Portugal Visa Requirements – Documents and Photo Specifications

What documents do i need for Portugal visa application? What photo specifications should I follow? How long does it take to get my visa approved? These questions are common when applying for a Portuguese visa. Before traveling, you must fulfill all Portugal visa requirements. This way, you won’t get stuck without a valid passport or visa.

Portugal is a country located in Southern Europe. Portugal has a population of approximately 10 million people.

Portuguese visas are issued at the Consular Offices of the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate General in your home Country. There are two types of visas: single entry (valid for 90 days) and multiple entry (valid for 180 days).

Consequently, would you like to know how to get a Portugal Visa and the process for applying for one? As you continue reading with us, allow us to provide you with the important details that you need.

What is Portugal Schengen Visa?

A Portugal Visa is a document that allows a person to visit Portugal for a certain reason, such as tourism, business, or a family visit. Depending on the reason for travel, numerous types of visas are available.

The tourist visa is the most prevalent type of Portugal Visa (short term visa). This visa permits the holder to stay in Portugal for up to 90 days.

To apply for a Portugal Visa, applicants must fill out an online application form and submit supporting documents such as a passport photo, proof of travel arrangements, and proof of financial support.

Furthermore, the applicant must be a citizen of one of the visa-exempt countries. Portugal, along with 25 other European countries, is a member of the Schengen Area. These countries have free movement inside their borders and a common visa known as the Schengen Visa. This means that if you obtain a visa for any Schengen country, such as Portugal, you can also travel to the other Schengen countries.

If you want to stay in Portugal for an extended amount of time (for example, to work or study), you will require a Portugal National Visa rather than a Schengen Visa.

Who Does Not Need a Visa to visit Portugal?

Portugal is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Nationals of Schengen Agreement countries can travel to Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Nationals of other countries must obtain a visa in advance from a Portuguese embassy or consulate.

What are Portugal Visa Requirements?

When traveling to Portugal, there are a few visa requirements that you must follow. The following documents must be submitted with your Portugal Visa application:

• A valid passport. It must be valid for at least three months from the date you leave Portugal or the Schengen Area.
• The Portugal Visa Application Form. The form can be downloaded from the Portuguese MFA website (here).
• A Recent Passport-size pictures (with white background), in line with Schengen requirements.
• Travel health insurance is required. In accordance with Schengen standards, it must be valid within the Schengen Area.
• Medical emergencies and evacuation must be covered for at least €30,000.
• You must provide proof that you have paid the Portugal Visa Fee.
• Your travel plans. You do not have to pay for the plane tickets; merely book them.
• Portugal Visa Cover Letter. It must include your reason for traveling, your arrival and departure dates, whether you will visit another Schengen country, your planned activities, and so forth.
• Proof of sufficient funds. You must be able to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your trip.
• Proof of lodging in Portugal. This might be a hotel reservation or an invitation letter (if you are visiting friends or relatives).

If you are employed:

• Proof of employment – a work contract if you work for someone else, or a certificate of business registration if you operate a firm or are self-employed
• Workplace leave (if you have an employer).
• Bank statements for the last three months.

If you are a student:

• A certificate of enrollment from your university or college.

For retired persons:

• If you are retired, you will need your pension certificate.

Minors traveling alone must meet the following requirements:

• Minor’s birth certificate
• a copy of the parents’ or legal guardians’ passports
• Consent letter signed by parents or legal guardians

If you are visiting relatives or friends in Portugal:

• You will need a letter of invitation from one of them.

If you are traveling for business, you should:

• Invitation letter from the employer in Portugal The duration and purpose of your travel must be included in the letter.
• Letter from your company outlining the two companies’ relationships.

Please Note: All documents must be written in English or Portuguese. You must get them translated by a certified translator if they are not. Birth certificates, for example, must be authorized by an Apostille Stamp or by the Portuguese Embassy.

How to Apply for a Portugal Schengen Visa?

