01Immigration law
Visas for Portugal
Choosing the visa that suits your purpose and preparing the application carefully, whether for work, study, independent income or as a digital nomad.
02What it is
A visa for each purpose
A visa is the authorisation that allows a foreign citizen to enter Portugal for a particular purpose. Each purpose has its own requirements, and the application usually begins at the consulate in the country where the person lives.
Choosing the wrong type of visa, or applying without the right evidence, can delay a move. That is why the first task is to understand what the person wants to do in Portugal, and only then decide where to start.
03Purposes
Commonly requested visa types
The purposes below are the most common. This is not an exhaustive list: there are also routes linked to entrepreneurship and investment, and the requirements for each depend on the individual case.
Work
For those who wish to work in Portugal, as an employee or on a self-employed basis. The choice depends on the working relationship and the activity.
Study
For those who will attend a course or study programme in Portugal. Requirements vary with the type of education and the institution.
Independent income
For those who wish to settle in Portugal with income that does not depend on work in the country. Evidence of the source and regularity of that income matters.
Digital nomad
For those who work remotely for an organisation or clients outside Portugal and want to live here. Evidence of the working relationship and regular income matters; requirements are confirmed case by case.
04How we support you
From your goal to your arrival.
These are the general stages. The actual route is adapted to each person and the authority making the decision.
- Step 01/04
Goal
We listen to your goal, your situation and who is moving with you. We then compare possible routes and explain what each requires.
- Step 02/04
Documents
We put together the document list for your case and check translations, apostilles and validity.
- Step 03/04
Application
The application is organised, with a defined strategy and each step recorded.
- Step 04/04
Portugal
We respond to requests for information and prepare the next step, which may be arrival and the residence application.
05Documents
Documents in general terms
The final list is tailored to you. Documents may vary depending on the case.
- 01Valid passport or travel document
- 02Documents supporting the purpose of the visa
- 03Evidence of means of support and accommodation, where applicable
- 04Certificates, translations and apostilles, where required
- 05Other evidence requested by the competent authority
Documents may vary depending on the case.
06When to seek support
Situations where legal support helps
When you do not yet know which type of visa suits your purpose.
When the documents require certificates, translations or apostilles and you do not know where to start.
When you have received a request for additional information or a decision you do not understand.
When you need to coordinate the visa with the residence permit application after arrival.
07Frequently asked questions
Questions about visas
General answers. Your case may have particularities that only an assessment with the lawyer can clarify.
01Can I apply for a visa without leaving my country?
Visa applications are usually made from the country of residence, through the competent consulate. In the first conversation we establish what applies to your case.
02How do I know which visa is right for me?
It depends on what you intend to do in Portugal, who is coming with you and the documents you can gather. The case assessment compares the possible routes before any application is made.
03Does a visa guarantee a residence permit?
A visa allows entry for a particular purpose. A residence permit is a separate step, with its own requirements, and should be planned from the start.
04Which documents must I translate or have apostilled?
This varies with the document and the country of origin. In your case list, we indicate what needs a translation, apostille or certification.
KSContact
Would you like to discuss visas?
The initial conversation helps us understand your case and a possible route.