EuropeSelect the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Portugal.
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Japan). Valid 3 years for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We apply on your behalf end-to-end. Fees illustrative.
Tourist Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare your forms and documents; you attend the consulate/VFS appointment to submit biometrics. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Transit Visa
Required by some nationalities to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering. Whether you need one depends on your nationality. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Business Visitor Visa
Short-stay visa for business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations): up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare forms and documents; you submit at the consulate/VFS. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Not yet researched
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
For stays over 90 days to study. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. We guide you; submission is in person. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Student Visa
Residence visa for non-EU students admitted to a Portuguese higher-education programme (or research, internship or volunteering) lasting more than one year. Financial means equal to the minimum wage (EUR 920/month in 2026, about EUR 11,040/year) must be shown, though students at officially recognised institutions are exempt from some insurance/subsistence documentation. Converts to a student residence permit valid for the study period; students may later switch to work permits, and study time counts (partially) toward residence for citizenship.
Language Course Visa
Temporary stay visa for study programmes, language or academic/professional training courses, student exchanges and similar activities lasting between 3 and 12 months. Multiple-entry and valid for the full duration of the stay; it does not convert to a residence permit. Requires enrolment proof, subsistence means and accommodation.
Internship / Trainee Visa
For trainees accepted by a Portuguese company or certified training facility: internships under 12 months use a temporary stay visa, while programmes over a year use the residency-type internship visa. Requires an acceptance letter, training contract/calendar and a means-of-subsistence statement (which may be provided by the host organisation). Unpaid internships and volunteer programmes follow a similar checklist.
Not yet researched
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
For non-EU remote employees and freelancers working for employers/clients outside Portugal. Requires average monthly income over the last 3 months of at least 4x the Portuguese minimum wage (4 x EUR 920 = EUR 3,680/month in 2026) plus savings of about EUR 11,040. The 4-month double-entry visa converts to a 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 years, with permanent residence possible after 5 years; a temporary-stay (up to 12 months) variant also exists.
Self-Employment Visa
For non-EU nationals starting or relocating a business, investing in a Portuguese company, or working as self-employed professionals/freelancers with a services contract. No fixed minimum investment, but applicants must show executed investment operations or funds available in Portugal, a viable business plan, and subsistence means of roughly one year of minimum wage (about EUR 11,040). Leads to a 2-year residence permit renewable for 3 years, with permanent residence or citizenship eligibility thereafter.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Residence route for founders of innovative, scalable startups who sign an incubation contract with an IAPMEI-certified Portuguese incubator; IAPMEI evaluates innovation, scalability and the potential to reach EUR 325,000+ turnover or asset value 5 years after incubation. No fixed capital requirement, but applicants must show subsistence funds (about EUR 5,147 per person per IAPMEI guidance). IAPMEI decides certification within 30 business days; the visa then leads to a 2-year residence permit renewable for 3 years.
Skilled Work Visa
For stays over 90 days to work. Requires employer sponsorship / a work permit before you can apply, so eligibility is conditional. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Skilled Work Visa
For highly qualified professionals (higher-education degree or equivalent specialised experience) with a Portuguese job offer. The D3 requires pay of at least 1.5x the national average gross annual salary or 3x the social support index (IAS); the EU Blue Card variant requires 1.5x average gross salary (reduced to 1.2x/1.0x for listed shortage occupations under Directive 2021/1883). Leads to a residence permit renewable toward permanent residence; Blue Card holders are exempt from the 2-year wait for family reunification.
Skilled Work Visa
Law 61/2025 replaced the general job-seeker visa with a visa restricted to highly qualified professionals (higher education plus relevant experience), valid 120 days and extendable by 60 days (180 total), allowing the holder to enter Portugal, seek and take up highly qualified work, with proof of funds of about 3x the minimum wage (EUR 2,760 in 2026). IMPORTANT: as of June 2026 the official visa portal states it is NOT yet available at consular posts, pending regulation of Article 57-A of the Foreigners' Law. If no employment is found, the holder must leave and may only reapply one year after the previous visa expires.
