Portugal Visas: Which Visa Type Should You Choose?

If you are planning to visit or move to Portugal, selecting the right visa is essential. There are many different visa types, including the tourist, work, student, and residency visa options, with each having its own requirements and application criteria.

Non-EU citizens will need to secure a visa to stay long-term in Portugal, with there being many Portugal visa options available to them.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the main Portuguese visa types to give you a clear picture of how you can plan your visit or move to Portugal. We will also provide you with information on eligibility requirements and the benefits of each visa option.

Do you need a visa for Portugal?

Whether or not you need a visa will depend on your citizenship.

1. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Citizens from the European Union and the Schengen Area can visit Portugal without a visa. They will simply need to present their ID or a valid passport. EU citizens can stay indefinitely but will need to register at a Portuguese address after three months (90 days).
2. Schengen Visa exemption list: 62 non-EU countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan, are on a Schengen Visa exemption list, meaning that they do not need a vias to enter Portugal. The permitted stay depends on the persons country of origin but for stays of longer then 90 days (within a 180-day period), they will need a residency permit.

Countries whose citizens can enter Portugal visa-free

Below you can find the countries whose citizens can enter Portugal visa-free.

	Australia		Kiribati		Serbia¹
	Bahamas		Malaysia		Seychelles
	Barbados		Marshall Islands		Singapore
	Bosnia and Herzegovina¹		Mauritius		Solomon Islands
	Brazil		Mexico		South Korea
	Brunei Darussalam		Micronesia		St Kitts and Nevis
	Canada		Moldova¹		St Lucia
	Chile		Monaco		St Vincent and the Grenadines
	Colombia		Montenegro¹		Timor-Leste
	Costa Rica		New Zealand		Tonga
	Dominica		Nicaragua		Trinidad and Tobago
	El Salvador		North Macedonia¹		Tuvalu
	Georgia¹		Palau		Ukraine¹
	Grenada		Panama		United Arab Emirates
	Guatemala		Paraguay		United Kingdom
	Holy See		Peru		United States of America
	Honduras		Samoa		Uruguay
	Israel		San Marino		Venezuela
	Japan

The following can enter Portugal, but only if they hold a biometric passport.

	Bosnia and Herzegovina		Montenegro		Serbia
	Georgia		North Macedonia		Ukraine
	Moldova

Citizens of other countries will need a Schengen Visa or a national visa to stay in Portugal. If you hold a residence permit from another Schengen country, you can also enter Portugal without a visa.

• Schengen visas are granted for short trips of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes, or to visit family.
• National visas are required for longer visits lasting more than 90 days. Applicants will need to show proof of enrolment in a university, a job offer, etc.
• Financially independent foreigners can secure Portuguese residency provided they can support themselves in the country, under the Portugal D7 Visa (also known as the Passive Income Visa or Retirement Visa).

Types of Portugal Visas

There are many Portugal visa types to cater to different individuals, whether they are looking to visit or relocate to the country.

Tourist Visa

The tourist visa is a short term Schengen Visa that is valid for up to 90 days and allows non-EU citizens to visit Portugal for tourism, business, or to see family. It is the most common Portuguese visa category.

You should apply for a Schengen tourist visa from the resident country or from your first entry point in the Schengen Zone. You will need to have travel insurance and sufficient funds in your bank account.

• Visa conditions: The visa is valid for 90 days (within a 180-day period)
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA extension fee: €34

Note on AIMA: AIMA is the Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum. They are the body responsible for issuing residence permits in Portugal.

Portugal business visa

You can get a Portuguese business visa if you are attending business meetings or conferences in Portugal. It allows the person to enter the Schengen Area for a specific period of time, usually from 1 to 90 days. A good example is if you are visiting Web Summit in Lisbon.

• Visa conditions: Valid from the exact date for two years, but stays are limited to 90 days (within a 180-day period)
• Visa application Fee: €90
• AIMA extension fee: €34

Portugal Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa entitles its holder to find work in Portugal. Individuals with this visa are able to carry out subordinated work activity in Portugal until the visa expires or until they secure a residence permit. Applicants need to secure a job or apply for a residence permit within 120 days or they will have to leave Portugal.

• Visa conditions: Valid for 120 days and can be extended for a further period of 60 days
• Application fee: €75
• AIMA extension fee: €38

June 2025 update: A new draft law proposed several changes to immigration and citizenship laws in Portugal. Amongst them is a push by lawmakers to make the Job Seeker Visa eligible only to highly qualified individuals and a language proficiency test to get residence permits.

