How to apply for a Schengen visa for Portugal from Bangladesh

NAME: Axel Strauss 
DATE: Feb 12, 2024 

The relationship between Bangladesh and Portugal dates all the way back to 1512. That’s when a fleet of four Portuguese ships arrived in Chittagong, Bangladesh to begin to establish a booming trading post for the Portuguese empire there. And then in 2012 — exactly 500 years later — Bangladesh, in turn, would open its first official embassy in Lisbon, appointing its first ambassador to the country the following year. 

Today, the two countries continue to share a rich and ever-growing commercial and cultural relationship, with roughly 25,000 Bangladeshis calling Portugal home and counting. However, if you happen to be planning a voyage from Bangladesh to Europe's westernmost point in Europe, you’ll likely need a visa. In which case AXA is happy to be the wind in your sails. 

Do Bangladeshi nationals need a visa to travel to Portugal?

Yes. Because Portugal is one of the 27 countries in the Schengen Zone. Countries like Australia, Canada, the U.S., and many others in the West have visa-free travel agreements with the Schengen nations — but Bangladesh, as of yet, does not. 

And that means that Bangladeshi nationals need to apply for a Schengen visa to enter any country within the Schengen zone — Portugal included.

How can I get a Portugal Visa from Bangladesh?

Fortunately, the Schengen Visa application process — although somewhat tedious and time-consuming — is fairly straightforward. And while it’s similar in most countries, AXA can not only tell you how to apply specifically for Portugal — we can also tell you exactly what you’ll need to apply for Portugal specifically from Bangladesh. All you need to do is follow these simple steps.

Figure out what type of Schengen visa for Portugal you need

First, determine which Portugal Visa is right for you. Are you going to Portugal to work or study, or are you just visiting for vacation? How long do you plan to stay? Are you making multiple trips? Are you visiting family, traveling for business, and/or hoping to relocate permanently? Answering these questions will tell you which visa you need to apply for. 

The four basic types of Schengen Visa, and they’re all pretty self-explanatory. They are: business, work, student, and short-stay (aka the Type C or “tourist visa”, which is the most common one). 

You’ll need a multiple-entry visa If you plan to travel to Portugal frequently. Meanwhile, if you have a partner already living, working, and/or studying in Portugal, you also have a few different options. 

In recent years, the D7 Residence Visa (aka the “Passive Income Earner Residence Permit”) has been an increasingly popular option in Portugal too. The D7 visa is designed for financially independent individuals who can support themselves in the country without working. You’ll need at least €7,200 (or 854,112.48 BDT) in passive income annually to be eligible for the D7. 
Another popular option for Bangladesh is also the “job-seeker visa.” It allows you to come to Portugal and find work once you’re there, and the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website can tell you more about it.

Apply within the specified times

Once you know which visa you want, be sure to get your timing right. That is — no matter the Schengen (i.e., Portugal) visa — you need to apply for it no more than six months and no fewer than 15 days before your departure date. And give yourself plenty of wiggle room to prep all the following paperwork too.

Have all the necessary documentation

The paperwork and documents you need will depend on the nature of your particular trip. For example, to apply for a short-stay (Type C/”tourist”) Portugal Visa, you’ll need:

  • a Schengen Visa application form;
  • two recently taken passport-style photos;
  • a passport (no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from Portugal);
  • Travel and medical insurance (covering you up to costs of €30,000, but more on that below);
  • Your flight itinerary. 

In certain cases, you might also need:

  • Evidence of legal residence in Bangladesh (if applicable);
  • A cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit (if applicable);
  • A letter of invitation (if applicable);
  • Proof of accommodation (if applicable);
  • Proof of your civil status (such as a marriage certificate, if applicable);
  • Proof of sufficient funds.

Have enough money

You’ll also need to show that you have enough money. For Portugal, you must have at least €40 (or 4,745.07 BDT) per day during the duration of your stay. 
Each time you enter Portuguese territory, you must also have at least €75 (or 8,897.00 BDT). 

NOTE: If you have proof your accommodation and food are covered during your stay, you may be released from the means of subsistence obligation. But be sure to double-check with the Portuguese embassy, consulate, or visa application representatives during your application that you indeed qualify.

What about a Portugal Visa to work or study?

