portugal business visa

Portugal Business Visa For Indian Passport Holders

Summary: Portugal Business Visa for Indian Citizens

Overview of Portugal Business Visa

  • Visa Type: Short-Stay Visa (Type C) for business purposes

  • Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

  • Entry Type: Single, Double, or Multiple Entries (based on invitation)

  • Processing Time: Around 15 calendar days (apply 2-3 weeks in advance)

  • Application Submission: In person or via an authorized representative at the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate in India

  • Fees:

    • Application Fee: ~€60 (subject to change)
    • Additional service fees may apply if using a visa center

Required Documents

  • 2.1 Travel & Identity Documents
    • Valid Indian passport (at least two blank pages, valid for 3+ months beyond stay)
    • Copies of previous passports (if applicable)
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs

  • 2.2 Business-Related Documents
    • Invitation Letter from Portuguese Company (purpose, duration, cost coverage, tax ID)
    • Letter from Indian Company (employment proof, travel purpose, return guarantee)
    • Proof of business relations (contracts, invoices, past collaboration)

  • 2.3 Financial Documents
    • Bank statement (last 3 months, ~€40 per day)
    • Sponsorship letter (if expenses are covered by the Portuguese host)

  • 2.4 Insurance & Health
    • Travel insurance covering Schengen area (€30,000 minimum)

  • 2.5 Additional Requirements
    • Filled & signed application form (VAF1)
    • Flight itinerary & accommodation proof
    • Visa application fee payment proof

Application Process

  • 3.1 Pre-Application Steps
    • Check the official embassy/consulate website for the latest updates
    • Download & correctly fill the VAF1 application form

  • 3.2 Submitting Your Application
    • Submit at the Portuguese Embassy (New Delhi) or Consulates (Goa/Mumbai)
    • Provide all necessary documents
    • Biometric data collection (fingerprints required)

  • 3.3 Post-Submission
    • Processing time: ~15 calendar days
    • Track application status if available
    • Approved visa: Collect passport & check visa details
    • Rejected application: Receive refusal letter, appeal or reapply

Post-Approval & Travel Guidelines

  • Enter Portugal within 6 months of visa issuance
  • Register with local authorities if required
  • Can visit other Schengen countries, but primary stay must be in Portugal

Important Notes & Reminders

  • Schengen visa policy: Travel to other Schengen countries is allowed, but Portugal must be the main destination
  • Visa denial: Can occur due to incomplete/inaccurate documents
  • Apply well in advance to avoid delays


Table of Contents

  1. Overview of Portugal Business Visa

  2. Required Documents for Portugal Business Visa

  3. Application Process for Portugal Business Visa
    Post-Approval and Travel to Portugal

  4. Important Notes and Reminders

  5. Recommended Actions Before Applying

  6. Embassy/Consulate Contacts in India

1. Overview of Portugal Business Visa

  • Visa Type: Short-Stay Visa (Type C) for Business Purposes

  • Validity: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period

  • Entry Type: Single, Double, or Multiple Entries (dependent on the invitation and purpose)

  • Processing Time: Typically 15 calendar days, but can vary (recommended to apply at least 2-3 weeks in advance)

  • Application Submission: In person or through an authorized representative at the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate in India

  • Fees:

    • Application Fee: Approximately €60 (subject to change; check the official website for the latest fee)

    • VAT (if applicable): As per the embassy/consulate's guidelines

    • Service Fee (if using a visa application center): Varies by service provider

2. Required Documents for Portugal Business Visa

2.1 Travel and Identity Documents

  • Valid Indian Passport:

    • With at least two blank pages
    • Valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Portugal
    • Not older than 10 years from the date of issue

  • Copies of Previous Passports (if any):

    • Especially if containing valid visas for the Schengen Area

  • Recent Photographs:

    • Two passport-sized photos
    • Not older than six months
    • Meeting Schengen visa photo requirements

2.2 Business-Related Documents

  • Invitation Letter from the Portuguese Company:

    • On the company’s letterhead
    • Detailing the purpose, duration, and schedule of the visit
    • Specifying who will bear the costs of the trip (accommodation, food, transportation, etc.)
    • Including the company’s tax identification number (NIF) and the invitation reference number (if pre-registered online)

  • Letter from the Indian Company:

    • Explaining the purpose of the visit
    • Confirming the applicant’s employment and position
    • Specifying the duration of the trip and the dates of travel
    • Guaranteeing the applicant’s return to India
    • Including the company’s tax identification number and contact details

  • Proof of Business Relations:

    • Documents showing the business relationship between the Indian and Portuguese companies (e.g., contracts, invoices, proof of previous cooperation)

2.3 Financial Documents

  • Bank Statement:

    • Showing sufficient funds for the stay in Portugal (approximately €40 per day)
    • Covering the last three months
    • Attested by the bank

  • Sponsorship Letter (if applicable):

    • If the hosting company in Portugal is covering the expenses
    • Detailing the coverage (accommodation, food, transportation, etc.)

2.4 Insurance and Health

  • Travel Insurance:

    • Covering the entire Schengen Area
    • With a minimum coverage of €30,000
    • Valid for the whole duration of the stay
    • Policy document and contact details of the insurance provider

2.5 Additional Requirements

  • Filled and Signed Application Form (VAF1):

    • Download from the official website of the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate in India
    • Ensure all sections are completed accurately

  • Flight Itinerary:

    • Provisional flight booking (may be requested in some cases)

  • Proof of Accommodation in Portugal:

    • Hotel reservation
    • Rental agreement
    • Letter from the host if staying with the

  • Proof of Payment of the Application Fee:

    • As per the payment method accepted by the embassy/consulate

3. Application Process for Portugal Business Visa

3.1 Pre-Application Steps

1. Check the Official Government Websites:

  • Purpose: Verify the latest requirements and guidelines.

  • Where to Check:

  • What to Look For:

    • Latest Visa Application Forms
    • Updated List of Required Documents
    • Any Recent Changes in Visa Policies or Fees
    • Scheduling an Appointment (if required by the embassy/consulate)

2. Fill Out the Application Form (VAF1) Correctly:

  • Source: Download the form from the official website of the:

    • Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi (for North India applicants)
    • Consulate General of Portugal in Goa or Mumbai (for applicants in those regions)

  • Key Points for Filling the Form:

    • Accuracy: Double-check all information for accuracy. Inconsistencies can lead to application rejection.
    • Completeness: Ensure all sections are filled. Incomplete forms may be rejected.
    • Language: Forms are usually in English and Portuguese. Ensure you understand the questions. If needed, seek help from the embassy/consulate or a trusted translator.
    • Signature: Sign the form as per the instructions. Digital signatures might not be accepted unless explicitly stated.

3.2 Submitting Your Application

1. In Person or Through an Authorized Representative:

  • Location: Submit at the designated embassy or consulate based on your jurisdiction.

    • For North India: Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi
    • For Goa and Mumbai: Consulate General of Portugal in the respective city

  • Requirements for Submission:

    • All Documents: Ensure you have a complete set of required documents. A common list typically includes:

      • A valid passport with at least two blank pages
      • Correctly filled VAF1 form
      • Recent photos (as per the specified dimensions)
      • Business invitation or proof of business relations in Portugal
      • Proof of financial means
      • Health insurance
      • Police certificate (in some cases)

    • Avoid Rejection: Double-check the document list on the official website before submission.

2. Biometric Data Collection:

  • Process: Your fingerprints will be collected at the time of application submission.

  • Requirements:

    • Presence: You must be present for this process. If submitting through a representative, ensure they are authorized for biometric data collection on your behalf.
    • Preparation: Ensure your fingers are free from any decorations (like henna, etc.) that might interfere with the fingerprinting process.

3.3 Post-Submission

1. Wait for the Decision:

  • Processing Time: Typically takes around 15 calendar days but can vary based on:

    • Volume of Applications
    • Complexity of the Application
    • Need for Additional Documentation

  • Tracking: Some embassies/consulates may offer tracking services. Check the official website or contact them to inquire about the status of your application.

2. Collect Your Passport:

  • Approved Visa:

    • Collection: Once approved, your passport will be ready for collection at the embassy/consulate where you submitted your application.
    • Contents: Your passport will now contain the business visa for Portugal, indicating the validity period and any travel restrictions.

  • Rejected Application:

    • Refusal Letter: You will receive a detailed letter explaining the reasons for the rejection.
    • Next Steps:
      • Appeal: If you believe the rejection was unjust, you might be able to appeal. Check with the embassy/consulate for appeal processes and timelines.
      • Reapply: Address the reasons for rejection, update your application accordingly, and reapply. Ensure to check the embassy/consulate website for any changes in requirements before reapplying.

4. Post-Approval and Travel to Portugal

  • Enter Portugal Within Six Months:

    • From the date the visa is issued.

  • Register with the Local Authorities (if necessary):

    • Ensure compliance with all Portuguese laws and regulations during your stay.

  • Schengen Visa Policy:

    • Allows you to visit other Schengen countries, but the primary purpose and duration of your stay must remain in Portugal.

5. Important Notes and Reminders

  • Schengen Visa Policy: Allows travel to other Schengen countries, but the primary purpose and duration of your stay must remain in Portugal.

  • Visa Denial: Can occur if the application is incomplete, or the required documents do not meet the criteria.

  • Consult the Embassy/Consulate: For the most current information, and any specific requirements not listed here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process a Portugal business visa?

Typically 15 calendar days, but can vary.

What is the best way to submit my application?

In person or through an authorized representative, ensuring all documents are complete.

Can I travel to other Schengen countries with a Portugal business visa?

Yes, but the primary purpose and duration of your stay must be in Portugal.

Can I convert My Portugal Schengen Business Visa into a Work permit?

No, it is not possible to convert any of the Schengen category permits into another type. You are also not allowed to take part in paid work while you are on this permit. You can, however, take part in unpaid voluntary work. If you do require to work, you must apply for a visa once you are back in your home nation.  

Can I Travel other Schengen or European Countries on a Portugal Business Visa?

Yes, you are permitted to travel to other Schengen countries on this business visa. Being a Schengen country, Portugal facilitates a visa-free agreement with other Schengen countries. You can, however, travel to only the European countries that are also a part of the Schengen. Despite this, there are a few non-European countries that allow you to enter them with a Schengen visa. Eg:- Croatia.

How many months before the journey should I apply for a Portugal Business Visa?

Since it takes around 15 working days to process the application under normal conditions, it is suggested that you must apply at least 15 days before the date of travel. However, you are not allowed to apply for more than 3 months before the travel date.

 

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