Portugal Visa Types: Which Visa is Right for You?
This blog will delve into the various categories of visas available for individuals seeking entry into Portugal.
Do You need a Portuguese Visa to Visit Portugal?
Whether or not you need a visa to visit Portugal depends on your nationality. Portugal has special arrangements with 62 countries and territories, including the UK, the USA, and many Schengen countries, allowing their citizens to visit Portugal for up to 90 days without requiring a visa.
However, if you plan to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, regardless of your nationality, you will need to obtain a national visa.
There is one exception: EU citizens can establish their long-term residence in Portugal simply by registering their address in the country, eliminating the need for a visa.
Portugal Visa Types
Non-EU/EFTA Nationals
Individuals who are not citizens of the EU/EFTA are required to obtain a visa if they intend to stay in Portugal for less than three months. Nevertheless, Portugal has established diplomatic accords with 61 countries, making it relatively simple to travel to the country. In case your home nation is one of those countries, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, or Canada, then a visa will not be necessary for short-term visits. However, if you are planning on staying in the country for more than three months, it is mandatory to obtain a long-term visa before traveling to Portugal.
EU/EFTA Nationals
As an EU/EFTA citizen, there is no requirement for you to obtain a visa to gain entry into Portugal. You are permitted to remain within the country for a period of three months, which amounts to 90 days in a 180-day duration. This allows for activities such as tourism, familial visits, employment, and other related pursuits. Moreover, individuals who are family members of EU/EFTA nationals are also entitled to travel visa-free for up to 90 days. If you desire to extend your stay beyond the allotted time, you will need to apply for a registration certificate. After a span of five years, it is possible to acquire permanent residency in Portugal.
List of Countries with Visa-Free Entry to Portugal
- Albania,
- Andorra,
- Antigua and Barbuda,
- Argentina,
- Australia,
- Bahamas,
- Barbados,
- Bosnia and Herzegovina,
- Brazil,
- Brunei Darussalam,
- Canada,
- Chile,
- Colombia,
- Costa Rica,
- Dominica,
- El Salvador,
- Georgia,
- Grenada,
- Guatemala,
- Holy See,
- Honduras,
- Hong Kong,
- Israel,
- Macao,
- Malaysia,
- Marshall Islands,
- Mauritius,
- Japan,
- Kiribati,
- Mexico,
- Micronesia,
- Moldova,
- Monaco,
- Montenegro,
- New Zealand,
- Nicaragua,
- North Macedonia,
- Palau,
- Panama,
- Paraguay,
- Peru,
- Samoa,
- San Marino,
- Seychelles,
- Singapore,
- Solomon Islands,
- South Korea,
- St Kitts and Nevis,
- St Lucia,
- St Vincent and the Grenadines,
- Taiwan,
- Timor-Leste,
- Tonga,
- Trinidad, and Tobago,
- Tuvalu,
- Ukraine,
- United Arab Emirates,
- United Kingdom,
- United States of America,
- Uruguay,
- Venezuela
Types of Portuguese Visas
There are three main types of Portuguese Visas:
- Short Stay visas,
- Temporary Stay National visas and
- Long Stay National Visas.
Let’s discuss each classification of visas available for entry into Portugal.
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The C- type Short Stay Visas
The Short Stay visa, also referred to as the C- type Schengen visa, is applicable for trips lasting up to 90 days. EU/EFTA nationals and individuals from 61 countries with visa-free travel agreements do not require this visa to enter Portugal for a duration of less than 90 days. This type of visa is designed for temporary visits such as tourism, visiting relatives, airport transit, and other comparable purposes, and it allows visa holders to travel through the Schengen area. The Portuguese Schengen visas are classified into three Portugal visa types
General Short Stay visa, Seasonal Work visa, and Airport Transit visa.
Portugal issues C-type visas as part of the Schengen Visa system for short-term stays (up to 90 days) in Portugal and other Schengen Area countries. These visas are categorized based on the purpose of travel, such as tourism, business, medical treatment, sports, cultural events, etc. The most common Portugal visa types of C-type visas issued by Portugal include:
- Schengen Visa for Tourism: Issued to individuals who are visiting Portugal for tourism or leisure purposes.
- Schengen Visa for Business: Issued to individuals who are traveling to Portugal for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts.
- Schengen Visa for Medical Treatment: Issued to individuals who are traveling to Portugal for medical treatment or consultation.
- Schengen Visa for Study: Issued to individuals who are traveling to Portugal to attend short-term courses, seminars, or workshops.
- Schengen Visa for Sports or Cultural Events: Issued to individuals who are traveling to Portugal to participate in sports or cultural events.