If you’re coming to Portugal from Bangladesh to work or study (for fewer than 90 days), you’ll likely also need:

  • An employment contract;
  • A recent bank statement;
  • A no-objection letter from your Pakistani employer;
  • An income tax return;
  • Proof of enrolment at an educational institution in Portugal;
  • A no-objection letter from your current educational institution (if applicable). 

You’ll have to apply for a national study visa and residency permit If you plan on studying for more than 90 days — as well as provide evidence of your enrollment and plans to reside in Portugal. 
And if you plan to work in Portugal for more than three months, you’ll need to both get a residency permit and provide evidence of a salaried employment contract.

Where can I apply for a Portugal Visa in Bangladesh?

Next, you’ll need to figure out where to apply. And this part’s a bit tricky. Because while there is an Honorary Consulate of Portugal in Dhaka, Bangladesh, it does not process Portuguese Schengen visa applications. They are instead processed — on behalf of Portugal —by The Embassy of France in Dhaka. 

Short-term visas from Bangladesh to Portugal — for tourism, business, and/or family visits — should be obtained through the French embassy. 

Meanwhile, long-term visa applications for Portugal from Bangladesh should be submitted at the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi, India. 

In either case, you’ll need to schedule an appointment and submit your application in person.* So make sure you give yourself plenty of time and prepare to do a bit of traveling way before you get to Portugal itself. 

*NOTE: Fortunately, the EU plans to bring the whole process online soon. However, the exact date the change will take place has yet to be announced. Fingers crossed… 
Depending on what visa you’re applying for — all the contact info, opening hours, and requirements of how to apply can be found via the official websites above.

How long does the application take to process?

The average wait times for a Portugal visa are around 15 days — be they in Bangladesh or anywhere else. 

However, the embassies in both Dhaka and New Delhi have been a bit backed up ever since the pandemic (as their websites warn). So depending on your situation (and especially during the busier periods) your Schengen Visa may take up to between 30 and 60 days to process. So be prepared, and — as the Portuguese say — boa sorte (i.e., good luck)!

How much is a Portugal tourist visa fee?

Schengen Visa costs are universal too. 

So €80 (or 9,490.14 BDT) is the standard fee for a Portugal visa from Bangladesh for one adult and €40 (or 4,745.07 BDT) for children between the ages of six and twelve. 
For children under the age of six, the Schengen visa for Portugal is free.* 

*Your visa fee may also be waived, in some circumstances too, If you’re:

  • coming from Bangladesh to Portugal for research and/or study purposes;
  • are under 25 years old and traveling with charitable organizations;
  • are taking part in certain sporting or cultural events. 

IMPORTANT: AXA always strives to bring you the latest regarding any and all Schengen Visa requirements for travelers near and far. But you should double-check with the European Commission’s official visa website and the Portuguese government’s official eportal website to make sure you don’t miss anything too.

FAQs about Portugal for Bangladeshi nationals

In 2022, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Portugal Tarik Ahsan told ‘The Portugal News’ — i.e., one of the country’s biggest news publications — that “Portugal is a country like no other else in Europe, which interests people in Bangladesh.” He added that “the weather, the affordability, and the ‘sea beaches’ are part of the Portuguese reality that attracts so many people.” 

So if you too are planning a visit, here are a few common questions Bangladeshis tend to have about their 500-year-old friend in the West.

Is it easy to get a Portugal visa from Bangladesh?

Portugal is neither the most difficult nor the easiest place to get a visa for in Europe. Its rejection rate is roughly 10%. But since it’s quickly becoming a top destination for millions around the world, whether your Schengen visa is granted will depend on a number of different factors. 

So the best thing you can do is to make sure that you’ve covered all the steps above — and hope for the best.

Can Bangladeshi nationals get Permanent Residence in Portugal?

Yes, Permanent Residence is also a very viable option for many coming to Portugal. But be aware that Portugal’s official immigration service underwent some significant changes in 2023 — including a name change (from “SEF” to AIMA) and a complete restructuring. This — plus an increased demand for residence — has unfortunately resulted in countless delays and even more red tape than before. 

So if you’re thinking about becoming a PR, be prepared to dedicate a lot of emails, phone calls, paperwork, waiting, setbacks, and general running around.

What’s the rent like in Portugal?

