Portugal Visa Requirements: Application, Fees, and Documents in 2026

Before you can apply for a Portugal visa, you need to understand what the Schengen Zone means. The Schengen Zone is an area that doesn’t have internal border control. If you were to travel in that area, as a resident, you can enjoy freedom of travel without the border controls. 

But just because there are no internal borders, it doesn’t mean travelers face no rules. Each member state, also known as a Schengen country, must perform detailed controls at its external borders, which have a visa process to boost the region’s security.  

As of 2026, the Schengen Area consists of 29 countries. Of them, 25 are EU member states, and 4 are non-EU countries (Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland). That means, as a Portugal Visa holder, you can travel to any of these countries freely.  

Visa-exempt travelers can stay in the Schengen Area (which also includes Portugal) for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This is what we call the 180-day lookback period, where the total number of days you spend inside the Schengen Zone doesn’t go over 90 days. 

In short, unless you are a citizen of the EU or the Schengen Zone, if you are visiting Portugal, the 90/180-day rule will apply to you.  

To reset your 90 days, you must leave the Schengen Area and stay outside of it for a continuous 90 days. If you overstay, you can face fines or even re-entry bans.   

Still wondering, “Do I need a visa for Portugal”? The tables below can answer all your queries.

Citizens of the following countries don’t need a visa to visit Portugal: 

Note: EU and EEA countries are not included in this table, as they have a freedom of movement that is not subject to the 90-day limit. 

The European Union launched the Entry/Exit System (EES) across all Schengen countries, marking a major step forward in strengthening border security. EES began its phased rollout on 12 October 2025 and only became fully operational on 10 April 2026. 

The EES replaces traditional passport stamps with a digital system to record all entries and exits of non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area for short stays. It also stores travelers’ facial images, fingerprints, and key information from their travel documents. 

By digitally tracking entries and departures, the system helps authorities identify people who overstay their permitted visit, detect irregular migration, and combat identity and document fraud. 

Since its launch, the EES has recorded more than 52 million entries and exits. It has also registered over 27,000 refusals of entry, including more than 700 individuals identified as posing a security risk to Europe. 

So, what does the EES mean for non-EU nationals? Because every traveler has to be biometrically registered on their first visit, you should expect longer processing times at passport control. But once authorities create your biometric profile, every subsequent trip to the Schengen area becomes faster, since you can use self-service kiosks and e-gates. Your digital profile is valid for 3 years.  

The system is now operational at all external Schengen border crossing points, and the European Commission continues to work closely with Member States to support its implementation. 

The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is a pre-travel security waiver, which is quite similar to the United States’ ESTA or the United Kingdom’s ETA systems.  

The ETIAS is designed to pre-screen visa-exempt travelers from non-EU countries, such as citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Brazil, before they can even board a plane to Portugal or anywhere in Europe. With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can stay in the European countries that require ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.  

Once it is launched, the application process is expected to be quick and straightforward. The majority of applicants may obtain their ETIAS travel authorization within minutes, but in some cases, the process can take up to 30 days. That’s why it is important to plan for extra time before traveling to Portugal.  

When applying, you would use the official ETIAS website, where you would pay a €20 fee. Applicants under 18 or over 70 don’t have to pay this fee. You are also exempt if you are a family member of an EU national and meet the conditions for family member status.

The ETIAS is scheduled to start working in the last quarter of 2026. 

Citizens of the following countries need a visa to visit Portugal: 

Tourist Visa for Portugal 

A Visitor Visa, also known as a Portugal Tourist Visa or Schengen Visitor Visa, is the most common visa issued in the European Union, including Portugal. 

It allows you to enter the Schengen Area for a short stay and is often associated with travelers or visiting family. As a general rule, you must apply for a tourist visa from the country where you’ll be spending most of your time or from where you plan to enter the Schengen Zone. 

There are two types of Visitor Visa, with subtle differences between the two: 

• Schengen Visitor Visa is intended for individuals who wish to visit friends or family members residing in the Schengen Area. 
• Schengen Tourist Visa is designed for individuals who want to travel to the Schengen Area for tourism in Portugal. 

Both allow the holder to stay in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. However, the purpose of the visit may be considered during the visa application process. 

Portuguese immigration law also stipulates that minors require proof of parental consent to travel to Portugal. These requirements may change, so checking with the Portuguese Consulate or Embassy for the most up-to-date information is best. 

