When planning a visit or a move to Portugal, choosing the right visa is a crucial first step. Portugal offers various visas, which can be broadly divided into two categories: Schengen short-stay visas (for stays of up to 90 days) and National long-stay visas (for longer stays).
The long-stay visas can be further classified into two types: temporary stay visas (for stays of up to one year, such as for work or study) and residence visas (for those seeking to establish permanent residency).
In this article, we’ll break down all the visa types for Portugal to give you a better understanding of how to start your Portugal immigration journey, the application processes, eligibility requirements, and key benefits of each visa category.
Portugal Visas: Key Takeaways
Do you need a visa for Portugal?
Yes, if you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you need a visa to enter as a tourist, live, or plan on working in Portugal, no matter how long you are staying. There are some notable exceptions to some Portugal immigration visa types, though.
For example, citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and 57 other countries can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa.
However, since Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, citizens with a passport from other Schengen Area or EU countries don’t need to apply for a visa and can freely enter and exit Portugal for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
There is a caveat, though. While they still don’t need a visa for stays longer than 90 days, they must register their residence with the local Portuguese authorities if they intend to make Portugal their home.
|
No Visa Required |
No Visa Required for Stays up to 90 Days |
Visa Required |
|
Citizens of EU/EEA/Schengen countries, such as: |
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries that are on the Schengen visa exemption list, such as: |
Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries that are not on the Schengen visa exemption list, such as: |
|
Spain France Germany The Netherlands Italy |
United States Canada United Kingdom Australia Brazil |
Nigeria South Africa Mexico Philippines India |
|
They can live, work, and study in Portugal freely under EU freedom of movement laws. |
This applies for tourism, family visits, and business but not for work or long-term stays. |
A separate national visa is needed for stays longer than 90 days, like for work or study. |
Portugal Tourist Visa
If you’re planning a short visit to Portugal for tourism, to see family, or just to relax, you’ll likely need a Portuguese tourist visa. This is a type of Schengen Visa for non-EU citizens and is the most common way to visit Portugal for a few weeks. You should apply for a Schengen visa through the consulate of the country where you will spend the most time. If you are spending equal time in multiple Schengen countries, apply through the consulate of the country you will enter first. Make sure you have travel insurance and enough funds in your bank account before you apply.
If you’re a US citizen, you can visit Portugal for up to 90 days without needing a visa, whether you’re coming for tourism or business. Just make sure your US passport is valid for at least three months after your planned departure date. If you want to stay longer, or if you’re coming to work, study, or live in Portugal, you’ll need to apply for the right visa or residence permit before you travel.
- Visa Conditions: Visa is valid from one month to two years, but stays are limited up to 90 days within 180 days
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA extension fee: €34
Portugal Business Visa
When you need to travel to Portugal for business like attending meetings, conferences, or events such as the annual Web Summit in Lisbon, you’ll need a Portuguese Business Visa. This visa lets you enter Portugal and move freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days, making it ideal for short-term business trips.
- Visa Conditions: Visa is valid from exact dates to two years, but stays are limited up to 90 days within 180 days
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA extension fee: €34
Portugal Job Seeker Visa
The Job Seeker Visa is designed for people who want to come to Portugal to look for work. With this visa, you can live in Portugal and start working for an employer while you search for a long-term job or apply for a residence permit. You have 120 days to find a job or submit your residence application. If you do not secure a job or apply in time, you will need to leave Portugal.
- Visa conditions: Visa is valid for 120 days and can be extended for a further 60 days
- Application Fee: €75
- AIMA extension fee: €38
Note: In June 2025, a draft law proposed several changes to the immigration and citizenship laws. Among them, lawmakers are pushing for only highly qualified individuals to be eligible for the Job Seeker Visa, and potentially introducing a language proficiency requirement for residence permits.
D1 – Portugal Work Visa
The D1 Visa, often called the Portugal Work Visa, lets non-EU and non-EEA citizens live and work in Portugal if they have a job offer from a Portuguese employer.
The visa is usually valid for one year and can be renewed. Over time, it can lead to a residence permit, giving you the chance to settle in Portugal for the long term.
To apply, you’ll need to show proof of employment, such as a work contract or an invitation from a Portuguese company. You’ll also need to provide documents that show you’re qualified for the job.
- Visa validity: One year
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA Fee: €82
- Reception and analysis fee: €95
D2 – Entrepreneur Visa
The Portugal D2 Visa is designed for entrepreneurs from outside the European Union who want to start or grow a business in Portugal. Whether you’re planning to launch a new startup or invest in an existing company, this visa offers a pathway to residency while helping you contribute to the local economy.