Skilled Work Visa
For non-EU nationals with a Portuguese employment contract or binding promise of contract. Law 61/2025 (in force 23 Oct 2025) tightened labour migration, ending the post-entry 'manifestation of interest' regularisation, so a work visa obtained before arrival is now the standard route. The 4-month visa converts to a 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 years, counting toward permanent residence after 5 years.
Seasonal Work Visa
Temporary stay visa for seasonal work of 90 days to 9 months in listed sectors (agriculture/forestry/fishing, accommodation and catering, food/beverage industry, retail, construction and land transport). Requires a work contract or binding promise stating location, duration, salary and paid leave, plus accommodation and insurance. A simplified, prioritised procedure (15-day decision, fewer documents) applies to workers who held Portuguese seasonal work admission in the previous 5 years; the visa does not lead to a residence permit.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
For managers, specialists and trainee employees transferred to a Portuguese entity of the same corporate group: prior employment of 3-12 months (managers/specialists) or 3-6 months (trainees) with the group is required. Permits are issued for up to 3 years (managers/specialists) or 1 year (trainees), are not renewable beyond those caps, and a 6-month cooling-off period applies before a new ICT assignment. EU mobility rules let ICT holders work at group entities in other member states.
Not yet researched
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence permit for investment activity, applied for directly to AIMA via the ARI portal (no consular visa needed for legal entrants). Main route is EUR 500,000 in a CMVM-regulated Portuguese investment/venture fund (non-real-estate); alternatives include EUR 250,000 cultural/heritage donation, EUR 500,000 in research, or creating 10 jobs. Requires only ~7 days/year average stay; permit issued for 2 years and renewable, with citizenship eligibility after 7 years (EU/CPLP nationals) or 10 years under the 2026 nationality law; separate AIMA analysis and issuance fees apply per person (several thousand euros).
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
For non-EU nationals living off stable passive income (pensions, rents, dividends, intellectual property, financial assets). In practice the threshold is the Portuguese minimum wage, EUR 920/month (EUR 11,040/year) in 2026, +50% for a spouse and +30% per dependent child. Grants a 4-month visa converting to a 2-year residence permit, renewable for 3 years; permanent residence/long-term status possible after 5 years.
Not yet researched
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Retirement is handled under the D7 fixed-residency visa for pensioners: applicants must document their pension amount, with the practical benchmark being the Portuguese minimum wage (EUR 920/month in 2026, +50% spouse, +30% per child). Leads to a 2-year residence permit renewable for 3 years and eligibility for permanent residence after 5 years. A temporary-stay retirement visa (up to 12 months) also exists for non-permanent stays.
Working Holiday Visa
Portugal runs youth-mobility / working-holiday agreements with Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, the USA and Uruguay, generally for ages 18-30 (18-35 for Canada and Uruguay, 18-34 for South Korea). The stay is up to 12 months, with work, training or study allowed on a secondary basis (work often capped around 6 months depending on the agreement). Requires subsistence funds or a return ticket, insurance and a clean criminal record; the visa is not renewable.
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
For family members of non-EU nationals legally resident in Portugal; since Law 61/2025 the sponsor must generally have held a residence permit for at least 2 years (exemptions: families with minor/dependent children, Golden Visa, EU Blue Card and highly qualified permit holders; reduced 15-month wait after 18 months of proven prior cohabitation). AIMA must first approve the reunification request (decision within 9 months) before the visa is issued; eligible members are mainly spouses/partners, minor or dependent children and dependent ascendants. Certain family-reunification applicants (descendants of permit holders) are exempt from the EUR 110 visa fee.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Non-EU spouses, registered/de-facto partners, children and dependent relatives of EU citizens (and of Portuguese citizens residing in Portugal) apply to AIMA for a residence card under Law 37/2006 (transposing Directive 2004/38/EC), within 30 days after their first 3 months in the country. The card is valid for up to 5 years and gives full access to work; permanent residence is possible after 5 years. Spouses of Portuguese citizens may apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage under the nationality law (subject to the 2026 reform's stricter connection requirements).