Business Visa 

A Portugal Business Visa is for business-related activities. This is a short-stay Schengen Visa that allows the holder to do business in Portugal, such as attend trade fairs, business meetings, visit the annual Web Summit in Lisbon, or sign contracts. The visa lasts for up to 90 days within 180 days.   

Study Visa 

There are two different types of Portuguese Study Visas for non-EEA nationals. 

• The short-term student visa (Type C) is for students or researchers who plan to participate in a course or research project in Portugal for less than 90 days. 
• The long-term student visa (Type D) is for students and researchers studying in Portugal for more than 90 days. 

The Type D Visa requires non-EU students to apply for a year-long Residence Permit once they arrive in Portugal. After one year, the residency permit can be renewed for up to five years at a local Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA) office. 

Medical Visa 

The Schengen Medical Visa is designed for individuals seeking treatment in one of the Schengen countries. If you need to access healthcare as a foreigner in Portugal, 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. 

It’s important to note that the Schengen Medical Visa does not grant the holder the right to work or engage in any activities other than receiving medical treatment. 

Cultural Purposes Visa 

This type of Portugal 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, when performing in a concert or a film festival. 

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. 

This visa prohibits the holder from engaging outside the official delegation’s itinerary. 

Airport Transit Visas 

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 who have a layover in a Schengen country while 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. 

Portugal Airport Transit Visa A: These visas are sometimes required for travelers who are only passing through the international zone of a Schengen airport on their way to a non-Schengen destination. This visa does not allow holders to enter the Schengen Area, and they must remain in the airport’s transit area until their connecting flight. 

Portugal Transit Visa B: These visas are issued for travelers transiting through a Schengen member country to a non-Schengen destination. It allows the visa holder to enter and remain in the transit area of an airport or travel through the Schengen Area to reach a non-Schengen destination. This visa suits travelers who must stop in a Schengen member country and go to a non-Schengen destination. 

Portugal Transit Visa requirements 

Nationals from the following countries are required to hold a Portugal Airport Transit Visa (A & B): 

• Afghanistan 
• Bangladesh 
• The Democratic Republic of Congo 
• Eritrea 
• Ethiopia 
• Ghana 
• Nigeria 
• Somalia 
• Iraq 
• Iran 
• Pakistan 
• Sri Lanka 

The following individuals do not need Airport Transit Visas: 

• People holding uniform visas, long-stay national visas, or residency permits issued by a Member State 
• A family member of an EU citizen who has freedom of movement rights 
• People holding diplomatic passports 
• Airport or airline crew members who are nationals of a contracting party to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation. 

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who seek longer stays of over 90 days and relocate to Portugal, they must apply for the long-term Portugal Visas. These visa types fall into the D category, all with their own unique requirements and eligibility criteria.  

Here is a quick look at the Portugal long-stay visa types. 

D7 – Passive Income Visa 

The Portugal D7 Visa, known as the Retirement or Passive Income Visa, was introduced in 2007. It allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Portugal, provided they have a passive income from a pension, real estate investments, intellectual property, or other financial equity. 

We’ve set up an eligibility test that lets you check whether this is the proper visa for you in a few minutes. It allows its holder permanent free entry and circulation in the Schengen area and the right to live, work, and study in Portugal. Moreover, your entire family is eligible for residency in Portugal under the EU family reunification scheme. 

Suppose you renew your residence permit for five years. In that case, you can apply for permanent residency, provided you meet the requirements under Portuguese Nationality Law. 

Eligibility criteria for the D7 Visa include: 

• Being a non-EU/EEA national 
• Earn a passive income of at least €920 per month as of 2026 (indexed to the Portuguese minimum wage), which increases with each dependent applicant; +50% per spouse and +30% per dependent child 
• Having a clean criminal record 
• Having proof of savings to support themselves and any dependents for at least one year 
• Showing proof of a place to live in Portugal 

D8 – Digital Nomad Visa 

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs who wish to live in Portugal while working for clients or companies outside the country. Introduced to attract global talent, this visa allows individuals to reside in Portugal for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. 

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they have a location-independent job or business, meaning they can perform their work from anywhere in the world. They must also meet specific income requirements to ensure they can support themselves during their stay. The income threshold typically requires proof of earnings that are at least four times the minimum wage in Portugal, although this amount can vary. 

Applicants must provide documentation such as a valid passport, proof of income (like bank statements or contracts), health insurance, and accommodation details for their stay in Portugal. The visa also requires that applicants do not intend to engage in Portuguese employment, as it is aimed at those working remotely for non-Portuguese entities. 