Typically, the cost of a Schengen short stay visa is €80, while children aged 6 to 12 years pay €40. Individuals from countries like Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Georgia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine are charged a reduced rate of €35. Additionally, children under the age of six are exempt from the visa fee.
The law that applies to the short stay visa is the Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019.
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The E- type Temporary Stay National Visas
The E Type Short Stay is a type of Portuguese visa that allows entry and stay in Portugal for less than a year. It is also known as a Temporary Stay National visa, and it is valid during the entire stay and allows for multiple entries.
Eligibility Criteria for Portugal Temporary Stay Visas
Temporary stay visas in Portugal are meant for individuals who plan to stay in the country for more than three months but less than a year. This type of visa can be suitable for various purposes, such as exchange students and seasonal workers.
The reasons for obtaining a Portugal temporary stay visa include work and research, studying, internships, and youth mobility, seeking medical treatment, engaging in religious activities, accommodating digital nomads and retirees, and reuniting with close relatives of someone holding a temporary stay visa for other reasons.
Notably, holders of temporary stay visas do not need to obtain a residence card. Their visa remains valid throughout their stay and allows them to enter Portugal multiple times.
To apply for a temporary stay visa, applicants need to provide documentation relevant to their specific purpose, such as a work contract, a medical report, or an invitation from a university for an exchange program.
This type of visa is granted for different purposes, such as study, internship, work, religious purposes, medical treatment, among others.
EU/EFTA nationals don’t need this visa, neither do their family members. However, even if you come from a country that has a visa-free travel agreement, you must still obtain a Temporary Stay visa to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days.
The law that regulates Temporary Stay National Visas in Portugal is Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July 2007. This law establishes the rules and procedures for the issuance of temporary residence permits for individuals who wish to stay in Portugal for longer than 90 days. It also outlines the conditions that must be met for the issuance of temporary stay visas, such as the purpose of the stay, financial means, health insurance, and accommodation arrangements.
The E- type short stay visa has various categories, which can be broadly classified into the following types;
E1: Medical Treatment
E2: Transfer of workers to the WTO
E3: Independent work purpose (less than 6 months)
E4: Scientific research, academic teaching, and highly qualified activity purpose (for less than
E5: Amatuer sports purpose
E6: study, study exchange, unpaid professional internship, voluntary service and international
E7: To accompany patient in medical treatment
E8: SEASONAL work permit
E9: Professional training
ER: Professional activity done remotely “digital nomad”
EF: Accompanying family member holding temporary stay visa
The E Type Short Stay visas are actually governed by the Portuguese Immigration Law (Law No. 23/2007 of 4 July 2007), as implemented through national legislation.
The Schengen Visa Code governs the procedures and conditions for issuing short-stay visas in the Schengen area, including Portugal. However, the Portuguese Immigration Law sets the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining E Type Short Stay visas in Portugal, as well as the rights and obligations of visa holders during their stay in the country.
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D- type Long Stay National Visas
A Residency visa, also known as a Long Stay National visa and the D Type Visa, is granted to non-EU/EFTA nationals who wish to stay in Portugal for more than one year. Even if their country has a visa-free travel agreement with Portugal, they still need to apply for this visa. The application process involves applying for a residency permit with the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) and providing evidence of financial means to support oneself during the stay. This Portugal visa category covers various types of long-stay visas such as work, study, professional training or internship, family reunion, Portugal Golden Visa, Portugal Passive Income Visa, and Entrepreneur Visa.
Portugal offers several Long Stay Residency visas, including the Golden Visa, D7 Visa, and D2 Visa, which are popular among non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. These visas come with various benefits, such as the ability to travel freely within the Schengen area, work and study in Portugal, family reunification, and the possibility of obtaining Portuguese citizenship.
These long stay D Type visas have various categories, which can be broadly classified into the following Portugal visa type;
D1: Subordinate work activity
D2: Independent professional activity
D3: Teaching purposes, highly qualified subordinate/ cultural activity
D4: Study, higher education, students exchange, internships, volunteer work and research
D5: Study exchange.
D6: Family Reunification
D7: Fixed residence (retirement, religious purpose or individual revenues)
D8: Professional activity done remotely “Digital Nomad”
D9: Golden Visa
DP: Job Seeker Visa
DF: Accompanying family members applying for a residence visa.
How Much Does a Portugal Visa Cost?
The cost of a Portugal Visa can vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. Short Stay Visas, which include Airport Visas and Schengen Visas, generally have a fee of €60.
However, there are some exceptions to this fee. Nationals from Georgia, Kosovo, Russia, and Ukraine and children aged between six and 11 years may pay only €35.
