Visa Requirements for Portugal 2024: Guidelines, Application Process, and More

Understanding the Portuguese visa requirements can be complex, as they involve several factors, such as your country of origin and the purpose and duration of your visit. For example, if you visit Portugal from a country that isn’t visa-exempt, you’ll need a Portugal Tourist Visa or Schengen Visa to enter and travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days.

Similarly, you need the correct visa if you want to retire in Portugal, invest in the country, or work as a digital nomad. To help you navigate this process, we’ll explain who needs a visa, the different types of visas available for Portugal, what you can do with them, and what you need to apply.

Visa-Free Entry Into Portugal

Entering Portugal without a visa depends largely on your nationality, the duration of your stay, and the reason for your visit. Portugal, as a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area, follows the visa policies applicable to these regions.

If you are a citizen of an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) member state or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to enter Portugal, regardless of the purpose or length of your stay. These citizens enjoy the right of free movement, meaning they can live, work, or study in Portugal with minimal formalities.

For citizens of non-EU/EEA countries, Portugal has agreements that allow visa-free entry for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) for tourism, business, or family visits. Countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan fall under this visa waiver program. During these short visits, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your departure date from Portugal.

However, if your stay exceeds 90 days, or your purpose of visit includes work, study, or long-term residence, you must apply for the appropriate visa before entering Portugal. This applies even to citizens of countries that otherwise enjoy visa-free access for short visits.

Portugal also requires that travelers, even those who do not need a visa, must not be on the Schengen Information System (SIS) as a person to be refused entry and must not be considered a threat to public policy, internal security, public health, or international relations.

Additionally, starting in 2024, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering the Schengen Area, which includes Portugal. This electronic authorization is part of the EU’s new security measures and will be required even for short stays.

Visitor and Tourist Visa

A visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa or Schengen visitor visa, is the most common visa issued in the European Union, including Portugal.

It allows you to enter the Schengen Area for a short stay and is often associated with travelers or visiting family. As a general rule, you must apply for a tourist visa from the country where you’ll be spending most of your time or from the country where you are planning to enter the Schengen Zone.

There are two types of visitor visa, with subtle differences between the two:

• Schengen Visitor Visa is intended for individuals who wish to visit friends or family members residing in the Schengen Area.
• Schengen Tourist Visa is designed for individuals who want to travel to the Schengen Area for tourism purposes.

Both allow the holder to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. However, the purpose of the visit may be considered during the visa application process.

Portugal Tourist Visa requirements

The required documents are dependent on the applicant’s situation. As a general guideline, the following documents are required to apply for your Portugal tourist visa:

• A valid passport or travel document with at least two empty pages
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of accommodation for the duration of the stay, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from the host
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay, such as bank statements or a letter from an employer
• Proof of travel insurance, including medical coverage
• A flight itinerary or booking confirmation
• Proof of ties to the home country, such as a letter from an employer or a school, if a student
• Any additional documents required by the Portuguese Consulate or the nearest Portuguese Embassy from where you are applying

Portuguese immigration law also stipulates that minors require proof of parental consent to travel to Portugal. These requirements may change, so it is best to check with the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Portugal entry requirements for US citizens:
Visiting Portugal for up to 90 days as a US citizen? No visa is required. Ensure your US passport is valid for at least three months beyond your stay or has an approved document from Schengen member states.

Portugal tourist entry requirements for Indian citizens
Indian citizens require a short-stay visa to enter Portugal and any country in the Schengen area. For Indian investors looking to invest in the country and acquire a Golden Visa, we have a complete guide on the requirements for this visa, which you can read here.

Portugal entry requirements for UK citizens
UK citizens aren’t required to have a visa to enter Portugal if they stay for less than 90 days. As a UK citizen, following 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa. If you also have an EU or EEA passport, you should use this when entering and exiting Portugal and the Schengen Area.

Where to Apply and How Long It Takes

The minimum processing time for a short-stay visa in Portugal is two weeks, but based on your circumstances, the duration may be extended to up to 30 days.

In exceptional cases, the processing period could be prolonged to 60 days, as Portuguese embassies may need to collaborate with other Schengen consulates during the evaluation process. Long-term visas have their own processing times, depending on the type of visa and the country from which you’re applying.

Depending on how the Portuguese authorities in your country of residence have regulated visa submission, you may have to apply for your Portugal Tourist Visa at one of the following:

• Your nearest Portuguese Embassy
• A Portuguese Consulate
• A Visa Application Center
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country to which Portugal has outsourced visa submission

Portuguese Schengen Visa Fees

Airport Transit Visa

An Airport Transit Visa allows travelers from certain non-Schengen countries to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area. It is required for travelers who have a layover in a Schengen country while en route to a non-Schengen destination. For example, you’ll need a transit visa if you are flying through Portugal to a non-Schengen Area country like the United Kingdom.

