All types of Portugal visas: which one should you get?

Whether one needs a visa to Portugal depends on their citizenship.

EU and EFTA citizens. As part of the European Union and Schengen Area, Portugal allows visa-free visits for nationals of EU and Schengen countries. They only need to provide an ID to enter. EU citizens can stay indefinitely but must register at a Portuguese address after 90 days.

Citizens of countries with visa-waiver agreements. Nationals of 62 non-EU countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Singapore, do not need visas for short stays in Portugal.

The allowed stay depends on the person’s origin. For a period longer than 90 days, they must obtain a residence permit for the specific purpose of their stay.

Citizens of other countries need either a Schengen or a national visa to stay in Portugal. However, foreigners holding a residence permit from another Schengen country can enter Portugal without a visa.

Schengen visas are granted for short trips of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or family visits.

National visas are for stays longer than 90 days. To qualify, applicants must prove valid reasons, such as a job offer or university enrolment in Portugal.

Financially independent foreigners can obtain Portuguese residency without specific grounds using the D7 Passive Income Visa.

All Portuguese visas are divided into four categories based on the duration and purpose of the stay.

Short-term visa. This is a uniform visa valid in Portugal and other 28 Schengen states. It can be single-entry or multiple-entry, with the embassy deciding the conditions. These visas are issued for a period ranging from a few days to 5 years but allow stays of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

Temporary stay visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for up to one year. It is granted to students, employees, interns staying less than a year, and those arriving for medical or religious purposes.

Job Seeker visa. This is a single-entry visa issued for 120 days and extendable by 60 days. It is intended for foreigners seeking employment in Portugal.

Residence visa, or type 1 visa. This visa is for foreigners planning to stay in Portugal indefinitely and apply for a residence permit. It is granted to relatives of Portuguese nationals or residents, employees, students, and those with passive income.

Residence visas allow two entries and permit a stay of up to 4 months. After entering Portugal, foreigners must apply for a residence permit.

A foreigner can obtain a residence visa to Portugal based on employment, studying, passive income, family reunification, or business investments.

1. Employment. Foreigners employed by Portuguese companies can apply for a D1 or D3 visa, depending on their circumstances.

D1 visa is designed for foreign employees without higher education. To get the visa, applicants must provide a 12-month work contract and proof of accommodation.

The D3, or HQA, Visa is issued to highly qualified professionals. Applicants must have a higher education degree and a job contract with a salary of at least €1,020. This visa is typically for IT professionals, engineers, doctors, scientists, and top managers.

2. Remote work. Freelancers, foreign company employees, and self-employed remote workers can apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. It grants residency for two years, with the option to extend the period of stay.

To obtain the Digital Nomad Visa, remote workers must prove a monthly income of €3,280 and rent or buy a residential property in Portugal. Additionally, they demonstrate savings enough to live in Portugal for a year, which is at least €9,840 for a single applicant.

To move to Portugal, digital nomads apply for a national D visa to a Portuguese consulate first. With a visa, they come to the country and apply for a residence permit. Each step requires paying various fees, and the total expenses amount must be calculated case by case.

3. Business initiatives. Entrepreneurs willing to invest in a business in Portugal can apply for one of two long-term visas:

• Startup Visa for innovative projects;

• D2 Visa for other types of businesses.

Neither visa option requires a specific investment amount, but applicants must have accommodation in Portugal and sufficient funds for living. For the Startup Visa, applicants must also have at least €9,840 in their bank account.

4. Study and research. International students and researchers can apply for a residence visa if they have an offer to study or conduct research in Portugal. This includes bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, or Postdoc programs. Applicants must provide a letter of offer, proof of accommodation, and proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses.

5. Family reunification. Close family members of Portuguese citizens and residents, such as spouses, dependent children, parents, and siblings, can apply. Applicants need documents proving their relationship and the sponsor must provide proof of accommodation and financial support.

6. Professional training, internship, or volunteer work. Foreigners engaged in unpaid internships, training, or volunteer work can apply for a special visa. They must provide an invitation from a Portuguese institution, along with proof of accommodation and funds.

7. Passive income. Foreigners with stable passive income can apply for the D7 Visa.

Almost any legal income obtained outside Portugal, including pension, rental payments, interest, or royalties, qualifies The income must equal or exceed the Portuguese minimum wage, which is €820 in 2024.