Several criteria must be met to be eligible for the D8 Visa, but the most important ones involve proving you work remotely and meeting the minimum income threshold. 

To be eligible for the D8 Visa:

• Your age should be over 18 years old 
• You are to be a non-EU and non-EEA citizen 
• You must have fully remote work on a permanent contract or freelance 
• You must prove the total monthly income from all sources, which must be at least €3,680 as of 2026 
• You must have a baseline savings of at least €11,040 

Portugal’s Golden Visa 

The Portugal Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program. The Golden Visa (which is essentially a residence permit) allows you to live and work in Portugal if you meet the minimum investment requirement, which starts at €250,000 for a donation to an art project or a project preserving Portugal’s national cultural heritage (this amount is reduced to €200,000 in Portugal’s “low-density areas”). 

A key benefit of this visa is that the stay requirement allows much flexibility; you only need to spend an average of seven days per year in Portugal to maintain your legal residency status there. 

This visa offers opportunities to become a Portuguese citizen and gain a Portuguese passport. However, the timeline for citizenship has changed for those applying for Portuguese citizenship through naturalization.  

However, under the new Portuguese Nationality Law, most foreigners need 10 years (or 7 years for EU/CPLP applicants) of legal residence to apply for Portuguese citizenship via naturalization. Under the Lei Orgânica 1/2026, which came into force on 19 May 2026, the citizenship clock now starts from the date the permit card is officially issued, not from the date you apply for it.  

D2 – Entrepreneur Visa 

The Portugal D2 Visa, is a residency visa for entrepreneurs who are not European Union citizens. The Portuguese government introduced the visa to attract businesses or investors who aim to contribute to and grow the Portuguese economy by purchasing existing companies or developing startups. 

In contrast to visas such as the Golden Visa or the D7 Passive Income Visa, the Portugal D2 Visa sets itself apart by not necessitating a substantial investment or a steady passive income. 

Instead, the Portuguese entrepreneurship visa emphasizes the importance of business investment and the presence of a viable business concept. The D2 Visa Portugal offers versatility, catering to various business types, from cozy cafes to expansive real estate agencies. 

There’s no minimum investment requirement for the D2 Visa, but you must have sufficient financial resources to establish and run your business while sustaining your livelihood in Portugal for a year. The D2 Visa is valid for four months, during which the entrepreneur must enter Portugal and apply for a residency permit. 

The residence permit post-D2 Visa is valid for two years and can be extended for three years. After five years of residency, applying for permanent residence is possible. 

D6 – Family Reunification Visa 

The Portugal D6 Family Reunification Visa is a residence permit that allows non-EU family members of Portuguese residents to join them and become residents in the country. With the Family Reunification Visa, any family member you bring to Portugal will receive a residence permit valid for the same duration as yours. 

This includes: 

• Spouses or partners recognized by the law. 
• Dependent children (including adopted children), as well as the children of the resident’s partner 
• Children over 18 who are dependent on the main applicant or their spouse/partner. They must also be single and study at a Portuguese educational institution. 
• First-degree ascendents who are a direct line relative of the resident or respective spouse and are dependent on them 
• Minor siblings, provided they’re dependent on the resident 

For example, if you have a two-year residency permit, your spouse or partner will be granted a residence permit for the same two-year period. 

However, if you have a permanent residence permit, the D6 Visa for your family member will be valid for up to two years. The non-EU family members will also have the same rights as Portuguese nationals regarding employment, education, healthcare, social security, and tax benefits. 

To qualify for the D6 Family Reunification Visa, family members applying must produce:

• Proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates 
• Residence status of the family member in Portugal 

D3 – Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa 

The Portugal D3 Visa is for highly qualified individuals. It is reserved for applicants with extensive experience or high-level qualifications for specific fields of work. This visa is designed for Portuguese companies to attract skilled employees to the country. 

To apply for the D3 HQA visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• The applicant must be a third-country national who doesn’t reside in the territory of the European Union. 
• The applicant must fulfill all tax obligations (you’ll need a Portuguese tax identification number, known as a NIF) and make the required social security contributions. 
• The applicant must have a clean criminal record and be at least 18 years old at the time of the Portugal visa application. Generally, applicants with criminal records punishable by a year or longer prison sentence under Portuguese law will be disqualified from gaining a residence permit. 
• The applicant must have completed a Bachelor’s or an equivalent level—level 6, according to ISCED 2011, or level 5 (tertiary level education)—and have five years of experience in specialized technical functions. 
• The applicant must be proficient in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish, as appropriate to the functions/duties performed. 