Portugal Airport Transit Visa A:

Airport Transit Visas (A) are sometimes required for travelers who are only passing through the international zone of a Schengen airport on their way to a non-Schengen destination. This visa does not allow holders to enter the Schengen Area, and they must remain in the airport’s transit area until their connecting flight.

It is only valid for one transit through the airport and is optional for passengers with a valid visa for their final destination. For example, if you’re flying from India to the United States with a layover in Frankfurt, Germany, and you don’t plan to leave the airport during your layover, you’d need an Airport Transit Visa.

Portugal Transit Visa B:

The Transit Visa (B) is issued for travelers transiting through a Schengen member country to a non-Schengen destination. It allows the visa holder to enter and remain in the transit area of an airport or travel through the Schengen Area to reach a non-Schengen destination. This visa suits travelers who must stop in a Schengen member country and go to a non-Schengen destination.

Portugal Transit Visa Requirements

Nationals from the following countries are required to hold a Portugal Airport Transit Visa (A & B):

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• The Democratic Republic of Congo
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Nigeria
• Somalia
• Iraq
• Iran
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka

The following do not need Airport Transit Visas:

• People holding uniform visas, long-stay national visas, or residency permits issued by a Member State
• A family member of an EU citizen who has freedom of movement rights
• People holding diplomatic passports
• Airport or airline crew members who are nationals of a contracting party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.

The following documents are required for an airport transit Schengen visa to Portugal:

• Form filled and signed (under Portuguese Immigration Law, minors and people with limited capacity should have their forms filled by a legal guardian)
• A return travel ticket in the name of the passport holder
• A passport photograph
• An entry visa for the country of their destination
• An authentic and valid travel document
• Work certificate and salary, bank statements from the last three months proving that they have the means to cover their stay and return to their country of origin

Business Visa

A Portuguese business visa is issued for business-related activities such as attending meetings or conferences. It allows the holder to enter and travel within the Schengen Area for a specific period, usually between 1 and 90 days. For example, if you plan to attend the annual Web Summit in Lisbon.

Requirements for Portugal business visa

To apply for a business Schengen Visa to visit Portugal, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Passport or travel document: Your passport must be valid for at least three months before your return to your home country and have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp. It’s important to note that some EU regions do not accept temporary passports.
• Two recent passport-size photos: These should be taken against a white background and be of good quality.
• A completed and signed visa application form: The form should be filled out in capital letters and signed by the applicant.
• A letter of invitation from the Portuguese company should state the purpose of your trip, the duration of your stay, and the name and address of the company you will visit.
• Proof of accommodation: This can include a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from the host company confirming that they will provide housing for your stay.
• Proof of financial means: This can include bank statements or a letter from your employer confirming your salary and employment status.
• Travel itinerary: This should include your flight and hotel reservations as well as any other travel plans you have while in Portugal.
• Health insurance plan: You must provide proof of travel insurance that includes medical coverage and covers your stay in Portugal. The medical insurance plan must provide a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of business or professional status: This can include a letter from your employer or a copy of your business registration papers.
• Other relevant documents can include any additional documents pertinent to your trip’s purpose.

The documents may vary depending on the purpose of your trip and the length of your stay, and the nearest Portuguese embassy from where you’re applying may request additional documents.

Study Visa

There are two different types of Portuguese Study Visas for non-EEA nationals.

• The short-term student visa (Type C) is for students or researchers who plan to participate in a course or research project in Portugal for less than 90 days.
• The long-term student visa (Type D) is for students and researchers studying in Portugal for more than 90 days.

The Type D visa requires non-EU students to apply for a year-long Residence Permit once they arrive in Portugal. After the year, the residency permit can be renewed for up to five years at a local AIMA office.

Requirements for the Portugal Study Visa

Here’s a list of the required documents for a student visa to Portugal:

• Your passport or travel document with at least two blank pages for your visa
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• Enrolment proof in your name at a Portuguese educational institution
• Guarantee of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of the stay
• Proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract or a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal
• A study plan or course syllabus
• Proof of language proficiency, if required by the educational institution

Medical Visa

The Schengen Medical Visa is designed for individuals seeking treatment in one of the Schengen countries. If you want to benefit from Portugal’s healthcare system, this visa allows the holder to enter and stay in the country for the duration of their treatment, ranging from a few days to several months.

To apply for this visa, individuals must provide proof of their medical condition, such as a doctor or hospital letter, and evidence of adequate health insurance coverage.

It’s important to note that the Schengen Medical Visa does not grant the holder the right to work or engage in any activities other than receiving medical treatment.

