Portugal Visa For Indian Passport Holders

Portugal, known for its rich history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant culture, is a popular destination for Indian travelers. Whether you plan to explore Lisbon, Porto, or the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira, understanding the visa process is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview of the different visa types, application procedures, required documents, fees, and other important details to ensure a smooth application experience.

Short-Stay (Schengen) Visa – Up to 90 Days

• Tourist Visa: For sightseeing, leisure travel, and visiting friends or family.

• Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or professional engagements.

• Visitor Visa: For visiting family members or friends in Portugal.

• Medical Treatment Visa: For medical procedures and treatments in Portugal.

• Cultural/Sports/Conference Visa: For participation in cultural, sporting, or religious events.

• Airport Transit Visa: For layovers in Portugal while traveling to a non-Schengen destination.

Note: Schengen visas for Portugal are also valid for Azores and Madeira, as they are part of Portugal.

Long-Stay (National) Visa – Over 90 Days

• Student Visa: For individuals enrolling in academic courses.

• Work Visa: For those employed by a Portuguese company or with a valid job offer.

• Job Seeker Visa: For skilled professionals looking for employment in Portugal.

• Family Reunification Visa: For joining family members who are legal residents of Portugal.

• Golden Visa (Investment Visa): For investors planning to buy property or start a business in Portugal.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type Based on Your Travel Purpose

Reflection Questions:

• What is the primary purpose of my trip to Portugal? (Select one)
• Tourism/Sightseeing
• Business Meetings/Conferences
• Studying
• Employment
• Family Reunification
• Cultural/Sports Events
• Transit
• Other (Specify)

• Will my stay be short-term (up to 90 days) or long-term (over 90 days)?

Visa Type Selection Based on Purpose:

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Common Documents for All Visa Types:

• Valid Indian Passport (at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
• Completed and Signed Visa Application Form (see Step 3)
• Recent Photos (as per Schengen specifications: 35x45mm, white background)
• Travel Health Insurance (covering at least €30,000, valid for the Schengen Area)
• Proof of Financial Means (e.g., bank statement, income certificate)
• Flight Itinerary or Travel Plans

Additional Documents by Visa Type:

• For Tourism/Business:
• Proof of Accommodation
• Invitation Letter (for Business)

• For Study:
• Admission Letter
• Proof of Language Proficiency

• For Work:
• Work Permit
• Job Offer
• Proof of Qualifications

• For Family Reunification:
• Proof of Family Relationship
• Residence Permit of Family Member

Check the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global Website for specific requirements.

Step 3: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Source:

• Download from the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate website.
• Download from VFS Global (if applying through them).

Form Requirements:

• Fill the form electronically and then print it, or print and fill it out by hand using capital letters.
• Sign the form in the designated area.
• Ensure all information matches your passport.
• Attach a recent photo to the form (if not uploading electronically).

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Option 1: In Person at the Portuguese Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate in Goa

Option 2: Through a Registered Agent

• Ensure the Agent is Authorized by the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate.
• Provide the Agent with All Required Documents.

Option 3: Via VFS Global (authorized service provider for visa applications).

• Website: www.vfsglobal.com/portugal/india/
• Centers in India: Check the VFS Global website for locations.
• Appointment Scheduling: Recommended to book an appointment in advance.

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data at the Submission Center

Who Needs to Provide Biometric Data:

• All first-time applicants.
• Applicants whose biometric data are not valid (i.e., data provided more than 59 months ago).

Biometric Data Collected:

• Fingerprints (all fingers).
• A digital photo.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Fees (subject to change, check for current rates):

• Schengen Visa for Adults: €80 (approximately INR 7,000, depending on the exchange rate).
• Children between 6-12 years: €40 (approximately INR 3,500).
• Children under 6 years, Family Members of EU/EEA Nationals, and Others: Exemptions may apply.

Payment Methods:

• Cash (at the Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global, if accepted).
• Credit/Debit Cards (check with the submission center for accepted cards).
• Bank Drafts (in some cases, check for acceptance).

Step 7: Wait for the Visa Decision

Processing Time:

• Typical: 15 calendar days.
• Maximum: Up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases.

Check Status:

• Online: Through the VFS Global website (if applied through them).
• Phone/Email: Contact the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate directly.

Step 8: Collect Your Passport with the Visa (if approved)

Collection Options:

• In Person: At the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate or VFS Global.
• Courier Service: If available, for an additional fee.

Ensure to Check:

• Visa Approval: Verify that your visa has been approved.
• Visa Details: Confirm the visa type, duration, and travel dates match your application.

Common Documents for All Visa Types

• Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond the intended stay)
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Recent passport-sized photographs (as per Schengen specifications)
• Travel health insurance covering at least €30,000
• Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters)
• Travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation details

Additional Documents by Visa Type

Tourist/Visitor Visa:

• Travel booking confirmations
• Invitation letter from host (if applicable)

Business Visa:

• Invitation letter from a Portuguese company
• Business registration documents

Student Visa:

• Admission letter from a recognized Portuguese university
• Proof of sufficient funds (Blocked Account or financial sponsorship)

Work Visa:

• Work contract from a Portuguese employer
• Recognition of qualifications (if applicable)

Family Reunification Visa:

• Proof of relationship with the sponsor in Portugal
• Proof of the sponsor’s residency permit

Golden Visa (Investment Visa):

• Proof of investment in Portugal (real estate, business, or funds)

• Payment can be made via cash, debit/credit card, or bank transfer, depending on the submission center.

• Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa): Typically 15 calendar days, but may take up to 30 or 60 days in exceptional cases.

• Long-Stay Visa (National Visa): Usually processed within 4-12 weeks.

• Tracking: Applicants can track their application online via VFS Global or the Portuguese Embassy/Consulate website.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

• Insufficient financial proof
• Incomplete or incorrect documents
• Lack of strong ties to India (risk of overstay)
• Travel insurance not meeting Schengen requirements
• Suspicious travel history or previous visa violations

Tips for Approval

• Submit complete and accurate documentation.
• Provide strong financial proof.
• Clearly state the purpose of travel.
• Ensure your travel itinerary is realistic.
• Apply well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

• Language Proficiency: Some visa types (especially study and work visas) may require Portuguese language skills.

• Health Insurance: Required for all long-term visa holders.

• Blocked Account: Mandatory for students as proof of financial capability.

• Golden Visa Investments: Requires a minimum investment of €280,000 in real estate or funds.

• Portuguese Embassy in India:
• New Delhi: 4 Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi - 110021

• VFS Global Portugal:
• www.vfsglobal.com/portugal/india

Need more clarity on Portugal visas? Check out helpful resources below

Portugal Visa Requirement
Portugal Tourist Visa Requirement
Portugal Business Visa Requirement
Portugal Student Visa Requirement
Portugal Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection