Visas in Portugal

Getting a visa to live and work in Portugal is an outwardly simple process, but can quickly become a confusing and painfully difficult task. If you’d like to tackle it on your own, go ahead. Hopefully this overview below will help get you started. If you’d like us to help you with everything, please get in touch.

Portuguese national visa

  • Portuguese National Visa: This is a type of visa that allows foreigners to stay in Portugal for more than 90 days, for purposes such as work, study, research, family reunification, or investment.

The different types of Visas for Portugal

  • Types of Portuguese National Visa: There are different types of Portuguese National Visa, depending on the purpose and duration of the stay. Some of the most common ones are:
    • D1 Visa: For employed work.
    • D2 Visa: For self-employed work or entrepreneurship.
    • D3 Visa: For highly qualified work.
    • D4 Visa: For study, internship, or voluntary work.
    • D5 Visa: For research, teaching, or cultural activities.
    • D6 Visa: For family reunification.
    • D7 Visa: For passive income or retirement.
    • D8 Visa: For digital nomads
  • Requirements for Portuguese National Visa: The general requirements for applying for a Portuguese National Visa are:
    • Valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months after the intended departure date from Portugal.
    • Two recent passport-sized photos.
    • Application form filled and signed.
    • Proof of purpose of the stay, such as employment contract, enrolment letter, invitation letter, etc.
    • Proof of means of subsistence in Portugal, such as bank statements, income tax returns, pension statements, etc.
    • Proof of accommodation in Portugal, such as rental contract, hotel reservation, letter of invitation, etc.
    • Travel health insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR for medical expenses and repatriation.
    • Criminal record certificate from the country of residence.
    • Payment of visa fee.
  • Application Process for Portuguese National Visa: The steps to apply for a Portuguese National Visa are:
    • Gather the required documents according to the type and purpose of the visa.
    • Book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate.
    • Submit the application in person and pay the visa fee.
    • Wait for the decision which can take up to 60 days.
    • Collect the visa from the embassy or consulate or have it mailed to you.
    • Enter Portugal within the validity period of the visa.
    • Apply for a residence permit within four months of arrival in Portugal.

I hope this helps you – let us know if you need personal help.

2 Comments

  1. Antoinette Weich

    Hi Nick
    I need your help. My daughter is a Portuguese citizen she has a valid Portuguese ID & Passport she got married a year ago although they have been living together for 5 years now they want to move to Europe and work in Europe they reside in Cape Town at the moment. Her husband is South African he has a financial degree. She also has a degree. They are busy registering their marriage at the consulate. Question? How can you help assisting her husband with either a spousal visa or Residency to be able to work in the EU or what is the best way around this? Dealing with the consulate in S.A. is a bit of a nightmare. Hope I am making sense.
    We as the parents will also be making our way to Portugal specifically the Algarve Potimao we are both Portuguese Citizens.Looking forward to hearing from you.
    Regards Antoinette

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