The process of applying for a residence permit through a Portugal residency visa involves two stages: obtaining a residency visa in the applicant’s home country and applying for a residence permit after arriving in Portugal.

1. Filling in the application. The applicant completes the form for a national visa.

2. Collecting the required documents. The applicant submits the visa application, passport, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation in Portugal, a criminal record from the country of origin, and consent for a Portugal criminal record check. Additional documents depend on the visa type, such as a work contract or university invitation.

3. Paying the fees. The residency visa fee is €90.

4. Booking an appointment. The applicant schedules a visit to a consulate or visa centre, where their biometrics are collected.

5. Waiting for the decision. Processing typically takes 60 days but can vary.

6. Collecting the passport with the visa. After approval, the applicant books an appointment to collect the visa. The visa is valid for 4 months and allows 2 entries.

7. Entering Portugal and applying for residency. Upon arrival, the applicant submits documents to the Agency for Integration, Migrations and Asylum (AIMA).

8. Fingerprinting. The applicant books an appointment for fingerprinting and provides biometric data in person.

9. Collecting the residence permit card. After AIMA approval and fee payment, the residence card is issued within two weeks.

According to Jornal de Notícias and Portugal’s Integration, Migration and Asylum Agency, the number of foreign residents in Portugal has risen significantly in recent years. Brazilians account for about 30% of the expat population.

In 2023, over 1 million foreigners held residence permits in Portugal, a sharp increase from approximately 480,000 in 2018.

Foreigners contributing to the country’s economy can obtain a Portugal residence permit by investment, also known as the Golden Visa.

The Portugal Golden Visa program offers several investment ways, including purchasing fund units, investing in scientific research or culture, or opening a company. The minimum investment required is €250,000.

Permits obtained through this program must be renewed every 2 years. There is no limit on renewals, but the investor must maintain investment and stay in Portugal for at least 7 days per year.

Eligibility criteria. To qualify for a Portugal Golden Visa, the investor must be over 18, have no criminal record or prosecution, earn investment funds outside Portugal, prove the legality of income, and have no debts in Portugal.

Inclusion of family. Close family members of the main applicant can also obtain residency, including spouses, dependent children under 26, and parents. Children over 18 must live with the investor and be enrolled in a university.

Documents. When applying for the Golden Visa, the investor must provide:

• a passport;

• birth and marriage certificates;

• proof of entry and legal stay in Portugal;

• health insurance;

• proof of good standing with the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority and Social Security system;

• a certificate of no criminal record from the current country of residency;

• a sworn statement confirming compliance with investment requirements;

• documents verifying the investment, such as a certificate of ownership of fund units or a company registration, or a declaration proving financial contribution.

Additional documents may be required based on the investor’s background or situation.

Discover the benefits of the Portugal Golden Visa and a unique way to EU citizenship

Residents of Portugal must live in the country for five years before they can apply for citizenship. Applicants must also demonstrate basic proficiency in Portuguese.

Citizenship applications can be submitted online, offline in person, or by mail. Only a lawyer or solicitor with a valid digital certificate can file an online application.

For offline applications, the process involves six steps.

1. Filling in the application form. The form can be downloaded from the official government website.

2. Paying the fees. A €250 fee can be paid online by bank card or cheque.

3. Collecting the required documents. Along with the completed application, it is necessary to provide a copy of their birth certificate with an apostille from a Portuguese consulate, a request for citizenship, proof of Portuguese language proficiency, and a certificate of no criminal record from the country of birth, nationality, and residency.

The birth certificate and criminal record certificate must be translated into Portuguese.

4. Submitting the documents at one of the IRN counters. Documents might also be sent to IRN by mail.

5. Waiting for the decision. The process typically takes about a year. Applicants can track the status of their application online or through the Central Registry Office.

6. Getting a citizen ID card. After approval, the government issues a citizen ID card within two weeks. The card is mailed to the applicant’s official address in Portugal.

Temporary stay visas are issued to individuals who need to stay in Portugal for over 3 months but less than a year, such as exchange students and seasonal workers.

