Schengen area and have at least two blank pages.
  • Proof of Sufficient Funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. This can be through bank statements, a letter of sponsorship, or similar financial evidence.
  • Travel Insurance: You must obtain travel health insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000 within the Schengen area.
  • Accommodation Proof: Documentation, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host, attesting to your intended lodging during your stay.
  • Return Ticket: Proof of a return ticket or onward travel.

For National (Long-Stay) Visas:

  • Employment or Study: For work or study visas, proof of employment offer or admission to a Portuguese educational institution is required.
  • Family Reunification: Evidence of family ties with a resident or citizen of Portugal if applying for family reunification.
  • Investment: For the Golden Visa, you need proof of the required investment in Portugal, such as property purchase documents or investment certificates.
  • Clear Criminal Record: Applicants must generally have a clear criminal record in their home country and any country they have lived in for the past year.
  • Health Assessment: Some long-stay visas may require a medical certificate to prove you are free from diseases threatening public health.

Additional Requirements:

  • Application Form: Application form that has been signed and completed.
  • Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs that meet the visa photo requirements.
  • Biometric Information: Fingerprints and photographs may be required for the application process.

What are the required documents for a Portugal Visa?

When applying for a Portugal visa, the required documents can vary depending on the visa type (e.g., tourist, business, student, work) and the applicant's circumstances. However, there are standard documents that are generally required for most Portugal visa applications:

1. Visa Application Form

  • Fully completed and signed application form specific to the visa type.

2. Passport

  • Valid for at least three months beyond the return date, with at least two blank pages.

3. Passport-Sized Photos

  • Two recent photos that comply with visa requirements.

4. Proof of Travel Insurance

  • Coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation of at least €30,000 within the Schengen Area.

5. Itinerary

  • Round-trip flight booking showing dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit from Portugal or the Schengen area.

6. Proof of Accommodation

  • Hotel reservations, rental agreements, or a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal.

7. Financial Means

  • Bank statements for the last three months, a letter of sponsorship, or other proof of financial means to cover your stay.

8. Employment Status

  • For employed persons: a letter from the employer, pay slips, or proof of business ownership.
  • For students: proof of enrollment and a letter from the educational institution.
  • For retirees: proof of pension or other retirement income.

9. Purpose of Visit

  • Documentation supporting the reason for your visit, such as an invitation letter for business, a conference registration for cultural/sports events, or an enrollment confirmation for education.

10. For Minors

  • Birth certificate, consent letter from both parents and copies of parents' passports or ID.

Additional Documents for Specific Visa Types

  • Work Visa: Employment contract, proof of qualifications, and work permit (if applicable).
  • Student Visa: Admission letter from a Portuguese school and evidence that you have enough money to pay for your stay.
  • Family Reunification Visa: Proof of family relationships, such as marriage or birth certificates, and evidence of the family member's residence status in Portugal.

Need for a Portugal Visa

Several factors determine whether you need a visa to enter Portugal, such as your nationality, the reason for your visit, and the length of your stay. Portugal is a member of the Schengen Area, a consortium of 26 European nations that have done away with passport requirements and other forms of border control at their shared borders.

Visa-Free Countries

There is no visa requirement for entry into Portugal for nationals of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. They can enter, live, work, and study in Portugal with their national ID card or passport.

Citizens of several non-EU countries are exempt from needing a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, or family visits. This list includes, but is not limited to, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and Argentina. For the most current list of visa-exempt countries, you must check the Portuguese immigration website or the embassy/consulate website.

Visa-Required Countries

If you are not from a visa-exempt country or plan to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa appropriate to the purpose and duration of your stay. This could include visas for tourism, business, family visits, study, work, or other reasons.

Long Stay Visas

For stays longer than 90 days, regardless of nationality (except EU/EEA/Swiss citizens), you will need to apply for a national visa (long-stay visa) that corresponds to the reason for your stay, such as a student visa, work visa, or family reunification visa.

Schengen Visa

Applying for a Schengen visa will allow you to travel within the Schengen Area, which includes Portugal, for up to 90 days in a 180-day period if you need a visa for short visits.

