Famous for its breathtaking coastlines, cities that speak the historic events which never dies, and the unique cultural heritage of Portuguese makes it one of the most sought out destinations in the world. Not only is Portugal a great tourism destination but also a hub for business opportunities. Many arrive seeking opportunities for travel and making a living.
Travellers from the UAE who want to explore Portugal for its beauty and business opportunities need to first figure out their visa to enter the country. Here is everything you need to know when it comes to getting a Portugal visa.
Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Portugal?
Yes, residents of the UAE are required to obtain a visa to travel to Portugal, as it is part of the Schengen Area.
The Portugal Schengen Visa allows travelers to visit Portugal and other Schengen countries for tourism, business, or family visits for a short duration of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This may change time to time, so it is important you consult with The Visa Guy to get the latest update to avoid any confusion.
Brief about Schengen Portugal Visa
What is a Schengen visa to enter Portugal? The Schengen visa for short-term stays permits you to remain in Portugal for up to 90 days. Typically, people apply for this visa for tourism, business, or visiting family.
However, it’s important to note that having a visa doesn’t guarantee entry into Portugal. At the border or any other checkpoint, you might be asked for extra documentation to demonstrate that you fulfil the necessary legal criteria to enter the Schengen area.
Types of Portugal Visa Available
- Short-Stay Visa (Type C): Valid for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D): For stays exceeding 90 days, such as for work, study, or family reunification.
Tourist Visa:
If you want to visit Portugal for fun stuff like sightseeing, exploring, or just relaxing, you can apply for a tourist visa
How long it lasts: You can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days at a time.
What you need: Fill out a form, have a valid passport, get some passport-sized photos, show where you’ll stay, prove you have enough money for your trip, and get travel insurance.
Business Visa:
If you’re going to Portugal for work-related stuff like meetings, conferences, or doing business, you need to get a business visa. You have to mention what the purpose is beforehand, or else it can create problems while issuing visa.
How long it lasts: You can stay for up to 90 days.
What you need: Fill out a form, have a valid passport, get passport-sized photos, get an invitation from the company or organization you’re doing business with, show where you’ll stay, prove you have enough money for your trip, and get travel insurance.
Work Visa:
If you’re planning to work and live in Portugal for a longer time, you need a work visa.
How long it lasts: It depends on your job contract, typically, it will be mentioned in the contract you have with your employer.
What you need: Fill out a form, have a valid passport, get passport-sized photos, have a job offer or contract from a Portuguese employer, show where you’ll stay, get health insurance, show you have no criminal record, prove you have enough money to live there.
Pro tip- understand clearly which type of visa you need so that you can avoid getting rejected.
Documents Requirements for Portugal Visa from UAE
1. Completed visa application form: This is a form provided by the Portuguese consulate or embassy that you need to fill out with your personal details, information about your trip, and other necessary information.
2. Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the intended stay: You’ll need a passport, which is like your official ID for travelling internationally. Make sure it’s valid for at least three months after your planned departure date from Portugal. This means if you plan to leave on July 1st, your passport should be valid until at least October 1st.
3. Passport-sized photographs: These are small photos of your face that meet specific size and quality requirements. They’re usually required for identification purposes and are attached to your visa application form.
4. Travel itinerary: This is a plan or schedule of your trip to Portugal, including details like your arrival and departure dates, places you plan to visit, transportation arrangements, and any reservations you’ve made for flights, hotels, or activities.
5. Proof of accommodation: You’ll need to show where you’ll be staying during your time in Portugal. This could be hotel reservations, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host if you’re staying with friends or family.
6. Travel insurance: This is insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other unforeseen circumstances that may occur while you’re traveling. It’s important to have travel insurance when visiting Portugal, as it provides financial protection in case of emergencies.
7. Proof of financial means: You’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Portugal. This could be bank statements, proof of employment, sponsorship letters, or any other documents that demonstrate your financial stability.
Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the visit: Depending on why you’re visiting Portugal, you may need to provide additional documents. For example, if you’re visiting for business, you may need to provide a letter of invitation from a business partner or proof of conference registration. If you’re visiting for study, you may need to provide proof of enrollment in a Portuguese educational institution. It’s essential to check the specific requirements for your type of visit and provide any additional documents requested.
How to Apply for a Portugal Visa from UAE?
Step 1: Determine the type of visa required
Depending on the purpose and duration of your stay, choose between a short-stay or long-stay visa.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Collect all necessary documents as per the visa requirements, ensuring they meet the specified criteria.
Step 3: Schedule an appointment
Book an appointment at the nearest Portuguese consulate or visa application centre in the UAE.
Step 4: Attend the appointment
Submit your application along with the required documents, biometric data, and visa fees at the designated center.
Step 5: Await processing
Wait for the processing of your visa application, which typically takes a few weeks.
Step 6: Collect your visa
Once approved, collect your visa from the consulate or application center.
How Visa Guy can help you in getting a Portugal Visa
Visa Guy provides expert guidance and assistance throughout the visa application process. From document preparation to appointment scheduling and follow-up, Visa Guy ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on planning your trip to Portugal.
Whether you’re dreaming of exploring Lisbon’s charming streets, indulging in Porto’s famous port wine, or soaking up the sun on the Algarve coast, The Visa Guy will be your trusted partner in obtaining your Portuguese Schengen Visa from the UAE.
