Portugal Visas: All the Different Types To Live, Work and Study

Obtaining a visa is an essential step for travelers to ensure their visit is legal and recognized by the destination country. If you are lucky enough to have a Japanese passport, you have visa-free entry to 193 countries.

However, if you have a passport that requires a visa for countries like Portugal, the official government document ensures that foreigners’ entry, stay, and departure are controlled and managed following national laws and international agreements.

In this article, we’ll examine all the Portugal visas, their cost, who can apply for them, and how you can qualify.

Do you need a visa for Portugal?

The need for a visa to visit Portugal depends on which passport you have as visa requirements are often based on diplomatic relationships between countries.

EU Citizens

Portugal, being a part of the Schengen Area, doesn’t require citizens from other Schengen Area or EU countries to apply for a visa. Citizens of these 27 countries can freely enter and exit Portugal for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without the need for a visa.

For stays of over 90 days, citizens of EU countries still do not need a visa to remain in Portugal. However, if they plan to stay for more than three months, they must register their residence with the local Portuguese authorities.

Non-EU Citizens

Citizens of all non-Schengen Areas must have a visa before coming to Portugal, especially if they want to retire or work there.

There are some notable exceptions, though. For example, citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and 57 other countries can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa.

By issuing visas, a country like Portugal can manage and control the influx of tourists, workers, and residents, aligning with economic and social policies. Certain visas are designed to attract tourists, skilled workers, or investors, which can benefit the economy.

Tourist Visa

A Portuguese tourist visa is a short-term Schengen visa that allows non-EU citizens to visit Portugal for tourism, family visits, or leisure purposes. Generally, you must apply for a Schengen 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.

• Visa Conditions: visa is valid from one month to two years, but stays are limited up to 90 days within 180 days
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA extension fee: € 34

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.

• Visa Conditions: visa is valid from exact dates to two years, but stays are limited up to 90 days within 180 days
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA extension fee: € 34

Job Seeker Visa

As the name implies, this visa is intended for people who want to enter and remain only in Portugal to look for a job. It authorizes them to carry out a subordinated work activity until the visa expires or until the residence permit is granted. Applicants must secure a job or apply for a residence permit within 120 days, or leave Portugal.

• Visa conditions: visa is valid for 120 days and can be extended for a further 60 days
• Application Fee: € 75
• AIMA extension fee: € 38

D1 - Work Visa

The D1 visa in Portugal covers a wide range of activities. Also known as the Work Visa, it is a long-term Type D visa that permits non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Portugal. It is specifically intended for individuals who have secured a job offer from a Portuguese employer.

The D1 Visa is typically granted for a year, after which it can be renewed and may eventually lead to a residence permit, allowing the holder to live and work in Portugal on a long-term basis. 

This visa necessitates proof of employment, a work contract, or an invitation from a Portuguese company, along with other documentation to demonstrate the applicant’s qualifications and suitability for the job. 

• Visa validity: one year
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA Fee: € 82
• Reception and analysis fee: € 95

D2 - Entrepreneur Visa

Portugal’s 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. 

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.

• Visa validity: four months, extended to two years with an application for a residency permit
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA Fee: € 82
• Reception and analysis fee: € 95

D3 - Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa

The D3 Visa, also known as the Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa, is a long-term residence visa for Portugal that aims to attract highly skilled non-EU/EEA nationals to live and work in Portugal. 

This visa is specifically designed for individuals who possess specialized skills, advanced degrees, or substantial professional experience and who have secured employment or a job offer in a highly qualified position, such as in scientific research, technical professions, or managerial roles.

• Visa validity: minimum one year
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA Fee: € 82
• Reception and analysis fee: € 95

D4 - Student Visa

The D4 Visa, also known as the Student Visa, is a long-term visa in Portugal for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to stay for more than 90 days for full-time studies, academic research, or vocational training. 

It is aimed at individuals enrolled in higher education programs, such as bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees at recognized Portuguese institutions, and for those participating in exchange programs or professional internships.