Some of the major benefits of a Portugal visa

Holding a Portugal visa offers several benefits, key among them being:

  • Schengen Area Access: Enables travel across 26 Schengen countries with a single visa, simplifying European travel.
  • Cultural and Touristic Exploration: Allows exploration of Portugal's rich culture, history, and natural beauty.
  • Business Opportunities: Facilitates business activities, meetings, and networking across Portugal and the Schengen zone.
  • Educational Advantages: Grants access to high-quality education and international academic environments in Portugal.
  • Work and Residency Pathways: Offers paths to residency and potentially citizenship, mainly through work or investment visas.
  • Freedom of Movement: Provides the freedom to explore multiple European destinations easily.
  • Access to Healthcare: Long-term visas offer access to Portugal's healthcare system and social services.
  • Investment Opportunities: The Golden Visa program offers residency and potential citizenship through investment, appealing to those looking to invest in Portugal's economy.

How do I apply for a Portugal E-visa?

Applying for a Portugal eVisa involves several essential steps, whether submitting your application through a Portuguese diplomatic mission or utilising the eVisa option, if available. Here's a concise guide on how to navigate the process:

Check Eligibility:

You can determine if your country is part of the e-Visa program by visiting Portugal's official immigration or embassy website.

Gather the Required Information and Documents:

Prepare necessary documents, including a valid passport, a recent photograph, a travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and proof of financial means.

  • Access the Online Application Platform:

Visit the Portugal visa application website or portal the Portuguese government provides or the external service provider managing visa applications.

  • Fill Out the Application Form:

Complete the e-Visa application form online, providing all requested details accurately. This typically includes personal information, passport details, travel plans, and the purpose of your visit.

  • Upload Required Documents:

Digitally upload the required documents in the specified format and resolution as instructed on the application portal.

  • Pay the Visa Fee:

Submit the visa application fee online using the payment methods available on the portal. The cost varies based on the nationality and type of visa.

  • Submit Your Application:

Review your application and submitted documents for accuracy, then submit your application.

  • Wait for Processing:

Processing time can vary. You are able to monitor the status of your application through the online portal or via email notifications.

  • Receive Your E-Visa:

Once approved, you'll receive your e-visa via email. Print it out or keep a digital copy on your mobile device, as you may need to present it upon arrival in Portugal.

Portugal Visa Fee Details:

The fee for a Portugal eVisa can change depending on various factors, such as the visa category, the applicant's nationality, how many times you plan to enter the country and the urgency of the application process. To get accurate information about the fee for your specific eVisa requirements, it's best to visit the Portugal visa fee webpage.

You'll encounter a detailed fee chart or a dynamic fee calculator on this page. Both tools are designed to help you quickly figure out the exact cost of your eVisa by simply entering details tailored to your application, like the type of visa you're applying for and your preference for processing speed.

Processing of a Portugal Visa

The duration it takes to process your Portugal eVisa application varies based on the processing time you select when submitting your application. Typically, the processing time for a visa application can take up to weeks. Below are the processing time options available for Portugal eVisa applications:

  • Standard Processing: This option does not require an additional fee.
  • Urgent Processing: Choosing this option may incur an additional fee.
  • Super Urgent Processing: This expedited service will charge an extra fee.

Please note that these processing times are indicative, and actual processing may vary depending on several factors. It's best to submit your application early to accommodate any potential delays.

Validity of Portugal Visa

The validity of a Portugal visa depends on the type of visa you apply for. Here's a quick rundown:

  • Tourist visa: A Portugal tourist visa validates 90 days within 180 days (6 months). This is a Schengen visa, allowing you to travel freely within the Schengen Area during this period.
  • Business visa: Similar to a tourist visa, a business visa is also valid for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.

If you plan to stay in Portugal longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa, such as a work or residence visa. These visas typically have a more extended validity period and may allow you to stay for several years.

Simplified Portugal Visa Application Form Guide

Starting Your Visa Application

Before you begin, we'll use a simple questionnaire to determine what kind of visa you need and the documents you must gather. If you find out, you need a visa. You can go ahead with the application!

Quick Questionnaire Overview

  • Your Nationality - Where are you from?
  • Your Country of Residence - Where do you currently live?
  • Type of Passport - Do you have an ordinary, biometric, diplomatic, service, special passport, or another type?
  • Length of Stay - What is the duration of your stay? More than 90 days?
  • Settling in Portugal - Are you moving to Portugal to live with an EU family member?
  • Duration of Stay - Is it from 90 days up to 1 year, or more than 1 year?
  • Purpose of Visit - Are you visiting to study, work, receive medical treatment, volunteer, or something else?

