Applying for Schengen Visa to Portugal

Visiting Portugal on a Schengen Visa

Sun, sea, and soccer - Portugal has got it all - from its holiday islands and golf courses to historic Lisbon. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal is a favorite of holidaymakers from around the world. To travel to Portugal for a short trip lasting fewer than 90 days, you will need a Portugal Schengen Visa, as it is part of the Schengen Area of European countries that have abolished border controls. A visa for any of the Schengen countries is valid for a stay in all the other Schengen countries during the period for which the visa is valid. Over a period of six months, you are not permitted to spend more than a total of three months in the Schengen Area.

Who needs a Schengen Visa to enter Portugal?

If you are traveling to Portugal, you will need a Schengen Visa if you are a citizen of a non-Schengen country without a visa-free travel agreement with the area, or if you have been refused for visa-free travel. These short-stay visas can be for business or tourism purposes, family and short study visits, or for medical reasons.

Your Schengen Visa application will cost €80 for adults and €40 for minors - although this may be waived in certain special circumstances, such as cultural or charitable trips for young people.

How do I apply for a Schengen Visa to Portugal?

The next stage of applying for your visa is to book an appointment, and gather your supporting documents - two recently taken passport-style photos, your passport or other travel documents that are no older than 10 years and valid for at least three months after your departure date from the Schengen Area. You will also need travel and medical insurance covering you up to costs of €30,000, a cover letter stating your itinerary and the purpose of your visit, as well as a flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of your civil status, like a marriage certificate, and proof you have means of subsistence during your stay. You will need to demonstrate you have at least €75 each time you enter Portugal, as well as €40 per day of your trip.

What are the Portugal Visa requirements for a work, business or student visa?

If applying for a work visa to Portugal, you will need to provide the embassy/consulate with documents that prove you meet Portugal Schengen Visa requirements based on your employment status. If employed, you need an employment contract, a current bank statement, a no objection letter from your employer giving you leave to travel, and an income tax return. If self-employed, you will need a copy of your business license, company bank statements, and income tax returns. You will also need an invitation letter regardless of whether you are applying for a work visa or for a short-stay Schengen Visa for business.

Longer term work visas can be tough to get, as most non-EU nationals will need a work permit before they can undertake employment in Portugal. In the majority of cases, a work visa is only granted to non-EU nationals if a secure job has been offered or if the individual is married to a Portuguese citizen. Work in Portugal for non-EU citizens, however, has been affected by the country’s high rates of unemployment in recent years and there are quotas in place to limit the number of jobs that go to third-country nationals to improve employment opportunities. Most jobs also need to be advertised to Portuguese and EU citizens for 30 days before they can be filled by a non-EU citizen.

Student visas

Student visas require proof of enrolment at a Portuguese institution, a no objection letter from your place of study in your homeland, and an invitation letter.

Where do I go to apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa?

You will need to apply to the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or a visa application center acting on the nation’s behalf. The preferred visa partner of Portugal’s embassies is VFS Global.

Why choose AXA Schengen Insurance?

Those traveling to the Schengen Area, including Portugal, need travel cover. AXA’s Low Cost Travel Insurance costs just €22 ($24) per week of your trip and will meet your visa requirements, while the AXA Schengen Europe Travel Insurance offers extended coverage up to costs of €100,000.

Those seeking a multiple-entry visa can purchase the Multi Trip insurance from €328 per year, which again covers you for expenses up to €100,000.

Other Schengen countries you might be interested in

Related topics :

• Which countries are not part of the Schengen area ?
• What is the Schengen Agreement ?

Frequently asked questions about getting a Portugal Schengen Visa

How long does it take to get a Portugal Schengen Visa? 

The processing time for a Portugal Schengen Visa may take up to 15 days in a normal situation but could take up to 60 days to be issued in extreme circumstances. You can apply for your visa up to six months before you travel.

Can I travel to Portugal if I have obtained a Schengen Visa from another country - such as Spain? 

Yes. Schengen Visas allow you to travel throughout the countries who are signed up to the agreement.

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

Yes. Although not on the continent of Europe - these are incorporated into the Schengen Area.