Portugal Visa

As a member state of the European Union, Portugal permits EU nationals to enter the country without the need to apply for a Portuguese visa. This also extends to the non-EU nations who make up the European Economic Area (EEA).

Visa free travel is also permitted for nationals of the USA, Canada, and Australia, as well as a range of other nations.

A Global Visas immigration consultant will be able to advise you whether you require a visa for Portugal. Visit our online assessment form now to get started.

For countries whose citizens are not permitted to travel to Portugal without a visa, a short term tourist or business visa may be issued with a duration calculated according to the purpose of the visit, but valid for no more then a maximum of 90 days.

Portugal is a signatory of the 1995 Schengen Agreement, which promotes free and unhindered access for tourists through the fifteen participating states. As a result, in most cases short-term Portuguese visas will be issued as Schengen visas, however, in some circumstances a Portuguese visa may still be issued.

Types of Visa for Portugal

Short Stay Schengen Visa

In Portugal, visas of this kind are issued for a period of up to 90 days, though the exact duration granted will vary and will depend upon the nationality and circumstance of the applicant and the purpose of the trip.

Schengen visas are valid for the purposes of tourism, visiting friends and family and for conducting some business activities.

As with business visit visas in many countries, a Portuguese visa does not permit its holder to undertake a position of employment in Portugal.

However, those travelling for business purposes may engage in a range of business activities including attending meetings and conferences and carrying out 'fact finding' excursions to seek potential suppliers or buyers.

Eligibility

For candidates applying for a short stay Schengen visa to Portugal, a range of supporting documentation must be provided.

This will include a valid passport from the country of origin and in cases where an applicant is living outside their country of origin, proof of residence.

Passports must have at least three months validity beyond the expiration of the visa and evidence of the purpose of the trip.

For those travelling for a holiday, or to visit friends or relatives, proof can generally be provided in the form of a hotel booking or an invitation from the hosts with whom the applicant will be staying.

For candidates travelling to Portugal for business related purposes, an invitation from the associated business partner or where self employed, a chartered accountant, chamber of commerce or bank manager will normally be required. This letter must include details of the purpose and duration of the visit.

Where applicants will be entering Portugal via a land border, it will be necessary to provide legal documentation relating to vehicle ownership and driving licenses and applicants must register with the Portuguese police within three days of arrival.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

Since Schengen visas are intended as short-term visit visas, they do not make provisions for the spouse and dependents of an applicant to accompany them. Each person must apply for a Portuguese visa in his or her own right.

However, it is worth noting that a Schengen visa will be issued free of charge to an EU national's spouse and/or dependent children upon presentation of a valid EU passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate.

Processing Times and Fees

As a specialist immigration consultancy, Global Visas help thousands of applicants each year to secure tourist visas and business visas for a wide range of destinations.

Our specialist immigration lawyers manage and monitor your visa application throughout the process from your initial enquiry through to the successful grant of your visa.

Processing fees for Portuguese visas will vary depending upon the type of visa being sought, and the nationality of the applicant. Similarly, processing times may differ depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

A Global Visas immigration consultant will be able to discuss the likely fees and processing times with you.

You can find out whether you qualify and begin your application today by completing our Portuguese visa assessment form now. Simply fill in the form and a consultant will contact you.

Portugal visa enquirers might also be interested in USA visa services.

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