Legal Requirements for a Portuguese Visa
Portugal is also one of the oldest states in Europe. It has a population of 10M and an area of 92,212 km2.
The Portuguese Republic is a developed country with a high-income economy and high living standards. The country has an impressive history, having lead the world with the Discoveries in the 15th century.
Portugal is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, as well as the Schengen Area. It joined the latter in 1995, thus abolishing its borders with the rest of the member states.
What Documents Are Required for a Portugal Schengen Visa Application?
Required documents for a short term Visa Application to be presented at at the Portugal embassy/consulate in your country of residence:
- Portuguese visa application form
- Two passport photos
- Valid passport.
- Two blank pages in order to affix the visa
- Passport issued less than 10 years ago
- With a validity of at least three more months beyond the date of the planed visit
- Copies of previous visas
- Documented Round-trip Flight Itinerary
- Proof of accommodation. I.e. a hotel reservation in Portugal.
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the period of stay in Portugal
- A personal cover letter
- Proof of civil status
- Portugal Travel Health Insurance
Additional Portuguese Visa Requirements Based on Employment Status
If employed:
- Employment contract
- Current bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Leave permission from the employer
- Income Tax Return (ITR) form
If self-employed:
- A copy of business license
- Company bank statement of the latest 6 months
- Income Tax Return (ITR)
If retired:
- Pension statement of the latest 6 months
If a student:
- Proof of enrollment
- No-objection certificate from school or university
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Additional Portuguese Visa Requirements for Minors
Minors applying to get a short-stay visa to Portugal, or parents applying for their minor child to get a visa, will need to complete the following additional Portuguese Visa Requirements in their application file:
- Birth certificate of the minor travelling to Portugal.
- Portugal application form signed by both parents.
- Family court order. In cases where only one parent has full custody of the child.
- Certified copies of ID/passport of both parents
- If the minor will be travelling alone with another person:
- An original and copy of the accompanying person’s passport page containing the holder’s data, and expiry date, a recent photograph and a valid visa copy.
- A notarized parental authorization to travel to Portugal, signed by both parents/guardians
Additional Requirements Based on the Purpose of Entry to Portugal
The reason for the intended trip plays an important role in the documents need to prove criteria are met to be permitted to enter and remain in Portugal for the desired period.
Portugal Tourist Visa Requirements
If you are planning to travel to Portugal for holidays, tourism, entertainment, sightseeing or similar, then you should apply for a Portugal Tourist Visa for short stays. The visa permits you to remain in Portugal for up to 90 days, within six months.
Required Documents for a Tourist Schengen Visa to Portugal
When applying to obtain a Portuguese Tourist visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
- Bank statement. Preferably for the last 6 months.
- Travel Itinerary. A description of your trip day-to-day for the whole intended duration of your stay in Portugal.
- Proof of how you will be financing your trip to Portugal.
Portugal Business Visa Requirements
A Portuguese Schengen Business visa is for travelers who need to enter the territory of Portugal for the sole purpose of engaging in business activities, i.e. meetings, contract signing, etc.
Required Documents for a Business Schengen Visa to Portugal
When applying to obtain a Portuguese Business visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
- Letter of invitation or statement of participation by the organization/company in Portugal including details of the event/affiliation and duration.
- Confirmed registration for trade fairs or congress
- A letter from your employer. In this letter should be stated why you will be travelling to Portugal.
- Proof of trip financing. Regarding the applicant’s expenses during their stay in Portugal, either the employer or the partner company must state coverage of expenses on the letter or invitation.
Portugal Study Visa Requirements
You will need to apply for a Portuguese Study visa if you wish to attend a study course, an internship or training that is supposed to last 90 days or less, within a period of six months, in Portugal.
Required Documents for a Student Schengen Visa to Portugal
When applying to get a Portuguese Student visa, you must provide the following additional documents:
- No objection letter from the educational institution where you are currently enrolled (if applicable).
- Internship agreement. Signed between the company in Portugal, the establishment of origin and the trainee.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Portuguese Visa?
The processing time for a Portugal short-stay visa is a minimum of 2 weeks. Still, according to your specific situation, this period may be extended up to 30 days. Exceptional cases may take up to 60 days, since the Portuguese embassies may have to consult with other Schengen consulates.
The processing time for nationals of several countries takes at least 3 weeks. These countries are: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, DR Congo, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.
To avoid any delay in the issuance of your Portuguese short-stay visa, you should submit your application as soon as possible, though no earlier than three months before you travel to Portugal.