Ancestry / Repatriation
Children of Portuguese citizens acquire citizenship by attribution; grandchildren of Portuguese nationals qualify without ever living in Portugal but must show effective ties, presumed with A2-level Portuguese (CIPLE). The May 2026 reform (Lei Organica 1/2026) added a great-grandchild route requiring B1 Portuguese, demonstrated community connection and 5 years of legal residence in Portugal, while raising general naturalisation residence from 5 to 10 years (7 for EU/CPLP nationals). Applications are filed at IRN civil registries or Portuguese consulates.
Not yet researched
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
After 5 years of legal, continuous residence, third-country nationals can apply to AIMA for EU long-term resident status, showing stable resources, health insurance, accommodation and basic Portuguese (A2). The permit is valid 5 years and renewable, gives near-equal treatment with nationals and facilitates mobility to other EU states. Portugal also offers a parallel national permanent residence permit after the same 5-year period; both routes coexist with (now 7/10-year) citizenship eligibility.
Not yet researched
Data verified against official sources — see how.
Completed application form
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration portal |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free (the visa fee is separate) |
| Typical time | 30–60 minutes to complete |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
| Issued by | National passport authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$150 |
| Typical time | 1–6 weeks (expedited often available) |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photo
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
| Issued by | Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $5–$15 |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Travel medical insurance
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
| Issued by | Any approved insurer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$60 per trip |
| Typical time | Immediate |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of accommodation
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
| Issued by | Landlord / host / municipality |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Return / onward ticket
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
| Issued by | Airline / travel agent |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 for a reservation |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of sufficient funds
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
| Issued by | Your bank / employer / sponsor |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$20 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of admission
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
| Issued by | School / university (admissions office) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free |
| Typical time | A few days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Criminal record certificate
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
| Issued by | National police / justice ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | A few days–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Training contract and calendar
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of remote work
Gather evidence that you work remotely for clients or an employer outside the destination: your employment or client contracts stating remote work, recent invoices or payslips, and a letter from the employer confirming you may work from abroad.
| Issued by | Employer / clients |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of fiscal residence
Download your filed tax return or a tax-assessment/clearance certificate from your national tax authority's online portal, or request a certified copy at a tax office.
| Issued by | National tax authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 |
| Typical time | Same day–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of investment or business activity
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
| Issued by | Commercial register / chamber of commerce |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Business plan
Prepare a business or project plan describing the activity, market, financial projections and job creation. You usually write this yourself; some startup or investor visas require it to follow a set template or be reviewed by an approved incubator.
| Issued by | Self-prepared (sometimes incubator-endorsed) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–consultant fee |
| Typical time | Varies |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
IAPMEI certification
Have documents translated by a sworn or certified translator and, where required, notarised. For cross-border use obtain an apostille (in Hague Convention countries) or consular legalisation from the competent authority in the country that issued the original.
| Issued by | Sworn translator / notary / apostille authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$60 per page |
| Typical time | Days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of higher qualifications
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
| Issued by | Issuing institution / education ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 (plus apostille) |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of group relationship
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of prior employment
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer (HR) / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of qualifying investment
Provide documentary proof of the qualifying investment: a bank confirmation of the deposit or transfer, share or title certificates, an escrow or blocked-account statement, or a notarised purchase contract, depending on the programme's rules.
| Issued by | Bank / notary / company registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | 1–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Tax and social security clearance
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
| Issued by | Civil registry / interior ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–several weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
EU/Portuguese citizen's ID
This is a destination- or programme-specific supporting document. Follow the exact instruction on the official consulate or immigration checklist for your visa; if it is unclear, contact the consulate or visa application centre for guidance on how to obtain it.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Varies |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Applicant's birth certificate
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry / vital records |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Portuguese language certificate
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
| Issued by | Accredited test provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $100–$300 |
| Typical time | 2–6 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Partner offers
Search opens pre-filled for this destination — compare fares and pick flexible options while your paperwork is in motion.
Some links are affiliate links — booking through them supports VisaPassage at no extra cost to you. Check fare and refund terms with the provider before you book.