Generally, to apply for a Portugal Visa:

1. The first steps is to download and complete the Portugal Visa Application Form. The Application Form can be found and downloaded on the website of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Collect all the necessary documents for a Portugal visa. See the Portugal Visa Requirements section for further information.
3. Submit the documents. Depending on where you live, you may be required to submit your documents at a Portugal Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Center.
4. Pay the Visa fee for Portugal. See the Portugal Visa Fee section for further information.
5. Wait for the processing of the visa. This typically takes approximately 15 days, but it could take longer depending on your circumstances.
6. Get the visa. Depending on where and how you applied, you will be notified whether your application was successful, and you will be required to pick up your passport, to which the visa will be affixed.
7. Travel to Portugal. You can travel to Portugal once you have obtained a visa.

Please, keep in mind that there is a slightly different application process if you are looking for a long-term visa, such as a Work Visa, Study Visa, or Visa for Family Reunification. Also check Portugal National Visas for further information.

Portugal Visa Photo Size

Each country has its own set of passport and visa photo requirements. ensure that you have the correct photo for your Portugal passport or visa.

See the following information about your Portuguese Schengen Visa photo:

• The photo requires a plain, and white background.
• You must look directly at the camera, with your face not slanted.
• 35mm x 45mm are the dimensions.
• The photo must be no more than 6 months old.
• If you use glasses on a daily basis, take care to avoid flash glare.
• You will require two (2) photographs.

How much does a Portugal Visa Cost?

A Portugal visa can cost anywhere from €80 to €100, depending on the type of visa and your nationality. There are also some additional costs that may apply, such as the cost of a medical exam, if required.

Most visas for Portugal cost €80. However, there are a few exceptions. Citizens of Azerbaijan and Russia (adults and children over 12) must pay €35 for their visas. And citizens of the United States must pay €100 for their visas.

There are also some other costs that you may need to consider when applying for a Portuguese visa. For example, you may have to pay for a medical exam, if required. The average cost of a medical exam is around €85. So, in total, you could end up spending anywhere from €200 to €250 on your Portuguese visa application.

How long does Portugal visa last?

The validity of a Portugal visa is determined by the type of visa granted. Most visas, however, are valid for up to 90 days (3 months).

You must leave the country before your visa expires, or you must ask for an extension.

If you intend to stay in Portugal for a period of time longer than your visa allows, you must apply for a resident permit.

How can I extend my Schengen Visa in Portugal?

If you are in Portugal and your Schengen Visa is about to expire, you may be wondering how you can extend it. Fortunately, it is possible to apply for a visa extension in Portugal. However, the extension must be for a legitimate reason, such as an illness or natural disaster.

First of all, to apply for extension, you will need to gather the necessary documents and submit them to the Portuguese immigration authorities. These documents include your passport, visa extension application form, recent passport-sized photo, proof of travel insurance, proof of accommodation in Portugal, and proof of financial means or support.

In addition, you will also need to pay the visa extension fee, which is currently €35. Once you have submitted all of the required documents and paid the fee, the Portuguese authorities will review your application and let you know whether or not your visa has been extended.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bank balance is required for Portugal visa?

Basically, to get a Portugal visa, you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself while in the country. The actual amount of money required depends on the length of your stay and your age, but you should budget at least €45 per day.

Can Nigeria travel to Portugal now?

Yes, Nigerians can now travel to Portugal. Travel restrictions in Portugal are minimal. To enter Portugal, most Nigerian travelers must have a negative COVID-19 test result. There is no need for quarantine.

Can I go to Portugal without a visa?

Yes, US citizens can go to Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days.

How hard is it to get a visa for Portugal?

Depending on your nationality and the reason of your stay, acquiring a visa for Portugal is not too difficult. In general, nationals of European Union nations do not require a visa to enter Portugal for stays of up to 90 days.

Conclusion

In summary, to apply for a Portugal visa you will need to meet all Portugal visa requirements. This means that you need to provide various documents and photos. Make sure that you are aware of the photo specifications and that your documents are in order, or you could experience delays in the application process.