How to apply for a Portugal Visa from Pakistan

Written by: Axel Strauss
Date: 05/01/2024 

Portugal and Pakistan have a commercial and cultural relationship dating back to 1958. And today, thousands of Pakistanis visit Europe’s most Western country annually, with roughly 10,000 Pakistani nationals even calling it home.

However, since Portugal is one of the 27 countries in the Schengen Zone, most non-Schengen-country nationals — including Pakistanis — need a Schengen visa to enter its borders. And if you’re a Pakistani national wondering how to apply for one, AXA can help you do so below. 

How can I get a Portugal Visa from Pakistan?

The Schengen (i.e., Portugal) Visa application process is similar in most countries. And here’s what you’ll need to do to apply specifically from Pakistan.

Figure out what type of Schengen visa for Portugal you need

First, you’ll need to determine which Portugal Visa suits your needs best. This will depend on whether you’re going to Portugal to work, study, take a break, or live — as well as on the length of your trip and how often you plan to visit. 

There are four basic types of Schengen Visa: business, work, student, and short-stay (aka the Type D or “tourist visa”). The latter is the most common one. 

If you plan to travel to Portugal from Pakistan frequently, you should apply for a multiple-entry visa And there are also a few various options if you have a partner already living, working, and/or studying in Portugal. 

An increasingly popular option in recent years is also Portugal’s D7 Residence Visa (also known as the “Passive Income Earner Residence Permit”). It’s designed for financially independent individuals who can support themselves without working in Portugal. To be eligible for the D7, you’ll need at least €7,200 (or Rs2,220,930.43) in passive income annually.

And you can also apply for what’s known as a “job-seeker visa” — which allows you to come to Portugal and find work once you’re there. The Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs official website can tell you more about that. 

Meanwhile, Portugal’s once very popular “Golden Visa” initiative was abolished in 2023.

Apply in a timely manner

You should apply for your Portugal visa no more than six months and no fewer than 15 days before your departure date. But you also want to make sure you give yourself enough time to prep all the necessary paperwork.

Have the proper documentation

The necessary paperwork will also depend on the nature of your particular trip. To apply for a short-stay (Type D or tourist) Portugal Visa, for example, you’re going to need the following: 

  • 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; 

Depending on your particular situation, you might also need:

  • Evidence of legal residence in Pakistan (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 sufficient funds

When applying for a Portugal Visa from Pakistan, you’ll need to show you have at least €40 (or Rs12,334.81) per day during your stay in the country. You must also have funds of at least €75 (or Rs23,127.77) each time you enter Portugal’s territory. 

However, you may be released from the means of subsistence obligation if you can prove your accommodation and food are covered during your stay.

What about a Portugal Visa to work or study?

If you are planning to work or study in Portugal (for fewer than 90 days), you also might need (at the very least):

  • 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). 

If you plan on studying for more than 90 days, then you’ll have to apply for a national study visa and residency permit — as well as provide evidence of your enrollment and plans to reside in Portugal. 

For a Portugal work visa, meanwhile, you’ll also likely be asked to provide evidence of a salaried employment contract — as well as obtain a residency permit.

Where can I apply for a Portugal Visa in Pakistan?

The company VFS Global processes visa applications from Pakistan on behalf of Portugal (before passing them on to the Portuguese Embassy in Islamabad). 

But note that — while you can begin the application process online — you will also need to schedule and attend an in-person interview (for biometrics collection) at one of the VFS centers located in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore. 

So give yourself plenty of time and make sure you have all the above paperwork in order before scheduling an appointment.

How long does the application take to process?

The average wait time for a Portugal visa — in Pakistan or anywhere else — is around 15 days. However, during the busier periods (and depending on your particular situation), it may take up to between 30 and 60 days.

How much is a Portugal tourist visa fee?

Schengen Visa costs are universal. 

The standard fee for a Portugal visa from Pakistan is, therefore, €80 (or roughly Rs24,673.72). 

Children between the ages of six and twelve can get one for €40 (or roughly Rs12,336.86). 

And the Schengen visa for Portugal is free* for children under the age of six. 

*NOTE: If you’re coming from Pakistan to Portugal for research and/or study purposes, are under 25 years old and traveling with charitable organizations, and/or are taking part in certain sporting or cultural events — your visa fee may be waived in some circumstances too. Make sure you check with the proper channels above. 

PRO-TIPS: While AXA strives to bring you the latest regarding any and all Schengen Visa requirements for travelers near and far, it’s always a good call to double-check with the European Commission’s official visa website. Meanwhile, specifically for Portugal, an invaluable resource is also the Portuguese government’s official eportal website.

FAQs about Portugal for Pakistan nationals

Both Portugal and Spain consistently rank as Europe’s most desired countries to live in for expats from all over the world. And now that you know where to go for your Portugal visa from Pakistan, here are some common questions Pakistani (and other) nationals tend to have about Europe’s most western country.

