Portugal
Portugal Visa Guide for Indians
One of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal has an interesting history. The land of the famous explorers such as Vasco de Gama and Magellan, this nation is known for its culture and scenic beauty. Be it tourism, work, business, family, the Portugal visa lets you enter this country for whatever reason that may be.
About Portugal Visa
Portuguese visa is an endorsement that helps you enter in the Country and stay there for a certain period of time. Nationals and locals of other Schengen countries and visa-exempt nations do not require the permit. Being issued as a single-entry type, double-entry, or even multiple-entries, this can vary according to stay durations as per the individual types.
Procdure to Apply for Portugal Visa
The application for the Portugal visa from India can be quite complex for someone new. The application process is dependent on the jurisdiction. Either way, the Portuguese mission in India has outsourced the application to the VACs (Visa Application Centre).
At the Embassy of Portugal in New Delhi:
- Visit the website of the Portugal embassy and download the visa application form.
- Fill Portugal visa application form with all the required details.
- Then book your appointment at any of the VACs located across India. You can do this by visiting their website.
- Visit the appointment centre with the application form, appointment confirmation, and the documents. You must provide your biometrics as well as pay the fees.
Note that if you have submitted your biometrics for a Schengen permit in the past 5 years, you do not have to submit them again. Also, keep in mind that you must not submit any fake documents or false information. Doing so can get you a visa rejection.
Portugal Visa Types
Based on the purpose of the visit, and the duration of stay, the Portuguese permits can be classified into the following:
Airport Transit Visa: This type of permit is issued for people who have to pass through Portugal on a transit.
Short Term Schengen: Also known as the Portugal Schengen visa, this type is issued for a short period of time with a stay duration of a maximum of 90 days in a 180-day period. Based on the purpose of the visit, these can further be classified as the following:
- Tourist Visa: This type of permit is issued for people whose main purpose for the visit is to take part in tourist activities in the country.
- Business Visa: This allows you to travel to Portugal to take part in business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, etc.
- Friends/Family Visit: This is issued for people who have been invited to visit their family members or friends living in the country.
Long Term Visa: This is more commonly known as the Portugal national visa and is issued for periods longer than 90 days, up to 365 days. Based on the purpose, these can also be classified as the following
- Work Visa: This is granted for people who are entering Portugal to engage in work-related activities.
- Study Visa: This is issued for students visiting Portugal to take part in studies that last longer than 90 days.
- Family Reunion Visa: This is for people who are visiting their family who is settled in Portugal and staying with them.
Checklist for Portugal Visa
As per the requirements, the following are the general documents requirements for Portugal student visa, you must provide in order to be able to apply for a visa. Note that apart from these, there will documents that are specific to the exact visa you are applying for.
A valid passport:
It must contain at least 2 blank pages.
It should not be older than 10 years.
It should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel.
Old passports, if any, are to be attached.
A covering letter:
This must include the applicant's details.
It should clearly mention the source of funds.
It should clearly state the purpose and duration of the visit.
It should be signed by the applicant and addressed to the Embassy/consulate of Portugal.
Flight reservation for round trip
Proof of accommodation: Hotel bookings/invitation to stay/residence bookings, etc
Medical travel insurance coverage up to at least 30000 Euros
Proof of occupation:
Proof of occupation such as employment letter, Copy of business license, etc
Financial documents:
Financial documents such as bank statements of past 3 months, Passbook copy, ITR, etc.
Portugal Visa Photo Specifications
Dimensions: 35mm X 45mm
Colour: Coloured
Head must occupy the central position
Must be captured within the last 3 months
Background: Solid, plain white or grey
80% face coverage
Neutral expression
Glasses: Non-thick framed and prescription glasses
Headgears - only for religious reasons
Facial hair - permitted
Portugal Visa Processing Time
The Processing time for the application is dependent on the type of the permit, the validity of the visa, the number of applications at the embassy, as well as your previous travel history. Normally, it takes around 15 working days to process your application. However, this can sometimes take much longer, and as a result, it is suggested that you apply for the visa well in advance.