D1: Portugal Work Visa

This Portuguese work visa is a long-term type D-visa that allows non-EU and non-EEA nationals to work in Portugal, provided they have a job offer from a Portuguese employer.

The D1 Visa usually has a validity of one year and can lead to the individual getting a residence permit, meaning that they can live long-term in Portugal. As with other visas, after five years, the holder can apply for permanent residence or Portuguese citizenship.

You will need to show proof of employment or an invitation from a Portuguese company to qualify for the Portugal work visa, alongside documents that show your qualifications and suitability for the job position.

• Visa conditions: One year
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA extension fee: €82
• Reception and analysis fee: €95

D2 Visa: For entrepreneurs

The D2 Visa, also known as the Entrepreneurship Visa, was introduced by the Portuguese government to attract individuals who intend to launch businesses in Portugal to instigate growth for the Portuguese economy.

There is no minimum requirement for the D2 Visa, although you will need to demonstrate sufficient funds to establish and run your business and your livelihood for one year. You will need to show your business plan outlining your proposed venture.

• Visa conditions: Four months, extended to two years with an application for a residency permit
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA extension fee: €82
• Reception and analysis fee: €95

If you are an entrepreneur considering this option, consult our article on the D2 Visa Portugal for more information.

D3 Visa: For highly qualified individuals

The D3 Visa, also known as the Highly Qualified Activities Individuals Visa, is a Portugal long term visa tailored towards non-EU and non-EEA nationals who have specialized skills, advanced degrees, or extensive professional experience.

You will need to have a job offer or be employed in a highly qualified position, such as in scientific research or managerial roles, to qualify for the D3 Visa.

• Visa conditions: Minimum one year
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA fee: €82
• Reception and analysis fee: €95

You can find out more about this visa option in our article, D3 Visa Portugal.

What is the D4 Student Visa?

Student visas for Portugal are for individuals who have been accepted into a Portuguese educational institution. The D4 Visa, also known as the Student Visa, is for non-EU and non-EEA nationals and enables them to stay in Portugal for full-time studies, academic research, or vocational training.

This can be for individuals doing their bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Portugal at recognized Portuguese institutions and those looking to stay in Portugal for exchange programs or educational training.

• Visa conditions: 90 days minimum
• Application Fee: €75
• AIMA Fee: €82

D5: Study and Research Visa

The D5 Visa is a Portugal long stay visa for researchers, students, and interns, allowing non-EU students and researchers to study or commit to research in Portugal for more than 90 days.

Applicants will need to have been accepted into a higher education institution in Portugal for research or highly qualified academic activities, such as teaching or engaging in academic or scientific research.

Students pursuing postgraduate studies or researchers involved in scientific or academic projects at recognized Portuguese institutions can also apply for this visa type. Under the D5 Visa, you can live in Portugal for the duration of your research or academic activities.

• Visa conditions: Depends on the length of academic activities
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA fee: €82
• Reception and analysis fee: €95

D6 Visa: Family Reunification Visa

The Portugal Family Reunification Visa, officially known as the D6 Visa, allows family members of Portuguese citizens or residents to join them in Portugal. This visa allows non-EU/EEA family members to secure a residence permit so that they can live in Portugal.

Eligible family members include:

• Spouses or partners recognized under Portuguese law
• Dependent children (including adopted children)
• Children of the resident’s partner
• Children over the age of 18 who are dependent on the main applicant or their spouse/partner. They need to be single and study at a Portuguese educational institution.
• Minor siblings, provided they are dependent on the main applicant

Under this Family Reunification Visa, family members are given the same permanent residence type as other foreign permanent residents.

• Visa validity: Same as the residency holder
• Application fee: €90
• Reception and analysis fee: €95

Check out our guide on the Family Reunification Visa in Portugal for further details.

What is the Portugal D7 Visa?

Portugal’s D7 Visa, also known as the passive income or retirement visa, is attractive to retirees and individuals with passive income who are seeking to retire or reside in Portugal. Passive income can include sources such as pensions, intellectual property, real estate investments, or other financial equity.

The D7 Visa allows the holder free movement within the Schengen area, allowing them to live, work and study in Portugal, while providing access to Portugal’s healthcare system. To qualify for this visa, you will need €870 per month (as of 2025), or €10,440 per year.

• Visa validity: initially two years, renewable for another two years
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA visa fee: €82
• Reception and analysis fee: €95

You can find out more about the passive income visa in our article: D7 Visa Portugal.