Is it easy to get a Portugal visa from Pakistan?

Portugal has roughly a 10% Schengen visa rejection rate — making it both not the most difficult and not the easiest place to get a visa for in Europe. But since, again, it’s increasingly becoming a top destination for many, whether you’ll get one will depend on a number of factors. 

Your chances of getting one from Pakistan, meanwhile, are the same as from anywhere else in the world — and will ultimately depend on your particular situation.

Can Pakistani citizens get Permanent Residence in Portugal?

Permanent Residence is also a very real and viable option for many coming to Portugal — including Pakistani citizens. However, Portugal’s official immigration service AIMA — until recently known as “SEF” — has undergone a number of changes in recent years. These changes — coupled with an increased demand for residencies — have resulted in countless delays and, unfortunately, even more red tape. 

So if you’re thinking about becoming a PR, keep your head up and make sure to consult their official website for the latest updates.

What’s the rent like in Portugal?

One of the drawbacks of being a top destination, meanwhile — and another major issue involving endless red tape and unending controversy — is Portugal’s housing situation. That is, the low local minimum wage and a near-20% poverty rate mean that many can not keep up with the ever-growing rent prices. Most locals live with at least one roommate, and the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of major cities can be anywhere between €800 to €2000 a month. 

Still, you can find a decent home in more remote areas of the country for under €500 a month. Meanwhile, the locals' most trusted go-tos for finding a place are either another local or the website idealista.com — so give it a browse to get a sense of what’s what.

Is a work visa open in Portugal?

Non-EU nationals are indeed allowed to work in Portugal — so long as they have a valid work visa and residence permit. So 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?

Again, while many locals struggle to make ends meet due to the housing crisis and low pay, the tourism, service, and tech sectors have continued booming — drawing in a huge influx of immigrants and expats from all corners of the world. Many international companies are cashing in on Portugal in recent years too. So depending on your particular situation, you might be in luck.

General cost of living in Portugal

And despite the high rent and generally low pay, Portugal is still relatively cheaper to live in than many of its European neighbors. A single person can live comfortably here on around €2,000-3000 a month. And the further from the big cities you are (i.e., Lisbon, Porto, Sintra), the cheaper it generally gets.

Other Helpful Info for Pakistani Nationals in Portugal

And here’s a final pro-tip from AXA: if you’re a Pakistani national planning to travel abroad, the Pakistani Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Official Website can be a great resource. 

For example, it has a comprehensive “List of Do’s and Don'ts” specifically for Pakistani Nationals in Portugal — which can be a great help before booking your Schengen visa appointment and/or plane ticket to the “Land of Explorers.”

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

As mentioned above — if you’re applying for a Portugal Visa from Pakistan — you’re going to need travel insurance. And when it comes to travel insurance — an AXA plan is definitely a “do.” 

The necessary travel insurance requirements for being granted a Schengen Visa, for example, are that your plan:

  • Has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in case of medical care, hospitalization, and/or medical repatriation:
  • Is accepted by all 27 countries within the Schengen zone (not just Portugal);
  • Is 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 said requirements. 

AXA’s plans also have no age restrictions. 

Getting an AXA plan, meanwhile, is quick, easy, and can be done online in a few minutes. 

The AXA travel insurance certificate can be downloaded (and printed) online instantly too. 

Our certificate is accepted by all Schengen embassies and consulates (Portuguese ones included). 

Moreover, if your Schengen visa for Portugal is denied, AXA’s plans are refundable in most cases — so long as 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). 

You can learn more about and compare our 3 comprehensive plans here. One of them is sure to make your future trip from Pakistan to Portugal — whether it be for vacation, to study or work, or to call it home — as safe, stress-free, and enjoyable as possible.

How to apply for a Schengen visa from other countries

Oh, and AXA can also gladly help you apply for a Portugal visa from neighboring India. 

Or a Portugal visa in general, from anywhere in the world. 

And, finally, here’s a list of how to apply for a Schengen visa (in general) from other parts of the world too: 

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FAQ

Can I travel to Portugal if I have obtained a Schengen Visa from another country?

Yes. A Schengen Visa allows you to travel to Portugal — and throughout all 27 Schengen countries — no matter which country you got it from.

Can I travel to the Portuguese islands of Azores and Madeira on a Schengen Visa?

Yes. While being outside of continental Portugal, these areas are still incorporated into the Schengen Area.

Are there any COVID restrictions for entering Portugal?

No. All travel restrictions implemented to control the spread of COVID-19 have been lifted in the EU — including for Portugal.

What should I do if my Portugal Visa is refused?

If your visa is refused you have the right to appeal to the authorities in Portugal.

What happens if I overstay my Schengen visa?

The consequences of overstaying your visa range from paying a fine, deportation, jail time, or even being banned from the country. Fortunately, AXA is happy to help you avoid all of them.

Can I extend my Schengen visa?

You can, but only in exceptional circumstances. AXA can also tell you more about that — here.

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