Visa types. Portugal offers several types of temporary stay visas, including:

• a temporary work visa;

• a seasonal work visa;

• a study visa;

• a scientific research visa;

• an internship or volunteering visa;

• a youth mobility visa;

• a medical treatment visa;

• visa for a family member accompanying a patient receiving medical treatment;

• a religious purposes visa;

• a short-term digital nomad visa;

• an amateur sports visa;

• an academic or professional training visa;

• a self-support visa;

• a family reunification visa for close relatives of temporary visa holders.

Temporary stay visa holders do not need a residence card, as the visa is valid for the entire stay and allows multiple entries into Portugal.

Obtaining process. A Portugal temporary stay visa is obtained at the applicant’s country of residency and affixed to their passport. After arriving in Portugal, no additional documents are required.

The process of obtaining a Portugal temporary stay visa involves seven steps:

1. Filling in the application for a temporary stay visa.

2. Preparing the required documents.

3. Paying the visa fee of €75, if applicable.

4. Booking an appointment at a consulate or authorised visa centre.

5. Submitting the application and biometrics at the Portuguese consular post or authorised visa centre.

6. Waiting for the decision on the application.

7. Collecting the passport from the consular post or a visa centre.

Documents. In addition to the application form, applicants must provide:

• two identical passport-type photos in colour;

• a valid passport or other travel document;

• travel insurance covering the entire stay;

• a criminal record certificate from the country of origin;

• proof of financial means;

• a copy of a return ticket;

• proof of the purpose of stay, such as a work contract, medical report, or university invitation for an exchange program.

The Job Seeker visa is a single-entry visa valid for 120 days, extendable for additional 60 days. It is intended for foreigners seeking employment in Portugal who have not yet secured a job.

Obtaining process. There are seven stages of obtaining the Job Seeker visa:

1. Completing the application for a national visa.

2. Collecting the required documentation.

3. Paying the visa fee of €75.

4. Booking an appointment at a consulate or authorised visa centre.

5. Submitting the documents and biometrics at the consulate or visa centre.

6. Waiting for the decision.

7. Collecting the passport with the visa.

Documents. To apply for the Job Seeker visa, the applicant must provide the following documents:

• a completed national visa application form;

• two identical passport-size photos in colour;

• a valid passport or travel document;

• insurance covering the entire stay;

• a criminal record certificate from the country of origin;

• a copy of a return ticket;

• proof of financial resources equivalent to three minimum monthly salaries; in 2024, it is €2,460.

A Schengen visa allows travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a half-year period. If a stay is planned for less than 3 months, a Schengen visa is typically required, regardless of the visit’s purpose.

This visa can be granted for anywhere between a few days to a maximum of five years. However, the holder cannot stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days per half-year, regardless of its validity. The visa may be single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on the consulate’s decision.

Obtaining process. Obtaining a Schengen visa to Portugal typically takes 15 calendar days from lodging an application and required documents. Here is a step-by-step procedure for obtaining a short-stay visa to Portugal:

1. Complete an application. The form can be filled out online or offline.

2. Book an appointment at a consulate or an authorised visa centre.

3. Collect the required documents.

4. Pay the visa fee of €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6 to 12, and €35 for citizens of countries with simplified procedures.

5. Submit the documents and biometrics at the consulate or visa centre, including fingerprints and potentially attending an interview.

6. Await the decision, which usually takes 15 days but may extend to 30—45 days.

7. Get your passport with the visa.

Documents. To apply for a Schengen visa, you must provide:

• a completed application form;

• a valid passport or travel document;

• two passport-size photos in colour;

• proof of financial means;

• proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking;

• a return ticket;

• travel insurance covering the entire stay;

• documents proving the purpose of the visit.

1. Citizens of 90 countries, including EU states, the USA, and the UK, can visit Portugal for up to 90 days within a half-year period without a visa. Citizens of other countries must obtain a visa.

2. There are four Portuguese visa types. The Schengen, temporary stay, and the Job Seeker are short-term visas that allow staying in the country from 90 days to 1 year. Residence visas are long-term, enabling holders to apply for a Portugal residence permit.

3. To obtain a residence visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as having passive income, working remotely, or investing in the Portuguese economy.

4. There are several visa programs in Portugal, designed for different types of people: for investors, digital nomads, or entrepreneurs.