Unlike some other residency options, the D2 Visa doesn’t set a minimum investment amount. Instead, you’ll need to show you have enough funds to set up and operate your business, as well as support yourself during your first year in Portugal.
- Visa validity: Four months, extended to two years with an application for a residency permit
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA Fee: €82
- Reception and analysis fee: €95
D3 – Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa
The Portugal D3 Visa, sometimes called the Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa, is a long-term residence option for non-EU/EEA nationals with advanced skills or experience who want to live and work in Portugal.
It’s aimed at people with specialized skills, advanced degrees, or significant professional experience who have a job offer in Portugal in a highly qualified role, like scientific research, technical fields, or management.
- Visa validity: Minimum one year
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA Fee: €82
- Reception and analysis fee: €95
D4 – Student Visa
The Portugal D4 Visa, often called the Portugal Student Visa, is designed for non-EU and non-EEA nationals who plan to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days to study, do academic research, or take part in vocational training.
This visa is for people who are enrolled in higher education in Portugal, whether you’re starting a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, or joining an exchange program or professional internship at a recognized institution.
- Visa validity: Minimum 90 days
- Application Fee: €75
- AIMA Fee: €82
D5 – Study and Research Visa
The Portugal D5 Visa is for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to live in Portugal while working in higher education or research. If you have been accepted to a Portuguese university for teaching, research, or other academic activities, this visa lets you stay in the country long-term.
The D5 Visa also covers postgraduate students and researchers involved in academic or scientific projects at recognized Portuguese institutions. With this visa, you can live in Portugal for as long as your studies or research last.
- Visa validity: Length of academic activities
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA Fee: €82
- Reception and analysis fee: €95
D6 – Portugal Family Reunification Visa
The Family Reunification Visa lets non-EU family members join you in Portugal and live here as residents. If you bring your family to Portugal on this visa, they’ll get a residence permit that’s valid for the same length of time as yours.
Eligible family members include your spouse or legally recognized partner, dependent children (including adopted children), your partner’s children, and even children over 18 if they depend on you or your partner. Children over 18 need to be single and studying at a school or university in Portugal.
- Visa validity: Same as the residency holder
- Application Fee: €90
- Reception and analysis fee: €95
D7 – Passive Income Visa Portugal
The Portugal D7 Visa, sometimes called the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, lets non-EU and non-EEA citizens live and work in Portugal if they have a steady income from sources like pensions, rental properties, royalties, or other investments.
With the D7 Visa, you can travel freely throughout the Schengen area and have the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. Your family members can also join you in Portugal through the EU family reunification program.
After a few years of renewing your residence permit, you can apply for permanent residency and, later on, Portuguese citizenship. This gives you the chance to get a Portuguese passport and ID, as long as you meet the requirements set by Portuguese nationality law.
- Visa validity: Initially two years, renewable for another two years
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA Fee: €82
- Reception and analysis fee: €95
D8 – Digital Nomad Visa
The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs live in Portugal while working for clients or employers abroad. This visa is designed to attract international talent and gives you the chance to stay in Portugal for up to a year, with the option to renew.
To qualify, you need to show that your job or business can be done remotely and that you meet the income requirements to support yourself in Portugal. This means proving you earn at least four times the Portuguese minimum wage, which is currently at least €3,680 per month, though this amount can change.
- Visa validity: One year, renewable
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA Fee: €82
- Reception and analysis fee: €95
E8 Seasonal Work Visa
The E8 Visa is designed for non-EU and non-EEA nationals who want to work in Portugal for a limited time in industries like agriculture, tourism, or hospitality, where extra help is needed during busy seasons.
With this visa, you can live and work in Portugal for more than 90 days but less than 270 days, as long as your job is seasonal.
To apply, you’ll need a job offer or work contract for seasonal work with a company or employer based in Portugal.
Your employer will need to provide a letter that includes details like where you’ll be working, your job role, how long the work will last, your salary, and any paid vacation. If your job is in a regulated profession, you’ll also need to meet the legal requirements for that field in Portugal.
You’ll also need to show that you have a place to stay in Portugal, either through your own lease or accommodation provided by your employer. Like with other Portuguese visas, you must have medical insurance, and your employer should confirm if they offer work accident insurance.
- Visa validity: 270 days
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA Fee: €82
- Reception and analysis fee: €95
D9 – Portugal Golden Visa
The Portugal Golden Visa allows you to live and work in Portugal if you make a qualifying investment. It’s a popular option for people who want to make Portugal their home through investment.
Among several investment options, you can qualify by investing at least €250,000 in an art or cultural heritage project, or €200,000 if the project is in a low-density area.
The Golden Visa also puts you on the path to Portuguese citizenship and a passport, as long as you meet the requirements for naturalization.
You can include your family in your Golden Visa application, so they can live, work, and study in Portugal too. You’ll just need to provide documents like marriage or birth certificates.
