When planning a trip to Portugal, one of the first questions travellers ask is: “Do I need a visa for Portugal?” The answer depends primarily on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and the duration of your stay in the country.
1. Portugal and the Schengen Area
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, a group of European countries that have abolished internal border controls. This means that once you enter any Schengen country, you can move freely within the entire zone for short stays, up to 90 days within any 180 days.
If you are travelling to Portugal for tourism, family visits, or business meetings, and you come from a country with a visa-free agreement with the Schengen Area, you do not need a visa for short stays.
2. Who Does Not Need a Visa for Portugal?
Citizens from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa, regardless of the duration of their stay.
Additionally, travellers from more than 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Brazil, can enter Portugal without a visa for up to 90 days.
However, starting in 2026, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need to complete an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering the Schengen Area.
3. Who Needs a Visa for Portugal
You will need a Schengen short-stay visa if you are a national of a country that does not have a visa exemption. This applies primarily to citizens from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, depending on the specific bilateral agreements in place.
The Schengen visa permits travel within all Schengen countries, including Portugal, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Suppose you intend to study, work, or reside in Portugal. In that case, you must apply for a national long-stay visa (residence visa), even if your country is visa-exempt for short stays.
4. How to Apply for a Visa for Portugal
Portuguese embassies and consulates in your country of residence are responsible for handling visa applications. You should apply in person and provide documents such as:
- A valid passport (issued within the last 10 years);
- Recent passport-sized photos;
- Proof of travel medical insurance;
- Accommodation confirmation or invitation letter;
- Proof of financial means for your stay; and
- A round-trip travel itinerary.
Processing times vary, but applications should typically be submitted at least 15 days before travel and no more than six months in advance of travel.
5. Extending Your Stay or Moving to Portugal
If you plan to stay in the country for longer than 90 days, you will need a residence visa or a residence permit. Portugal offers several visa categories, such as:
- D7 Visa (for retirees or passive income earners);
- Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers);
- Golden Visa (for investors); and
- Student Visa (for higher education purposes).
These visas allow you to reside legally in Portugal and can later lead to permanent residence or citizenship.
6. Final Thoughts
In summary, whether you need a visa for Portugal depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Travellers from visa-exempt countries can enjoy short visits without hassle, while others must apply for a Schengen visa in advance. If your goal is to relocate, work, or retire in Portugal, a residence visa is required, and professional guidance can make the process smoother.
Do you need personal assistance with your visa or relocation to Portugal? At Madeira Corporate Services, our immigration and tax team assists clients from around the world in relocating to Portugal and Madeira efficiently.
The founding of Madeira Corporate Services dates back to 1996. MCS started as a corporate service provider in the Madeira International Business Center and rapidly became a leading management company… Read more