Portugal D8 Visa: Digital Nomad Visa

Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa (D8 Visa) was launched in 2022 and provides a clear route for remote workers and self-employed professionals to relocate to Portugal. The visa is intended to attract global talent, with there being two routes to this visa.

1. The first is a shorter-term visa valid for one year (can be renewed if you decide to stay in Portugal)
2. Long-term residency visa, allowing for a two-year initial visa that can then be renewed for up to five years, whereby you can apply for permanent residency or Portuguese citizenship, provided you meet the requirements under Portuguese Nationality Law

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa has quickly come one of the most popular visa options for remote workers seeking to work in Europe. You will need to work for a non-Portuguese company or be self-employed to qualify, alongside having a minimum monthly income of €3,480 and €10,440 in savings.

• Visa validity: One year, or two years (and renewable), depending on the option you choose
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA fee: €82
• Reception and analysis fee: €95

You can find out more about the D8 Visa in our ultimate guide to the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

E8 Visa: Seasonal Work Visa

The E8 Visa is a temporary stay visa for individuals seeking to work in sectors in Portugal where there is high demand for work during certain times of the year, for example, in the tourism, hospitality, and agricultural sectors.

Under the E8 Visa, you can live and work in Portugal for longer than 90 days and up to 270 days, specifically working in seasonal employment. You will need to have a valid work contract, or a valid work offer with a temporary work company, or an employer established in Portugal.

For the application, you will need to submit a letter from a company that states the following:

• Location
• Time and duration
• Type of work
• Salary
• Paid vacation
• Compliance with national legal profession (for regulated professions)
• Accommodation or lease agreement in Portugal

The employer can provide accommodation or a lease agreement if they have staff lodgings. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance and whether the employer provides work accident insurance.

• Visa validity: 270 days
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA fee: €82
• Reception and analysis fee: €95

D9 Visa: Portugal Golden Visa

Portugal’s Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU citizens to secure Portuguese residency by making a qualifying investment into Portugal. Investments include investment funds, business creation, scientific research, or cultural heritage projects.

The Portugal Golden Visa was launched in 2012 and, since then, has become one of the most successful residency by investment programs of its kind. It’s short stay requirement, range of investment options, and pathway to Portuguese citizenship are key advantages of the program.

Investment options begin at €250,000 for a donation into an art or cultural heritage preservation project. Golden Visa holders can include family members in their application. You will need to provide the correct documentation, such as marriage certificates and birth certificates.

• Visa validity: Renewable
• Application fee: €90
• AIMA fee: €3,023
• Reception and analysis fee: €605

You can find out more in our ultimate guide to the Portugal Golden Visa.

Other Portugal Visas

Alongside business, tourist, and business visas, there are several other residency visas in Portugal. These are for individuals who are coming to Portugal for a short period of time.

• Airport transfer visa: This visa type allows individuals to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport. The Airport transfer visa is for those passing through a Schengen country on route to a non-Schengen country as their final destination.
• Medical visa: A medical visa is for individuals seeking treatment in a Schengen country. If you are seeking to benefit from Portugal’s healthcare visa, you’ll be able to stay in Portugal for the duration of your treatment, which can be days to months, depending on the procedure. You will need to show proof of your medical condition (such as a letter from a doctor or hospital) and medical insurance to cover the cost.
• Cultural purposes visa: This visa is for individuals travelling to the Schengen area to participate in sports, religious, cultural, or film-related activities, usually for a period of between 1 and 90 days.
• Official visit visa: As the name suggests, this visa is for official delegations, government officials, and diplomats visiting Portugal. The individual will need to provide an official invitation from the Portuguese government or a relevant Portuguese organization and proof of their position. They will need to provide adequate financial means and medical insurance.
• Spouse visa of a Portuguese citizen: Individuals that are married to Portuguese nationals can enter and reside in Portugal. They will need to show proof of adequate financial means and medical insurance. This visa is usually valid for a one-year period, but it can be renewed.
• Amateur sports activity visa: As the name suggests, this visa is for amateur sportspersons. They will need to provide proof of their participation in a sports event, such as proof of registration in the competition or an invitation letter from the organizing sports club.

Goldcrest: How We Can Help You

Goldcrest is the first buyer’s agent in Portugal, helping expats, families, investors, and retirees unlock their dream home in Portugal. From sourcing properties that meet your exact requirements through to negotiation and acquisition, we are here to help you achieve your property goals.

For many residency visas in Portugal, it is required that you present proof of accommodation in Portugal. Whether you are seeking a property rental or are looking to buy property to relocate, feel free to get in touch for us to discover your ideal home.