If You're Staying Longer Than 3 Months

For stays extending 3 months, due to specific reasons like study or volunteer work, you'll need:

  • A current travel document or passport (valid for 3 more months beyond your stay)
  • Two recent identical passport photos
  • Return ticket
  • Proof of legal residence (if applicable)
  • Valid travel insurance (medical emergencies and repatriation)
  • Permission for Portuguese authorities to access your criminal record
  • Criminal record from your home/residence country (if over 16 years old)
  • Proof of financial means or a sponsor in Portugal
Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms

Filling Out the Visa Form: Tips & Rules

  • Complete the form based on your travel document info.
  • Fields marked with * and in blue are mandatory.
  • Use “+” if you can't fill a mandatory field and “0” for numbers.
  • Birthdates should be filled in the format yyyy/mm/dd.
  • Avoid special characters and use the TAB key to move between fields.

Personal Information You'll Provide

  • Email and Consular Post - Where you're applying.
  • Your Name and Birth Details - Including any surname changes.
  • Nationality and Marital Status - Current and original nationality, whether you're single, married, etc.
  • For Minors - Details of the parent or legal guardian.
Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms

More About Your Travel

  • Passport Details - Type, number, issue and expiry dates.
  • EU Family Member Details - If applicable, their name, birth date, nationality, and your relationship.
  • Residency Return Permission - If you're living outside your home country.
  • Your Occupation - What you do for a living.
Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms
Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms
Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms

Invitations and Sponsorship

  • Information on the individual/company inviting you.
  • Coverage of travel expenses and subsistence during the stay by either applicant or sponsor.
Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms

Purpose of Your Visit and Travel Plans

  • Reason for Travel - Education, work, medical, etc.
  • Member State of Destination - Where you're heading in the EU.
  • Entry Point - Where you'll first arrive or transit through the EU.
Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms

Document Uploads and Appointment Scheduling

  • Documents Needed - Upload your passport photo and other required documents in the specified formats and sizes.
    Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms
  • Set Up Your Appointment: Decide on a time and day that are convenient for you.
    Guide for Requirements to Lodge Application Forms

By simplifying the process and breaking it down into manageable sections, this guide aims to make the visa application process as straightforward as possible. Double-check your data prior to submitting to guarantee an easy application experience!

How do I extend my Portugal Visa?

Extending your Portugal visa depends on the type of visa you currently hold:

Short-Stay Visa (Tourist or Business):

  • Generally, extensions for short-stay visas are not possible within Portugal. However, there might be exceptions for unforeseen circumstances.
  • Here's what to do:
  • Contact the SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service) to inquire about your situation. You can find their contact details on the Portuguese Consulate website. Use a search engine to find the consulate website for your location.

Long-Stay Visa (Work Visa, Residence Permit):

  • The extension process for long-stay visas depends on your specific visa type.

Here's what to do:

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure your reason for extending (like medical emergencies or legal needs) is recognised by Portuguese immigration law.
  • Prepare Documentation: Collect needed documents, including your passport, current visa, financial proof, a reason letter, and any relevant supporting documents.
  • Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the visa extension form accurately.
  • Book an Appointment: Schedule a meeting at the nearest SEF office before your visa expires.
  • Attend Your Appointment: Bring all documents and be prepared to discuss your extension.
  • Pay the Fee: Confirm the fee amount and payment method through SEF or their website.
  • Await Decision: Stay in touch with SEF for updates after application submission.

Work Culture in Portugal

Working in Portugal combines professional growth with a high quality of life, making it an appealing destination for expatriates:

Employment Market

Portugal's economy is vibrant in technology, tourism, and renewable energy sectors. The country's focus on digital innovation and sustainability has broadened job opportunities, especially in tech startups.

Finding a Job

Job seekers often use online portals, recruitment agencies, and networking. LinkedIn and EURES are vital resources, and local job fairs and professional networks can be highly beneficial.

Work Culture

Portugal prioritises work-life balance with a 40-hour workweek and at least 22 vacation days annually. The business environment values personal interaction, teamwork, and formality in communications.

Visas and Work Permits

Non-EU/EEA nationals require a work visa and residence permit obtained through a job offer and subsequent application by the employer.

Salaries and Taxes

While wages may be lower than in other Western European countries, living costs are also more affordable. Income taxes are progressive, and understanding your tax obligations is crucial.

Social Security and Benefits

Contributions to Social Security grant access to healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits. Portugal offers a robust healthcare system and statutory benefits like parental and sick leave.

Living in Portugal

Known for its mild climate, rich culture, and friendly people, Portugal offers an excellent quality of life with reasonable living costs.