For those dreaming of living or retiring in a sun-drenched European paradise, Portugal frequently tops the list, and for good reason. Its laid-back lifestyle, mild climate, and affordable cost of living make it one of the most attractive destinations for tourists and expats. But if you plan to stay for more than a few weeks, one question inevitably arises: is a Portugal visa easy to get? The answer depends mainly on your nationality, the type of visa you’re applying for, and how well you prepare. In this article, we’ll explain what to expect when applying for a Portuguese visa and why Madeira is one of the best places to begin your journey.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter Portugal?
Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, which allows free movement between 27 European countries. Citizens from the EU/EEA and Switzerland don’t need a visa to live, work, or travel in Portugal.
For non-EU citizens, including those from the United States, Canada, the UK, Brazil, South Africa, and many Asian countries, a visa may not be required for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business. However, for anyone intending to stay longer than 90 days, whether to work, retire, study, or launch a business, a long-stay visa (known as a residence visa) is mandatory.
Is Portugal Visa Easy to Get for Tourists?
For short-term visits, Portugal is one of the easiest European countries to enter. Most tourists face minimal hurdles when applying for a Schengen visa, provided they have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, return flight tickets, and travel insurance. In many cases, tourists from visa-exempt countries don’t need a visa. The application process for a Schengen visa usually takes 2–3 weeks. For frequent travellers, Portugal offers multi-entry visas valid for up to five years, allowing flexibility for future visits.
What About Long-Term Visas?
Here’s where things get a little more nuanced. The process is more involved, but still manageable with the proper preparation. Some of the most popular long-stay visas include:
D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa): Ideal for retirees and remote workers with stable income from pensions, investments, or rental properties.
D2 Visa (Entrepreneur Visa): Best suited for starting a business.
Digital Nomad Visa: A newer option for remote professionals with high incomes and complete work flexibility.
Student and Work Visas: Available for enrolled students or those secured employment in Portugal.
So, is Portugal visa easy to get if you’re relocating long-term? Yes, as long as your documentation is complete and meets the criteria. Portugal is known for being cooperative and welcoming to foreigners. Still, long-stay visas can take several weeks to a few months to process, depending on the type and your home country’s consular workload.
Tips for a Smooth Visa Application
To improve your chances of approval, here are a few golden rules to follow:
Start early. Begin your visa application 60–90 days before your intended move.
Get professional advice. Immigration lawyers or relocation advisors—especially those familiar with Madeira’s legal and tax frameworks can save you time and stress.
Prepare clean documentation. Bank statements, health insurance, accommodation contracts, and criminal background checks must be recent, certified, and (when needed) translated into Portuguese.
Stay flexible. Be prepared for possible delays and contact the Portuguese consulate or embassy processing your application.
Why Madeira Is the Ideal Landing Spot for Expats
If you’re considering where to relocate to Portugal, Madeira Island deserves serious attention. This autonomous region of Portugal is increasingly popular with expats seeking natural beauty, a safe environment, and low taxation.
Madeira offers a mild year-round climate, excellent infrastructure, and one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. English is widely spoken, especially in professional services and hospitality. Madeira is beautiful for those moving to Portugal on an entrepreneur or digital nomad visa because of the Madeira International Business Centre (MIBC), a government-backed regime offering significant tax advantages to qualifying businesses and professionals.
Whether you’re registering a company, setting up a consultancy, or retiring by the sea, Madeira combines lifestyle and legal clarity in a way few other regions in Europe can match.
Final Thoughts: Is Portugal Visa Easy to Get?
In most cases, yes. Whether you’re applying for a tourist visa or planning a permanent relocation, Portugal has one of the most accessible and transparent visa systems in Europe. The key lies in understanding the requirements, staying organised, and seeking guidance when needed. Madeira offers a rare combination of ease, opportunity, and exceptional quality of life for those eyeing a fresh start in a tranquil, tax-friendly paradise. With the correct visa and proper planning, your move to Portugal could be much closer than you think.
Need Help with Your Move to Madeira?
Whether you’re applying for a D7 or D2 visa or exploring the benefits of the MIBC, our expert team is ready to guide you every step of the way, from business setup to residence permit application. Contact us today for a consultation tailored to your journey.
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