Additionally, certain individuals are exempt from the fee, such as children under six years of age, representatives of non-profit organizations under 25 participating in non-profit events, students, postgraduates, teachers traveling for educational purposes, researchers from developing countries on scientific research trips, and family members of EU Member States or Swiss nationals.
The fee is €75 for Temporary Stay Visas, and for Residency Visas, it’s €90. These fees are typically payable at the consulate or embassy of Portugal. Similar to short-stay visas, there are exceptions to these fees.
Exemptions apply to children under six years old, descendants with residency permits under family reunification clauses, foreign nationals with study scholarships from Portugal, highly qualified professionals engaged in research activities (both residency and temporary stay), and patients and accompanying persons travelling under Cooperation Agreements in the Field of Health with Portugal.
Update on Portugal Golden Visa
In February 2022, Portugal made a surprising announcement by discontinuing its Golden Visa program in response to the housing crisis, specifically targeting real estate investments.
While the exact deadlines remain unclear, the window of opportunity is closing for those interested in obtaining a Portugal Golden Visa. Financial and immigration firms assisting with Portugal Golden Visa applications are strongly advising potential applicants to act promptly.
The Portugal Golden Visa can be an appealing option if you have the financial means to invest in the country. It is among the most attractive Golden Visa programs globally, offering non-EU citizens the opportunity to acquire a long-term residency permit and eventually obtain citizenship.
The new regulations regarding the Portugal Golden Visa program have introduced several key changes while maintaining some essential aspects:
- The minimum annual stay requirement to maintain residence permits will remain at an average of 7 days per year.
- Renewals of residence permits will continue to follow the same initial rules as before.
- Family reunions will still be guaranteed under the same terms as main applications.
- However, some significant alterations include the ineligibility of investment routes related to real estate and capital transfer. The new law will come into effect the day after its official publication.
Despite these changes, the Golden Visa program will persist, allowing for specific Portugal visa types of eligible investments, including:
- Investments of €500,000 in collective investment structures, such as funds unrelated to real estate.
- The establishment or investment in existing companies with a minimum investment of €500,000, contributing to job creation.
- Donations and other forms of support within artistic and scientific domains.
The Wrap-Up
Portugal provides a wide array of visa choices, ranging from the Golden Visa investment program to options like the Student Visa. These avenues offer alternatives to the typical Schengen tourist visa, showcasing Portugal’s inclusive approach to various aspirations.
Portugal’s diverse visa options cater to individuals with a range of objectives, whether it’s for educational pursuits, entrepreneurial ventures, or simply exploring new horizons. We hope this guide has been a helpful resource to guide you on your path to Portugal and assist you in achieving your specific goals.
If you are interested in applying for a Schengen visa, please feel free to contact us. Our team at Trek Law is here to assist you throughout the application process and provide you with the necessary guidance and support.
Whether you have questions, need clarification, or require assistance with the required documentation, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the visa application procedure smoothly. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert advice and personalized assistance with your Schengen visa application.
FAQs
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How to Get a Portugal Visa?
To obtain a Portugal Visa, you need to follow these steps: Determine the type of visa you require, such as a Short Stay Visa or a Temporary Stay Visa, based on your purpose of travel. Collect the necessary documents, including a completed visa application form, passport, passport-sized photos, travel insurance, and proof of sufficient funds. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy.
Attend the appointment, submit your application, and pay the visa fee. Wait for the processing period, which varies depending on the visa type, and keep track of your application status. Once approved, collect your visa from the consulate or embassy, affix it to your passport, and ensure you adhere to its conditions during your stay in Portugal.
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What is a Passive Income Visa for Portugal?
A Passive Income Visa for Portugal, often known as the D7 Visa, is a residency permit designed for individuals with a reliable source of passive income, such as pensions, investments, or rental income. To qualify, you must demonstrate a consistent and substantial stream of passive income that can support your life in Portugal without engaging in employment.
The D7 Visa allows you to reside in Portugal and is a pathway to Portuguese permanent residency and citizenship in the future. It’s an excellent option for retirees or individuals seeking an extended stay in Portugal based on their financial stability.
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How Can I Apply for a Portugal Extended Stay Visa?
To apply for a Portugal Extended Stay Visa, you’ll typically need to meet specific requirements depending on the purpose of your extended stay, such as work, study, or family reunification. First, determine the category of visa that suits your situation. Gather the required documentation, which often includes a visa application form, passport, passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and other supporting documents.
Schedule an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy, attend the appointment, and pay the visa fee. After submitting your application, wait for the processing period and stay informed about your application status. Once approved, collect your extended stay visa and comply with the visa conditions during your stay in Portugal.