Known for its perennial sunshine, stunning coastline and great cultural sights, Portugal welcomes over 20 million visitors every year. As such, if you are moving to Portugal (either for a short visit or a long stay), it is important to be aware of the entry requirements and visa options before planning your trip or relocation. While this article aims to provide the most up-to-date information on traveling to Portugal, it is strongly advised that you check with your local Portuguese embassy or consulate for the most recent information about entry requirements.
Do you聽need a visa to travel to Portugal?
Whether you do or don't need a visa to enter Portugal depends on your passport.
Portugal is a member state of the Schengen Area, which includes 29 European countries. There are no border controls in the area, and residents of Schengen countries can travel within the Schengen Zone with just a form of ID.
EU/EEA nationals
If you are a citizen of an EU/EEA member state, you can travel, live and work in Portugal without a visa or a work permit. However, if you plan to stay in the country for a period longer than 3 months and shorter than 5 years, you will need to apply for a Registration Certificate. This is the document that serves as a residency permit for EU/EEA nationals staying in Portugal. You can apply for this certificate at your local city council. Typically, these are the required documents:
1 - A valid form of ID (passport, travel ID, etc.);聽
2 - Written declaration of commitment in which the applicant claims one of the following
- They work for a Portugal-based company or are self-employed
- They have health insurance and sufficient funds to support themselves and their family throughout their stay;
- They study in a public or private education institution in Portugal and have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family throughout their stay;
- They are moving into the country to reunite with a family member that abides by one of the aforementioned clauses (in this case, you'll need a document that proves you're both related).
Non EU/EEA nationals
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries will need a visa to enter Portugal (even for a period of less than three months)鈥攗nless they come from one of the 61 countries that have an agreement with Portugal that allows their citizens to visit Portugal visa-free. Among others, these countries include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.
Check with your local Portuguese consulate or embassy on whether you need a visa to visit Portugal.
Note that even if you don't need a visa for a short stay in Portugal, you will still need to apply for a long-term visa or residence permit if you plan to stay in the country for over three months. Unlike EU/EEA nationals, you will need to apply for such a visa/residence permit BEFORE arriving in Portugal.
Types of short-stay visas to Portugal
It's important to note that there are different kinds of short-stay visas in Portugal. However, if we stick to the standard version (called visto de curta dura莽茫o), it allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You can travel to Portugal for tourism, business, family visits, temporary employment, transit, etc. On this visa, you will also be able to visit other countries in the Schengen Area. Depending on your application, it can be a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa.
To apply for a short-stay visa to Portugal, you should visit your local Portuguese embassy or consulate. Together with the required documentation, you will need to pay a fee of 80鈧�. In some counties, you will also be charged additional service fees. However, these should not be more than half of the standard fee.
However, the country also boasts 鈥�Temporary Stay Visas鈥� (Visto de Estada Tempor谩ria), which is another form of short-stay visas. These can be valid for a period of up to a year, depending on the type of temporary stay visa you apply for.
Standard short-stay visa
This visa allows you to stay in Portugal for 90 days in a 180-day period and is granted for the purpose of tourism, business, short-term work, family visits, etc. To apply for a standard short-term visa to Portugal (valid all across the Schengen Zone), you will need to submit the following documents:
- ;
- ID valid for at least 3 months from the intended date of departure;
- One passport-sized photo;
- Medical insurance coverage;
- Proof that you can support yourself financially throughout your stay (certificate from your employer + bank statement from the past 3 months);
- Return tickets;
- Proof of accommodation in Portugal;
- Documents explaining the purpose of your visit (business conference invitation, proof of family ties in Portugal, etc.).
Seasonal work visa
A visa for applicants who are staying in the country for less than 90 days for seasonal work. It is very popular in fields such as agriculture and tourism.
Job search visa
This visa allows individuals to enter and stay in the country while searching for employment opportunities. Holders can work until the visa expires or until they receive a residence permit. Initially granted for 120 days, it can be extended for an additional 60 days and only allows a single entry. However, this visa regime is changing and is expected to apply only to highly-qualified individuals before the end of 2025.
Highly qualified activity visa
It is a temporary residency visa for individuals engaged in scientific research at research centers, teaching positions in higher education institutions, or highly skilled work for durations of less than one year.
Study visa
This type of visa is granted to those who plan to study in Portugal for a period of over 90 days but under a year. To apply for a temporary study visa, you will need to provide proof that you are officially enrolled in a course at an accredited educational establishment in Portugal.
Internship/training/volunteering visa
You can apply for this type of visa if you are involved in professional training, a volunteer program or internships in Portugal. To apply for the visa, you will need to provide proof that you will be involved in these activities for a period that exceeds 90 days and is no longer than a year.
Medical treatment visa
As the name suggests, this type of visa is granted to those who need to undergo medical treatment in Portugal, or those accompanying those undergoing medical treatment. You will need to submit medical forms detailing the applicant's condition, proof of a treatment program available in a medical institution in Portugal, and proof of relationship to the patient (for accompanying applicants).
Youth mobility visa
This is a special type of visa available to young people (generally aged 18 to 30) from ten countries. The purpose of travel, in this case, can be studying, training, cultural exchange, volunteer work, etc. Citizens of the following countries can participate in the program: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, USA, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea and Uruguay. The visa is valid for periods longer than 3 months and shorter than 12 months.
Self-support visa
This visa is granted under exceptional circumstances to those who want to reside in Portugal for a period that is over 90 days but under a year (intended for self-employed workers and pensioners). You will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your stay鈥攁nd offer valid reasoning for why you need to stay in Portugal during this time.
Religious stay visa
This visa is granted to those who are traveling to Portugal to undertake religious studies at an accredited religious institution. To apply, you will need to provide proof that you are enrolled in a religious training program.
Entering Portugal
Portugal is a safe and modern country and easy to access from within Europe, or from outside the EU, via international airports or the train and bus systems. You will find the water safe to drink, and all food and produce are of a high standard, as per EU regulations.
Generally, no vaccinations are required to enter Portugal. However, if you will be spending time in rural parts of the country and in the outdoors, it is advisable to be up-to-date on your Hepatitis A and to have a valid tetanus shot. Furthermore, as vaccination rates are dwindling all across the globe, pay special attention to potential outbreaks of measles and other infectious diseases.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