Portugal Medical Treatment Visa requirements

The required documents for a Medical Treatment Visa to Portugal are:

• Your passport or valid travel document with at least two blank pages for your tourist visa issuance
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• An official document of the Portuguese medical institution confirming the necessity for medical care in that institution
• A detailed medical report from the applicant’s doctor
• Proof of medical insurance that provides coverage overseas
• Guarantee of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of the stay
• Proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract or a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal

The official document of the medical institution confirming the necessity for medical care should include:

• Issued by a medical institution: This document must come from a licensed hospital or clinic, not a personal doctor.
• Confirmation of medical necessity: The document should clearly state that the specific medical care you require is unavailable in your home country and can only be obtained in Portugal.
• Details of treatment: It should mention the type of treatment planned, including any procedures or surgeries involved.
• Estimated costs: An outline of the expected treatment costs might be helpful.

Portugal Visa for the Spouse of a Portuguese National

The Portugal Visa for the spouse of a Portuguese national is a specific visa that allows the spouse of a citizen to enter and reside in the country. The individual must be married to a Portuguese national and provide proof of their marriage and their spouse’s Portuguese citizenship. They must also provide evidence of adequate financial means and valid insurance coverage. The visa is usually issued for one year, but you can renew it if the marriage is still valid.

Here are the required documents for a Portugal visa application for the wife/husband of a Portuguese citizen:

• Your current passport or travel document with at least two blank pages for your tourist visa
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Proof of marriage to a Portuguese citizen
• Evidence of the Portuguese spouse’s citizenship
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of the stay

Cultural Purposes Visa

This tourist visa is for people planning to travel to Portugal to participate in cultural, sports, religious, or film-related activities within a Schengen member country. It allows the holder to enter and travel within the Schengen area for a specific period, usually between 1 and 90 days, for example, when performing in a concert or a film festival.

To visit Portugal, the required documents for the visa for cultural, sports, film crew, or religious purposes are:

• An up-to-date passport or travel documents with at least two blank pages for your tourist visa
• A completed and signed visa application form
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• An invitation letter from a Portuguese host or organization
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of the stay
• Proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract or a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal
• A detailed program of the cultural, sports, film crew, or religious activities
• Any other relevant documents that prove the purpose of the trip

Official Visit Visa

An Official Visit Visa is intended for official delegations, government officials, and diplomats visiting Portugal on official business, including attending conferences, meetings, or signing agreements.

To apply, the individual or organization must provide an official invitation letter from the Portuguese government or a relevant Portuguese organization and proof of their official status. They must also provide evidence of adequate financial means and valid medical insurance.

This visa prohibits the holder from engaging outside the official delegation’s itinerary.

D2 - Entrepreneur Visa

The Portugal D2 Visa, is a residency visa for entrepreneurs who are not European Union citizens. The Portuguese government introduced the visa to attract businesses or investors who aim to contribute to and grow the Portuguese economy by purchasing existing companies or developing startups.

In contrast to visas such as the Golden Visa or the D7 Passive Income Visa, the Portugal D2 Visa sets itself apart by not necessitating a substantial investment or a steady passive income. Instead, the Portuguese entrepreneurship visa emphasizes the importance of business investment and the presence of a viable business concept. The D2 Visa Portugal offers versatility, catering to various business types, spanning from cozy cafes to expansive real estate agencies.

There’s no minimum investment requirement for the D2 Visa, but you must have sufficient financial resources to establish and run your business while sustaining your livelihood in Portugal for a year. The D2 Visa is valid for four months, during which the entrepreneur must enter Portugal and apply for a residency permit.

The residence permit post-D2 Visa is valid for two years and can subsequently be extended for three years. After five years of residency, applying for Portuguese citizenship and/or permanent residence is possible.

D3 - Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa

Portugal D3 Visa is for Highly Qualified Activities individuals. It is reserved for applicants with extensive experience or high-level qualifications for specific fields of work. This visa is designed for Portuguese companies to attract skilled employees to the country.

To apply for the D3 HQA visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must be a third-country national who doesn’t reside in the territory of the European Union.
• The applicant must fulfill all tax obligations (you’ll need a Portuguese tax number, known as a NIF) and make the required social security contributions.
• The applicant must have a clean criminal record and be at least 18 years old at the time of the Portugal visa application. Generally, applicants with criminal records punishable by a year or longer prison sentence under Portuguese law will be disqualified from gaining a residence permit.
• The applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s or an equivalent level—level 6, according to ISCED 2011, or level 5 (tertiary level education)—and have five years of experience in specialized technical functions.
• The applicant must be proficient in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish, as appropriate to the functions/duties performed.

Portuguese companies that are registered with the IAPMEI are eligible to issue the Portugal Tech Visa, which also falls within the D3 HQA category, to non-EU nationals looking for highly specialized roles in Portugal.