Portuguese companies that are registered with the IAPMEI are eligible to issue the Portugal Tech Visa, which also falls within the D3 HQA category, to non-EU nationals looking for highly specialized roles in Portugal. 

To meet the general Portugal visa requirements, you will need the following core documents, which you can submit at the Portuguese Embassy, Portuguese Consulate, or any visa application center: 

• Valid passport: You need a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area and has at least two blank pages. 
• Two passport-size photos: You need to provide recent passport photos that follow Portugal’s standard visa photo requirements. 
• Proof of sufficient financial means: You need to submit bank statements from the previous three months showing that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay. 
• Criminal record certificate: You need to provide a clean criminal record issued by your home country where you have lived for more than one year. The certificate should have been issued within the last 90 days. 
• Proof of accommodation: You need to show proof of your accommodation in Portugal (i.e., registered rental contract, a university dormitory agreement, or a formal Letter of Invitation (Termo de Responsabilidade) from a legal resident of Portugal). 
• Travel health insurance: You need travel health insurance that covers the entire Schengen Area with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including emergency medical treatment and repatriation. 
• Completed visa application form: You need to complete, sign, and date the visa application form. 

Note: Documents issued in English, French, or Spanish may be accepted by Portuguese authorities without translation. However, in some cases, you may need a certified translator and to notarize the documents. With official documents (i.e., birth certificates or college diplomas) and criminal records, an Apostille Stamp is often required.

Specific requirements for Portugal Work Visas 

If you are moving to Portugal for work or as an independent contractor, you must also provide:

• AIMA background consent: A signed authorization allowing the AIMA (formerly SEF) to check your criminal record once you arrive. 
• Work contract: You may need a signed employment contract (for subordinate work) or a written service contract/proposal (for freelancers/independent contractors). 
• Proof of legal entry or stay: If you are already in Portugal, you must show proof of legal entry (e.g., a Schengen tourist entry stamp). If you apply from a country other than your country of origin, you must provide proof of legal residency (like a resident permit). 

Specific requirements for the Portugal Student Visas 

If you were accepted to a Portuguese school, like a college or university, you will need these documents to prove your case: 

• Official letter of acceptance: Issued by a registered Portuguese university or Portuguese school. 
• Proof of tuition payment: You need receipts that show you’ve paid your tuition fees or an official scholarship award letter.  
• Student visa application form: You can obtain it from your local Portuguese Embassy or Consulate. 

Specific requirements for Portugal Family Visit Visas 

If your main goal is to visit close family or friends who are already legal Portuguese residents, you will need:

• Formal Letter of Invitation (Termo de Responsabilidade): Signed by your host in Portugal with a copy of their Portuguese ID card (Cartão de Cidadão) or permanent residence permit in Portugal. 

Specific requirements for Portugal Youth Mobility Visas (Working Holiday) 

Portugal has bilateral agreements that enable young adults from specific countries to travel and work there. 

The basic requirements for the youth mobility visas are:

• Older than 18 years, but not over 31 years 
• Have tertiary qualifications or completed 2 years of an undergraduate study 
• Are not accompanied by dependent family members or children

Additional eligibility criteria vary by nationality: 

For US citizens: 

• You need to provide a declaration that confirms your visa application is submitted under the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. 

For Canadians:

• Work offer 
• Registration in a higher education/post-secondary institution 
• Declaration of intention to travel and work incidentally 

For Australians: 

• Proof of basic A2-level Portuguese 
• A signed statement 
• A letter from the relevant ministry 

For South Koreans: 

• Statement of intention to travel and work only to consolidate financial resources 

The minimum processing time for a short-stay visa in Portugal is 15 days, but if additional documents are necessary or a more detailed examination, the processing time can be extended to up to 45 days. 

Under specific conditions, family members of EEA and EU citizens who fall under the Free Movement Directive are eligible for a faster and free visa procedure. 

If you enter Portugal on a short-stay Schengen Visa or as a visa-exempt tourist (such as a US, UK, or Canadian citizen), you can apply to AIMA (Portugal’s immigration authorities) to extend your stay for up to an additional 90 days. 

Long-term visas have their processing times, depending on the type of visa and the country from which you’re applying.  

That being said, depending on how the Portuguese authorities in your country of residence have regulated visa submission, you may have to apply for your Portugal Tourist Visa at one of the following:

• Your nearest Portuguese Embassy 
• A Portuguese Consulate 
• A Visa Application Center 
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country to which Portugal has outsourced visa submission