Another major issue involving endless red tape, controversy, and almost weekly public demonstrations is Portugal’s ongoing housing crisis. The low local minimum wage and a near-20% poverty rate mean that many can not keep up with the ever-growing rent prices caused by the country’s boom in popularity. 

The rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of major cities, for example, can be anywhere between €800 to €2000 a month. Many young working professionals, therefore, still live with their parents. And most of the ones who don’t — young or old — live with at least one roommate in cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra. However, you can still find a decent home in more remote areas for under €500 a month. If you want an idea of the rent situation, browse through idealista.com — as it's the locals' most trusted go-to for finding a place. 

PRO-TIP: And be careful — most social media sites are, unfortunately, flooded with housing scams.

Is a work visa open in Portugal?

Yes. So long as you have a valid work visa and residence permit, non-EU nationals are allowed to work in Portugal. Consult with your boss about a work contract and/or a work permit, and/or consider the aforementioned “job-seeker visa” if you’re hoping to find work once you’re there.

Is it easy to get a job in Portugal?

That depends on the job. Because even as most locals and immigrants struggle to make ends meet due to the housing crisis and low pay, the tourism, service, and real estate sectors have continued booming — drawing in a huge influx of expats from all corners of the world. 

Digital nomads tend to cause some controversy among the locals as well, while many international companies are cashing in on one of Europe’s most popular destinations as well. Furthermore, call centers, companies like Glovo and Uber, hotels, bars, and restaurants, for example, are always looking for workers too. So depending on your particular situation, you might be in luck.

General cost of living in Portugal

But despite the growing discrepancies in terms of class and income, one of the reasons Portugal is becoming so popular is because it’s still relatively cheaper — generally speaking — than many of its European neighbors. For example, a single person can live here somewhat comfortably on around €2,000-3000 a month.

Why choose AXA travel insurance for my Portugal Visa from Bangladesh?

In short, there are plenty of reasons to give Portugal a try. And there are just as many reasons to choose AXA Schengen travel insurance to help make your journey there from Bangladesh a reality. 

First and foremost, if you’re applying for a Schengen Visa, travel insurance is mandatory. Moreover, to be granted the visa, your travel insurance plan must:

  • Have a minimum coverage of €30,000 in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation:
  • Be accepted by all 27 countries within the Schengen zone (not just Portugal);
  • Be valid for the entire duration of your trip/stay. 

And all three AXA plans — Low-Cost (starting at as little as €22/week), Europe Travel, and Multi-Trip — meet the necessary requirements for obtaining a Schengen Visa for Portugal. 

Meanwhile, if your Schengen visa for Portugal from Bangladesh is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases. We’ll only ask that you provide the appropriate documentation (i.e., an official explanation as to why your visa was refused by the relevant embassy, consulate, or visa application center). 

Furthermore, AXA’s plans also have no age restrictions. 

Getting an AXA travel insurance plan is quick, easy, and can all be done online in minutes. 

The AXA travel insurance certificate can then be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too. 
And our certificate is accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates — including the Portuguese and French ones. 

And last but in no way least, having quality travel insurance means that you and your family are in good hands — with 24/7 protection and support — throughout your entire journey. 

So learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans and see how we can help make your journey there from Bangladesh as safe, sound, and stress-free as possible.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from other countries

AXA can also help you apply for a Portugal visa from neighboring India, and a Schengen visa in general from any of the following countries: 

RELATED ARTICLES: 

AXA already looks after millions of people around the world

AXA Schengen's Travel Insurances

AXA Schengen Low Cost

AXA Schengen Low Cost is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This travel insurance meets all the requirements demanded, covers you in all the countries of the Schengen Area as well as 4 European microstates (Andorra, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino).

AXA Schengen Europe Travel

AXA Europe Travel is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. It provides coverage in all the Schengen countries + the European microstates + all the EU countries (including UK, Cyprus and the Republic of Ireland). And you get additional guarantees compared to AXA Schengen Low Cost.

AXA Schengen Multi Trip

AXA Multi Trip is perfect to obtain your Schengen visa. This annual travel insurance is ideal for those who often travel to Europe as well as multiple-entry Schengen visa holders. You get the same guarantees as AXA Schengen Multi Trip for different countries during 90 days.