D6 - Family Reunification Visa

The Family Reunification Visa is a residence permit that allows non-EU family members of Portuguese residents to join them and become residents in the country. With the Family Reunification Visa, any family member you bring to Portugal will receive a residence permit valid for the same duration as yours.

This includes:

• Spouses or partners recognized by the law.
• Dependent children (including adopted children), as well as the children of the resident’s partner
• Children over 18 who are dependent on the main applicant or their spouse/partner. They must also be single and study at a Portuguese educational institution.
• First-degree ascendents who are a direct line relative of the resident or respective spouse and are dependent on them
• Minor siblings, provided they’re dependent on the resident

For example, if you have a two-year residency permit, your spouse or partner will be granted a residence permit for the same two-year period.

However, if you have a permanent residence permit, the D6 Visa for your family member will be valid for up to two years. The non-EU family members will also have the same rights as Portuguese nationals regarding employment, education, healthcare, social security, and tax benefits.

To qualify for the D6 Family Reunification Visa, family members applying must produce:

• Proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates
• Residence status of the family member in Portugal

D7 - Passive Income Visa

Portugal’s D7 Visa, also known as the retirement or passive income visa, was introduced in 2007. It allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Portugal, provided they have a passive income from a pension, real estate investments, intellectual property, or other financial equity.

We’ve set up an eligibility test that lets you check whether this is the proper visa for you in a few minutes. It allows its holder permanent free entry and circulation in the Schengen area and the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. Moreover, your entire family is eligible for residency in Portugal under the EU family reunification scheme.

If you renew your residence permit for five years, you can apply for permanent residency and Portuguese citizenship, which allows you to obtain a Portuguese passport and identity documents, provided you meet the requirements under Portuguese nationality law.

Eligibility for the D7 Visa

• Be a non-EU/EEA national
• Minimum income requirements: Earn a passive income of at least €820.00 per month. Your income can come from pensions, transferable equity, real estate, intellectual property, or financial equity. You can demonstrate proof of your income through bank statements.
• Have a clean criminal record
• Have proof of savings to support themselves and any dependents for at least one year
• Show proof of a place to live in Portugal

When the residency card is issued, applicants cannot leave Portugal for a total of more than six consecutive months or eight months during the two-year period.

D8 - Digital Nomad Visa

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who wish to live in Portugal while working for clients or companies outside the country. Introduced to attract global talent, this visa allows individuals to reside in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they have a location-independent job or business, meaning they can perform their work from anywhere in the world. They must also meet specific income requirements to ensure they can support themselves during their stay. The income threshold typically requires proof of earnings that are at least four times the minimum wage in Portugal, although this amount can vary.

Applicants must provide documentation such as a valid passport, proof of income (like bank statements or contracts), health insurance, and accommodation details for their stay in Portugal. The visa also requires that applicants do not intend to engage in Portuguese employment, as it is aimed at those working remotely for non-Portuguese entities.

Portugal's Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. The Golden Visa (which is essentially a residence permit) allows you to live and work in Portugal if you meet the minimum investment requirement, which starts at €250,000 for a donation to an art project or a project preserving Porutgal’s national cultural heritage (this amount is reduced to €200,000 in Portugal’s “low-density areas”).

This visa offers opportunities to become a Portuguese citizen and gain a Portuguese passport after five years, provided you meet all the requirements under Portuguese nationality law. As a Golden Visa holder, you can bring your family members to live, work, and study in Portugal. If you want to include family members in your application, you must provide documents such as marriage and birth certificates.

A key benefit of this visa is that the stay requirement allows much flexibility; you only need to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal to maintain your legal residency status there.

Exploring Visa and Immigration Options for Portugal

If you're considering making the move to Portugal, it's essential to be informed about the various visa and residency options available. The Golden Visa Portugal program is an attractive option for many, offering residency to investors and their families. For those eyeing retirement in this beautiful country, the Retirement Visa (D7) is tailored for you. Digital nomads can take advantage of both short and long stay options with the Nomad Visa (D8). Meanwhile, the NHR - Non Habitual Tax regime provides significant tax benefits for new residents. 

For the entrepreneurial spirit, Portugal offers the Entrepreneurship/startup Visa (D2) - Start-up Visa (open company) tailored for those looking to establish their businesses in the country. Those with specialized skills can explore the Work visa for highly qualified employees (D3). Additionally, if you have Portuguese ancestry, you might be eligible for Citizenship by descent. 

However, moving to a new country isn't just about visas. If you're thinking of buying property, our guide on Buying Property in Portugal can offer invaluable insights. Dive deeper into the immigration process with our comprehensive Portugal immigration guide. For Americans specifically looking to relocate, we have curated information on Americans moving to Portugal. Lastly, one can't forget the importance of the NIF (Tax Registration Number), a crucial step in any relocation process. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal Visa Requirements