To enter Portugal, foreign citizens need a valid visa appropriate to the purpose of their stay in the country. Want to know more about residence visas and how to obtain them?

Catarina S. Gomes answers all your questions in this article and assists you throughout the entire process of obtaining a residence visa.

What is a residence visa?

A residence visa is a document issued by a country's authorities that allows a person to live and work in that country for an extended period of time. It can be issued for reasons such as study, work, family reunification, or others.

Those who have this visa are not yet considered residents, as it only grants them permission to apply for authorization.

Only citizens of Member States of the European Union do not need a visa, as they benefit from the right of free movement and residence, or nationals of countries that benefit from this exemption under international conventions to which Portugal is a party.

Residence Permit

A residence permit is a document that allows foreign citizens to reside in Portugal for a certain period or indefinitely.

To obtain this authorization, you need a valid residence visa, be in Portuguese territory and have accommodation, be registered with Social Security, among other requirements.

What is the validity period of a Residence Visa?

A residence visa is generally valid for a longer period than a tourist or business visa, and can be renewed when it expires.

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What types of visas are there?

There are several types of visas that can be issued by the Portuguese authorities, depending on the reason for the trip or tour and the expected length of stay in the country. In Portugal, there are four types of visas that allow entry into the country:

Temporary stay visa

Allows entry and stay in Portugal for a period of less than one year for seasonal work exceeding 90 days, engaging in independent professional, scientific, highly qualified or amateur sporting activities in the national territory, medical treatment or accompanying a family member, and taking a course at a vocational training or educational establishment;

Short-stay visa

Granted for tourism, transit, visiting or accompanying family members, or seasonal work of less than 90 days, and may be used for one or more entries. Not applicable to nationals of several countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, and the United States of America;

Airport transit visa

It allows the holder, when making an international connection, to pass through an airport in a State party to the Schengen Area Convention;

Residence permit

It allows foreign citizens to stay in Portugal for a period of four months in order to apply for a residence permit.

Residence visas can be granted for various purposes, including:

• Residence visa for the exercise of subordinate professional activity., requiring an employment contract or a promise of an employment contract;
• Residence visa for self-employed professionals or for immigrant entrepreneurs., requiring a contract or written proposal for a service agreement or the undertaking of investment transactions;
• Residence visa for teaching activities, highly qualified or cultural, requiring an employment contract, promise of employment contract, service contract or letter of invitation issued by the educational institution, the company carrying out a cultural activity or the research center;
• Residence visa for highly qualified activity performed by a subordinate worker, requiring that they hold an employment contract or a promise of an employment contract with remuneration of 1.5 times the national average gross annual salary;
• Residence visa for research purposes, study, exchange of secondary school students, internship and volunteering, requiring an employment contract, admission to a research center or higher education institution, admission to an educational establishment, admission as an intern by a certified host entity or a contract with entities responsible for a volunteer program;
• Residence visa for family reunification purposes.

It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a visa may vary depending on the type of visa and the reason for travel.

Some documents that may be required include a valid passport, proof of financial resources, proof of purpose of travel, and proof of hotel reservation.

It is advisable to check the specific requirements for the desired visa type with the Portuguese authorities or with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of origin.

If you need a lawyer to assist you in the fields of nationality and residence of foreigners, Please contact Catarina S. Gomes.

How do I obtain a residence visa in Portugal?

To obtain a residence visa in Portugal, you must go to the Portuguese Consulate General or the Portuguese Embassy in the country where you reside, depending on where you are from.

For this, you can consult the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs to find out where you need to obtain your residence visa.

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What are the steps to obtain a residency visa?

To obtain a residence visa in Portugal, it is necessary to follow these steps:

1. Check if you are eligible for a residence visa: There are different types of residence visas available in Portugal, and each has specific eligibility requirements. Check the requirements for the type of residence visa you wish to apply for and make sure you meet all the criteria.
2. Gather the necessary documents: To apply for a residence visa, you will need to present a series of documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial resources, proof of purpose of travel, and proof of accommodation reservation. In addition, further documents may be requested, such as an employment contract or proof of enrollment in an educational institution. Check which documents are required by the Portuguese authorities and ensure you have them all before starting the visa application process.
3. Conduct an interview: Before issuing a residence visa, the Portuguese authorities may invite you for an interview to assess your application. During the interview, you will be asked about your purpose of travel, financial resources, and future plans in Portugal. It is important to be prepared for the interview and bring all necessary documents.
4. Pay the visa fees.To apply for a residence visa, a fee must be paid. Check the amount of the fee and the payment methods accepted by the Portuguese authorities.
5. Submit your visa application: After gathering all the necessary documents and paying the visa fees, you need to submit your visa application to the Portuguese authorities. This can be done online through the website of the Information Systems Management Authority (SEF), or in person at the Portuguese embassy or consulate.
6. Wait for the consulate's decision. If your visa is approved, you will need to pay a visa issuance fee and...Wait for your visa to arrive. If your visa is denied, you may appeal or try again at a later date.

It is important to note that the requirements for obtaining a residence visa may vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your trip. It is advisable to check the specific requirements with the Portuguese authorities or with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of origin.

How much does it cost to get a residency visa?

The cost of a residence visa in Portugal can vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your trip. Some factors that can affect the cost include the visa duration, the number of entries allowed, and the need to undergo medical examinations or other procedures.

The residence visa costs €90, however this amount may change. In addition, there are some exemptions, such as:

• descendants of holders of Residence Permits, under the provisions of family reunification;
• Foreign citizens who benefit from scholarships awarded by the Portuguese State;
• The exercise of highly qualified research activities (residence and temporary stay);
• Patients who are beneficiaries of Cooperation Agreements with Portugal in the field of health and their respective companions.

It is advisable to check the updated costs with the Portuguese authorities or with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of origin. You can consult the SEF website., the updated price list.

At Catarina S. Gomes – Lawyers in Braga, we have an experienced team of immigration lawyers!

How long does it take for a Portuguese visa to be issued?

The processing time for a Portuguese residence visa can vary depending on the type of visa you need and choose. That being said, expect to receive your visa within 30 to 90 days.

What documents are needed to obtain a residence visa?

The documents required to obtain a residence visa in Portugal may vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your trip.

To obtain a residence visa in Portugal, you must submit an application to the Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), signed by the applicant or legal representative, either in print or electronically. Some required documents include:

• Two identical photographs;
• Passport or other valid, recognized travel document;
• Proof of means of subsistence;
• Proof that you have accommodation;
• Authorization to check criminal records, whenever the requested stay exceeds 90 days;
• Proof of submission of the application for a residence permit;
• Travel insurance;
• Proof of residence in the National Territory.

It is important to note that requirements may vary depending on your country of origin and the purpose of your trip. It is advisable to check the specific requirements with the Portuguese authorities or with the Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country of origin.

If you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our team. lawyers in Portugal.

Lawyers for residency visas in Portugal

If you are interested in obtaining a residence visa in Portugal and wish to obtain legal assistance, you may consider hiring a lawyer specializing in immigration.

A lawyer can help you understand the visa application requirements and process, prepare the necessary documents, and represent you at every stage of the process.