• Visa validity: minimum 90 days
• Application Fee: € 75
• AIMA Fee: € 82

D5 - Study and Research Visa

Portugal’s D5 Visa is a long-term visa designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who have been accepted into higher education institutions in Portugal for research or highly qualified academic activities, such as teaching at the university level or engaging in scientific research projects.

It is also aimed at students pursuing postgraduate studies or researchers who are involved in academic or scientific projects at recognized Portuguese institutions. The D5 Visa allows individuals to reside in Portugal for the duration of their academic or research activities.

• Visa validity: length of academic activities
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA Fee: € 82
• Reception and analysis fee: € 95

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

• Visa validity: same as the residency holder
• Application Fee: € 90
• Reception and analysis fee: € 95

D7 - Passive Income Visa

The D7 Visa, also known as the retirement or passive income visa, was established in 2007. It permits non-EU/EEA citizens to reside and work in Portugal if they have passive income from sources such as a pension, real estate investments, intellectual property, or other financial equity.

The visa grants the holder free entry and movement within the Schengen area, as well as the right to reside, work, and study in Portugal. Additionally, under the EU family reunification scheme, the entire family of the visa holder is eligible for residency in Portugal.

After renewing the residence permit for five years, the visa holder can apply for permanent residency and eventually Portuguese citizenship. This citizenship allows the holder to obtain a Portuguese passport and identity documents, provided that the requirements under Portuguese nationality law are met.

• Visa validity: initially two years, renewable for another two years
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA Fee: € 82
• Reception and analysis fee: € 95

D8 - Digital Nomad Visa

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is aimed at remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Portugal while working for clients or companies located outside the country. The visa is intended to attract global talent and allows individuals to reside in Portugal for up to one year with the option to renew.

To qualify, applicants must show that they have a job or business that can be done from anywhere and meet specific income requirements to ensure they can support themselves during their stay. The income threshold usually requires proof of earnings that are at least four times the minimum wage in Portugal, which is at least €3,280, but this amount can vary.

• Visa validity: one year
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA Fee: € 82
• Reception and analysis fee: € 95

D9 - Golden Visa

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program, granting a residence permit allowing you to live and work in Portugal if you meet the minimum investment requirement.

The investment starts at €250,000 for a donation to an art project or a project preserving Portugal’s national cultural heritage, reduced to €200,000 in 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. To include family members in your application, you must provide documents such as marriage and birth certificates.

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

• Visa validity: renewable
• Application Fee: € 90
• AIMA Fee: € 3,023
• Reception and analysis fee: € 605

Other Portugal Visas

In addition to tourist and business visas, there are several other C-type visas available for Portugal. Also known as short-stay visas, these are designed for individuals who wish to visit Portugal and other Schengen Area countries for short periods and are typically issued for specific purposes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Spouse Visa of Portuguese Citizen

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.

Amateur Sports Activity Visa

For individuals who wish to engage in amateur sports activities, Portugal offers a short-stay visa for non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to enter Portugal to participate in short-term amateur sports events, tournaments, or competitions. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and applicants must provide evidence of their participation in the sports event, such as an invitation letter from the organizing sports club or association, proof of registration in the competition, or a detailed itinerary of the sports activity.

Portuguese Citizenship

Non-EU nationals planning to stay in Portugal for over three months need to apply for a residence permit. The first residence permit granted is typically a temporary one valid for one year and can be renewed. While EU citizens do not need a residence visa, they are still required to register with AIMA if they plan to remain in Portugal for more than three months.

After residing in Portugal for five years, you may qualify for permanent residency. Additionally, after this period, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. In certain situations, such as being married to a Portuguese citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship earlier.

Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?

GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS

• GCS has offices located across Portugal.
• Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
• Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa. 

100% APPROVAL RATE

• Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants. 
• We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.

ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION

• With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application. 
• Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.

TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY

• Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
• All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.

Frequently Asked Questions About Portugal Visas