One of the main advantages is flexibility. To keep your residency, you only need to spend seven days in Portugal in the first year, and 14 days for each subsequent year.
- Visa validity: Renewable
- Application Fee: €90
- AIMA Fee: €3,023
- Reception and analysis fee: €605
Other Portugal Visas
Alongside tourist, business, and work visas, Portugal offers several other C-type visas for short visits. These short-stay visas are meant for people who want to spend a limited time in Portugal or travel around the Schengen Area, usually for a specific reason.
Airport Transit Visa
An Airport Transit Visa allows travelers from certain non-Schengen countries to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering the Schengen Area. It is required for travelers with a layover in a Schengen country en route to a non-Schengen destination. For example, you’ll need a transit visa if you are flying through Portugal to a non-Schengen Area country like the United Kingdom.
Cultural Purposes Visa
This tourist visa is for people planning to travel to Portugal to participate in cultural, sports, religious, or film-related activities within a Schengen member country. It allows the holder to enter and travel within the Schengen area for a specific period, usually between 1 and 90 days, for example, to perform in a concert or attend a film festival.
Medical Visa
The Schengen Medical Visa is designed for individuals seeking treatment in one of the Schengen countries. If you want to benefit from Portugal’s healthcare system, this visa allows the holder to enter and stay in the country for the duration of their treatment, ranging from a few days to several months. To apply for this visa, individuals must provide proof of their medical condition, such as a letter from a doctor or hospital, and evidence of adequate health insurance coverage.
Official Visit Visa
An Official Visit Visa is intended for official delegations, government officials, and diplomats visiting Portugal on official business, including attending conferences, meetings, or signing agreements. To apply, the individual or organization must provide an official invitation letter from the Portuguese government or a relevant Portuguese organization and proof of their official status. They must also provide evidence of adequate financial means and valid medical insurance.
Spouse Visa for a Portuguese Citizen
The Portugal Visa for the spouse of a Portuguese national is a specific visa that allows the spouse of a Portuguese citizen to enter and reside in Portugal. The individual must be married to a Portuguese national and provide proof of their marriage and their spouse’s Portuguese citizenship. They must also provide evidence of adequate financial means and valid insurance coverage. The visa is usually issued for one year, but you can renew it if the marriage is still valid.
Amateur Sports Activity Visa
For individuals who wish to engage in amateur sports activities, Portugal offers a short-stay visa for non-EU/EEA nationals entering to participate in short-term amateur sports events, tournaments, or competitions. It allows for a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, and applicants must provide evidence of their participation in the sports event, such as an invitation letter from the organizing sports club or association, proof of registration in the competition, or a detailed itinerary of the sports activity.
Portuguese Citizenship
Non-EU nationals planning to stay in Portugal for more than three months must apply for a residence permit. The first residence permit granted is typically valid for two years and can be renewed for three years thereafter. While EU citizens do not need a residence visa, they must still register with AIMA if they plan to remain in Portugal for more than three months.
After residing in Portugal for five years, you may qualify for permanent residency. Additionally, after this period, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship. In certain situations, such as being married to a Portuguese citizen, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship earlier.
In our Global Passport Index 2025, Portugal ranks 28th and 12th for quality of life and enhanced mobility, respectively.
⚠️ Update on Portugal's Nationality Law Changes
On 28 October 2025, Portugal's parliament approved key amendments of the Nationality Law, including increasing the residency requirement for citizenship from 5 to 10 years, and 7 years for CPLP nationals and EU citizens. This will significantly impact how visa holders and residents acquire citizenship.
However, these changes are not yet law. They must still undergo Presidential review where the President may promulgate the law, issue a veto, or request a review by the Constitutional Court. The final text may still be amended but they might not be enacted because the law is not final until its promulgated.
For the latest information regarding these changes, read Portugal Nationality and Citizenship Changes 2025
Why choose Global Citizen Solutions for your Immigration Visa?
GLOBAL APPROACH BY LOCAL EXPERTS
- GCS has offices located across Portugal.
- Members of the US-Portugal and UK-Portugal Chambers of Commerce in Portugal, and the Investment Migration Council (IMC).
- Our expert team can help you throughout your journey to secure your Visa.
100% APPROVAL RATE
- Our successful track record in applications provides reassurance to applicants.
- We have helped clients from more than 35 countries secure residency in Portugal.
ALL-ENCOMPASSING SOLUTION
- With a single channel of communication, our approach ensures that you have complete clarity on your application.
- Our BeGlobal® Onboarding System allows for a total flow of information.
TRANSPARENCY AND PRIVACY
- Our pricing is clear and detailed, you will not face any hidden costs.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server.
